Thou Art God

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: Psalm 90:1, 2 kjv)  Lord Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,

Even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.

O - OBSERVATION: I love to visit this verse when we begin a new year, because it reminds us of the eternal unchanging significance of Almighty God. He is NOT here and gone tomorrow, He does not change His Word, His thoughts or His divine power and glory! He is our forever rock in a storm, with always the same everlasting love and provision for His children, (you and I).

A - APPLICATION: So what does this mean for us? It means God and His Living Word is our most stable fortress! It means whatever befalls us, whatever happens in our world and country,
God has us secure in the palm of His hand. In Psalm 91:12 He says He will give His angels charge over us to lift us up so that we will not trip over a stone. What an awesome everlasting
God we have! And than He gave His only begotten Son to die for our sins that we who sin, might inherit eternal life with Him!! 2Corinthians 5:21.  From everlasting to everlasting, He is indeed God!!! Let’s forever praise His Holy Name!!!

P - PRAYER: Almighty, everlasting God, we pray that many would know how everlasting and eternal You are. That the world would know about Jesus, and that He came that all might
be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. We pray that many more might  know You are God before the day of judgement.  All things we pray according to Your will and
In Jesus Name, Amen

Be on Guard - Know God's Word!!!

Event: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 29a, 30  I know that after my departure .. from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
 

O – Observation
Fierce attacks from the inside. Yesterday, the prior verse talked about attacks from the outside, today this verse is about attacks from the inside. Divide and conquer is a classic strategy. It’s a strategy that Satan loves to use. The word of God can be twisted, perverted to be anything but the intention of God. Whether it is pure legalism or having the words fit their needs of what people want to hear. It is important for us to know what the truth is so that we can discern the attacks of our faith from within. 2 Thessalonians 5 v. 21-22, "But test everything; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil." Its right and fair for us to make sure that what we hear is based upon God's word.
 
A - Application
Am I able to test and discern the attacks from the inside?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to stay focused and pure for you.  Love Will.

Photo by Chris Sabor on Unsplash
 

Be on guard from the wolfs!!!

Event: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 29  I know that after my departure fierce wolfs will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
 

O – Observation
Fierce attacks from the outside. Paul was stating the facts. His insight back then is true today as well. The church, will be attacked. We need to NEVER forget that there is a battle going on for our souls. The Devil has plans for you. John 10 v. 10a, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy." There's multiple ways that the attacks will come. Stealing. Struggling with you faith. Casting doubts. Providing distractions. Shifting your focus away from Jesus. Deadly. Killing. Enticing you with deadly (physical) sins. Drugs. Sexual Immorality (lots of deadly diseases out there.) Destroy. Destroying not only your own life and foundation but those around you.
 
A - Application
Do I recognize the fierce wolfs around me?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Protect me from the wolfs. Love Will.
 

Photo by Chris Ensminger on Unsplash

Invest time at your church

 Event: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the Church of God.
 
O – Observation
Maintenance. Upkeep. Keeping things clean and in working order. I like to compare my wife's car with my older kids cars . Sandi keeps her car clean and protected. The Kids, well, the inside is a closet (except Paige). Its junky. It’s not as attractive. So it is with our churches. We need to spend time on our Church proper. We need to help with its functions.  The 80/20 rule really should not apply here. You know where 20% of the people do 80% of the work. It should be 100/100. Help with ushering, teach Sunday school, fold bulletins, help mow the grounds. There's always plenty to do. For me, God has given me an amazing Church in Alive in Christ.  It would only seem appropriate to give back to the Lord by giving my time and talents to my church.
 

A - Application
Am I investing any time in the operations of my church?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to manage my time so that I can give it to the operations of my church.  Love Will.

Invest your time wisely

Event: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the Gospel.
 

O – Observation
Understanding the value of life's investment. Paul states it quite well. Our time here is short, we need to make the most of our time. After all, here today, gone tomorrow. Jesus helps us out in Matthew 6 v. 19-20a, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." I'm not sure what all the treasures are in heaven, but heaven itself is the Greatest treasure I know. And Jesus is the only way to heaven. So investing your time and life in Jesus is critical. After all, Matthew 16 v.26, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?"
 
