Keep sharing the Good news – regardless of the reactions

Event: Paul in Corinth 

S - Scripture
Acts 18 v. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the gentiles."

O – Observation
The results of sowing seeds on a pathway. Paul was preaching and teaching to the Jewish people of Corinth. They simply could not, would not accept what he was saying. It’s a lot like trying to plant seeds on a pathway or sidewalk. It's not gonna happen. Jesus provides this insight with the parable of the sower. Matthew 13 v. 3b-4, 10 , "A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them... When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path." We need to sow, share our faith, but we can’t get discouraged by the people that reject the faith, instead we need to keep sowing, keep sharing, but as the sower and Paul, move on to other potentially more fertile ground.

A - Application
How am I responding to the seeds on the pathway?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to sow in fertile ground. Love Will

Photo by Joshua Lanzarini on Unsplash

Experience the Mixed reaction!!!

Event: Paul and Silas in Athens

S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but other said, "We will hear you again about this."

O – Observation
Mixed reaction. That's what happened to Paul as he completed his sermon to the folks in Athens. Ridicule to curiosity to belief. Acts 17 v. 34, "But some men joined him and believed." I think that is going to be representative of any one that shares the Good News of Christ. You will get a mixed bag. Some of it not so pleasant- ridicule. But this much is true, the benefits FAR OUT WEIGH the negatives. Would you be willing to be made fun of if you could play a part in saving a person's eternal life? Or let me put it this way, wouldn't you want someone to be ridiculed if they would be part of saving your eternal life? So experience the mixed reaction. Someone will thank you!!!

A - Application
Am I experiencing/causing mixed reactions?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to share your good news in spite of any mixed reactions. Love Will

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Don't forget the Endgame!!!

Event: Paul in Athens 

S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 30-31 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all men everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance of all men by raising him from the dead.

O – Observation
The end game. This verse talks about the endgame. Some key phrases: A fixed day (no one knows the hour), He will Judge (He's coming back, but with a different focus), All men, (that's everybody - no exclusions), Repent (recognizing your sin and turn away from it), and finally - assurance (God is faithful to his promises and has proven he has conquered death.) There you go. It's NOT a game, it’s not some silly stories or myths, but his is reality. This is the end game. Everyone's eternal life hangs in the balance. Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance can be eternally deadly. We must educate every one of the facts.

A - Application
Who do I know is ignorant to the facts? What am i doing about it?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to inform, teach the ignorant. Love Will

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

Watchful and Thankful

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE- Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

O - OBSERVATION: Paul wrote these words to the Christians in the town of Colossians. I believe Paul may have again been in prison while writing and as usual trying to encourage and strengthen the new followers of Christ. At this time of year when we are preparing for the 
celebration of the birth of Jesus, it takes on a special meaning, but more importantly we need to be alert and ready for Jesus to come again in Glory.

A 0 APPLICATION: Why are we to be watchful and thankful? We need to be watchful always as 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, “because our adversary the devil is walking about seeking whom he may devour.” He is just waiting for us to be complacent and comfortable, so stay alert. Secondly be thankful always 1 Thessalonians 5:18; “give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus our Lord. What’s the deal about being thankful? It reminds us that every good thing comes from God  and we need to perpetually give Him all the thanks and the Glory. When we are in a state of thankfulness to God, we are much more immune to the wiles of the evil one. Dwelling on the goodness of God is a safe place to be!

P - PRAYER: Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Spirit and lead us to always be watchful and thankful, help us to count our blessings from You as we wait for Jesus to come!
In Jesus Name, Amen

Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash

We need the visual reminder of the cross

Event: Paul in Athens 

S - Scripture 

Acts 17 v. 29 Being God’s offspring we ought not to think that the Deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, a representation by the art and imagination of man.

O – Observation
The symbols of Christianity. This verse makes me think of how Christians “display” their God compared to other religions, especially the Eastern religions. All sorts of Buddha statues, Gods with lots of arms and hands. All captured by the imagination of man. What does Christians display? The tool of death and torture, the cross. Sometimes the cross has Jesus on it, but most crosses, that I see, (and I like) have an empty cross. Empty because words and pictures and art can’t possibly represent what Jesus has done for us. Just how much God loves us. Empty to remind me that I deserve that sort of punishment. Empty , because the price has been paid. Now that is powerful!!!

A - Application
Do I have a visible reminder of the cross in the places that I live?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Thank you for the empty cross. Love Will

Always have a proper perspective for God

Event: Paul in Athens 

 
S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 24-25 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in Shrines made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all men life and breath and everything.

O – Observation
Uncontainable. Unimaginable. Paul laid out to the people in Athens, and to us, the reality of God. Since our human brains can only comprehend so much, we tend to think in things that we understand. But that is NOT the reality of God. The first part of this verse places God in proper perspective, creator of heaven and earth. Psalm 24 v. 1, "The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein." When we recognize this fact, that opens the door to recognize his unimaginable love for us. Romans 5 v. 8, "But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."

A - Application
Do I have a proper perspective on God?

P - Prayer
Jesus, You truly are indescribable, unimaginable. Love Will

Photo by Anika Huizinga on Unsplash

Praise the Lord!!!

S - Scripture
Psalm 150 v. 6 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

O - Observation
Praising the Lord. Everything. More than just you and I. The animals, praise the Lord. So many species, so many different families, birds that fly. Built differently than horses and oxen which were build to work. Fishes in the sea, completely different than everything else. All unique-  all point out just how creative and amazing our God is. Humans are no different. There are those that are built for athletics - Sing thy praise. There are those that are wired for music - Sing thy praise. Still, others have been given optimal brains to think and develop - Sing thy praise. Every breath that we take is a gift. We need to be thankful for this gift.

A - Application
Am I praising the Lord?

P - Prayer
Jesus, You are Awesome!!  Love Will

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

 

We can provide clarity for Life's big Questions!!!

Event: Paul in Athens

S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 22b-23 Paul said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship. I found also an alter with this inscription, "To an unknown God." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

O – Observation
Clarity. There were so many options in Athens, it left the people confused. They knew in their hearts that something had to be responsible for everything, but were not quite sure. So they covered all their basis, including to the "unknown God." Paul will provide clarity in the following verses. As I think about it, today were really not much different. Some of the gods may have changed, but the common question remains - Why am I here? What is my purpose? We need to provide clarity to those questions. We are here because, 1) God made us 2) which makes us special 3) because we are God's family (sons and daughters) 4) which means we are in Relationship with God.

A - Application
Am I clear? Can I provide clarity to others?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Make it crystal clear why I am here. Love Will

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Use the Facts to educate the World

Event: Paul in Athens 

 
S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.

O – Observation
Wow. I’ve heard this before! Today's culture is all about discover, living lives to tell about new things. Nano technology. DNA mapping. X-games (it’s not good enough we can ski downhill at breakneck speeds, nope we got to now race together at the same time and throw jumps in it as well), ect. Just like in Athens, as it is today, the thirst for something new pushes away the thirst for Christ. People perceive themselves to be so much smarter, stronger, independent. But the message of Jesus crucified is confusing to the intellectuals. 1 Corinthians 1 v. 22-23, "For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to the Gentiles."

A - Application
Perhaps it’s time to reintroduce Christ Crucified into our culture.

P - Prayer
Jesus, Let me use the facts to educate the world. Love Will

Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash

Never be complacent on the 1st Commandment

Event: Paul in Athens
S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.

O – Observation

Complacent. Slow fade. Dulling of the senses. That what has happened in Athens. The first commandment had been watered down. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Paul couldn't stand that this city completely violated the first commandment, and worse, the leaders as shown in the next verse were complacent. Acts 17, v. 17a, "So he argued in the synagogue with the Jews and devote persons." What's there to argue? It’s in black and white. These people knew the commandments, but coexisted. World view that is prevalent today, was prevalent back in Athens. But coexist is not a command from God. Yes he wants us to love one another, to live besides each other in harmony, but he is VERY clear, he wants everyone to realize that there is only ONE TRUE GOD. There is NO coexistence of Gods.

A - Application
How complacent am I on the first commandment?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be like Paul and have a zeal for you. Love Will

Photo by ray rui on Unsplash

Thanksgiving

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

 

S - SCRIPTURE : Psalm 95:2 Let us come before His presence with THANKSGIVING and make a joyful noise unto Him with Psalms.

O - OBSERVATION: I have always felt that kind of atmosphere is essential to worshiping in Spirit and in Truth as Jesus noted in John 4:23. A thankful heart is necessary for true worship,  that’s why Scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that “ we should give thanks in all circumstances.” That can be difficult during some of the trials this world challenges us with, and yet, these are
words inspired by God. Making a joyful noise unto Him with Psalms and songs of praise and thanksgiving is another mark of true worship. Scripture says God loves a cheerful giver, but I’m also certain He delights in a sincere yet cheerful worshiper, because worship is our way of giving back to God during a Worship Service. He gives us His Word and Sacrament, we respond with 
prayer and singing songs of praise and adoration to our gracious God.

A - APPLICATION: How do you and I worship, I hope not grudgingly, “Oh no tomorrow I have to go to church again”, but rather, “tomorrow I get to go to church and sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to our gracious God who has given me the freedom and health to worship Him with all I am and have.” What a glorious opportunity to see my friends, have God’s Spirit work in my heart through the truth of His Holy Word, and  give THANKSGIVING to Him with songs of praise and THANKSGIVING! And maybe  even my being there might even give me a chance to pray for and encourage a friend or stranger who needs it. Online worship is a wonderful option for some, but nothing will ever replace the assembly of believers! Hebrews 10:25.

P - PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help us always to come before You with praise and THANKSGIVING for all you’ve done for us through Jesus Your Son, It’s in His Name we pray, Amen

Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash

Accept Life's Relocations!!!

Event: Paul and Silas in Berea 

S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 14-15a Then the brethren immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens.

O – Observation
Relocation. Transfer. Change. Sometimes we get relocated whether we have a choice or not. Job might take you to a new city. Job might move you to a different place. The activities your kids do or yourself might take you to a new circle of people. It’s all change. It’s all about being able to adopt. Most of the time its taking you out of your comfort zone. Have you ever thought that perhaps God is moving you, placing you in these new locations? Perhaps you will be introduced to someone that needs to hear the good news. Perhaps you will be placed by someone that will strengthen your faith. Accept the relocation's with the trust of a loving God that is in control.

A - Application
Have I been relocated recently? Am I taking advantage of it?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Give me peace to accept where you place me. Love Will

Photo by Michal Balog on Unsplash

Examine the Scriptures - Daily!!!

Event: Paul and Silas in Berea 

S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 11-12a Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see of these things were so. Many of them therefor believed.

O – Observation
Faith is NOT a stretch. Faith is based upon facts. Faith is very logical because it is based upon the truth. I love the cause and effect of these verses. Examine - Believe. This is what separates Christianity from all other religions. It is based on fact. John 17 v. 17, "Sanctify them in the truth, thy word is truth." The Jews from Thessalonica took the challenge. They examined, studied, discussed, and dug into the scriptures to see if the claim of Jesus as their Lord and Savior was true. Daily. That has to be the encouragement for us. Dive in. Daily Routinely. Challenge. It can't be refuted if you base your faith decisions on facts!

A - Application
Am I examining the scriptures on a daily basis?

P - Prayer
Jesus, You are the truth. Love Will

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

Be a rebel - With a Cause!!!

Event: Paul and Silas at Jason’s house in Thessalonica 

S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 7 And Jason has received them and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another King, Jesus.

O – Observation
Rebels with a cause. For those that struggle with authority, for those that question "the man" and his rules, laws and thoughts, I present to you - Christianity. Being a follower of Christ will mean conflict with the rules. There are countries where being a Christian is punishable by prison or worse. The culture of America where there is no absolute truths, where being a Christian and standing up and standing firm on the facts will label you as a right winger, a "basher" out of touch society person. I love it. I'm inherently wired to go against the grain, being a Christian fits in with my M.O. After all, questioning "the man" is one thing, but trusting in "The God , the one and only TRUE God" is another.”

A - Application
Am I rebel with a cause?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to stand up for you regardless of "mans" rules. Love Will

Be a world changer!!!

Event: Paul and Silas at Jason’s house in Thessalonica 

S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brethren before the city authorities, crying, "these men who have turned the world upside down have come here also."

O – Observation
World changer. I love the quote, "Who have turned the world upside down." What a Great honor for Jason and the brethren, being a tool used by God to change the world. These guys were Spirit led. The cool thing is, the EXACT same Spirit that was present, leading them is here today. We have access to the same Holy Spirit, we have the ability to be world changers, if we let God lead us. God can use each one of us to impact, change someone’s world. Switching a person’s focus from today to the eternal is a world changing experience. Experiencing the love of Jesus is a world changer.

A - Application
Am I being used by God to be a World Changer?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can be a World Changer for you. Love Will

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Contentment is a weapon against Jealousy

Event: Paul and Silas at Jason’s house in Thessalonica

S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked fellows of the rubble, they gathered a crowd, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the people.

O – Observation
Jealousy. So dangerous, so misguided. In this case, the Jews were jealous because as stated in the previous verse, the message of Christ resulted in "some" Jewish people being converted along with a "Great many" of devote Greeks and a "few" of the leading woman. They were not upset because of the message, but because they were losing influence, losing power. Jealousy is a human condition. Jealousy is fueled by our sinful desire. 1 Corinthians 3 v. 3, should help put perspective for us. "For you are still of the flesh, for while there is Jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving like ordinary men?"

A - Application
How am I handling jealousy?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be content. Love Will

Photo by Tolga Ulkan on Unsplash

Study the facts around Christanity

Event: Paul and Silas in Thessalonica 

S - Scripture
Acts 17 v. 2-3 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and for three weeks he argued with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."

O – Observation
The Facts. Our faith is built on Facts. It’s not based upon some whimsical idea. It’s not based upon some feel good idea. No, Our faith has actual factual backing. I recommend that everyone read the book, "I don't have enough faith to be an Atheist." by Norman L. Gisler and Frank Terreck. It’s a great breakdown, fact by fact, step by step, proving that Christianity is true. Paul would of been all over this book. Our faith is not in that there is a God. For we know that to be true. But, instead that Jesus death and resurrection allows us to get into Heaven. Hebrews 11 v. 1, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

A - Application
Have I studied the facts surrounding Christianity?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to understand and present the facts of Christianity. Love Will

Photo by Agence Olloweb on Unsplash

The Whole Tithe

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

O - OBSERVATION: In the previous verse 9, the Lord says the whole nation is under a curse, because the people have been robbing Him, they have been withholding their full tithes. Interestingly, I just finished reading a story about the seriousness of long term drought in the Southwestern portions of our country. Of course “climate change” is the perceived culprit. Personally, I believe there are more demands on water in that area than ever before because of population growth; but it always makes one wonder when I read these words of Malachi 3,
if there are other reasons also. God is always in charge!

A - APPLICATION: So how do we respond to this verse? The answer is obvious, May we always be found bringing the full tithe into the Lord’s storehouse. Regarding drought, scripture says in Mathew 5:45; He maketh  the rain to fall on the just and the unjust, but from many years of farming the land I can tell you, summer rain is almost always a positive factor for a good crop, but sometimes the Lord can and does bless even when rain is scarce. He never ceases to amaze me! Our instructions from the Lord are to trust in Him and in faith, “bring the FULL TITHE into the storehouse.” 

P - PRAYER: Gracious Father, the lesson in this verse is really to TOTALLY trust YOU! Lord send Your Spirit into our hearts that we may always trust You in all things, rather than
ourselves. In Jesus Name, Amen

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash

There is no need for revenge!

Event: Paul and Silas in Prison 

S - Scripture
Acts 16 v. 36-37 And the Jailer reported the words to Paul saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore come out and go in peace.” But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Romans citizens and have thrown us into prison and do they now cast us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.”

O – Observation
There is no need for revenge. The things that people have done to you will be exposed. Just as Paul in this account. We need to remember that our God is a just God and our God is omnipotent and omnipresent. He sees us when we have been wronged. Romans 12 v. 19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but, leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written Revenge is mine, I will repay says the Lord.”

A - Application
How am I handling it when I am wronged?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to trust that you will Revenge my enemies for me. Love Will

Photo by Hasan Almasi on Unsplash