A - Application
Do I understand the value of my life's investment?  
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be a wise investor for you.  Love Will.

Photo by Precondo CA on Unsplash
 

Do hard things!!!

Event: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 20 How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house.
 
O – Observation
No slacking. Doing hard things. Paul not only told people how to live their lives for Christ, he did what he said. He took Jesus request to each one of us very seriously. Jesus last words to us is recorded in Matthew 28 v 19-201a, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commended you." Paul did this with great zeal. Paul did this even though it as hard. We need to remember, the same Father, the same Jesus, and the same Holy Spirit is present today. We really have no excuse, to not be reaching and teaching.
 
A - Application
How am I handling the hard thing of Jesus last words to us?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to do hard things for you.  Love Will.

Photo by Jess Zoerb on Unsplash
 

Live your life in Love

Event: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 18-19a And when they came to him, he said to them: you yourselves know how I lived among you all the time from the first day I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility.
 
O – Observation
Your actions speak for you. Your actions clue people that you are different, you have a purpose. One thing I know for sure, people watch you. People observe how you handle various situations, good or bad. The thing, the action that speaks the loudest is love. 1 John 4 v. 7, "Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God." Love has changed the world. After all God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. Love is undeniable, unstoppable. Love is impressionable. Love is relationship, and relationship is what God wants with us and him.
 

A - Application
Are my actions - actions of love?  
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Let me be about love for people.   Love Will.

Photo by Michael Fenton on Unsplash
 

She Gave Birth

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn.

O - OBSERVATION: This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14; Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call His name Immanuel. This was the humble birth of the Savior of the world! Born in a stable, because there was no room in the inn, laid in a bed of hay in a manger, in such a humble way Jesus made His entry into the world. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and his first visitors were the humble beasts in the stable, how fitting, since they were created to serve man and Jesus came not only to serve, but to rescue us from the power of the evil one.

A - APPLICATION: I’ve read, recited, and listened to this verse being read every year I can remember. This time, what touched me was “he was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manager”. In Luke 23:53, Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. This last verse is about the burial of Jesus after His suffering and death on the Cross, a sad thought for this joyous day, but not really, because we know He rose again on the third day to proclaim His Victory over sin death and the power of the devil. This was the mission of Jesus, to win for us a battle we could not, so we, fallen mankind, who were actually created in the image of our Heavenly Father could again join with Him in eternity and in His mission here on earth. In Galatians 4:4,5 we are now by faith the adopted sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father! Through His

Son, God has restored us into a relationship with Him. I pray a Blessed and Christ filled Christmas to each one of you!

P - Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to our rescue thank You for the real meaning and purpose of this Season, help us to be ever ready for His Second Coming. In Jesus Name, Amen

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Reflect on God's Servanthood

S - Scripture     

Matthew 1 v.  21 She will bear a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
 
O - Observation              
Sure is an interesting way for God to come into the World, the 'ol birth cannel. Every kid I've seen born (3 of them) it was a messy affair. Not very glamorous. Yet God, humbled himself to come to us as you and I did. No big parading of Dignitaries or Displays of Power and Wealth. No. Just a humble beginning. Its only appropriate that he entered our World this way, he modeled being a servant while.being a King. Even in His coming to earth.  
 
A - Application            
Have I really just thought about what God did to be born a Human, just like me, for me?    
 
P - Prayer  
Jesus,  Thanks for humbling yourself for my sake.  Love Will.

Photo by Minnie Zhou on Unsplash
 

Spend time developing relationships

Event: Eutychus Raised from the Dead at Troas
S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken break and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed.

O – Observation
Taking the time do develop the relationships. This verse points out to me how willing Paul was to foster relationships. He could of bolted after eating, but he stayed all night . Investment. Time. For me, I sometimes wonder if I'm too shallow and don't' spend the time required to develop strong relationships. My mind wanders, my ADD kicks in. But, the reality of the matter is, I need to, we need to spend time listening and talking with each other. We need to have experiences together that bind us, encourage us. Hebrews 10 . 24-25a, "and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together." Spending time with people, sharing your faith, encouraging each other builds unity. Brings a smile to God.
 
A - Application
Am I spending the time to develop relationships?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to manage my time so that I can properly invest it on relationships.  Love Will.
 

We need to have a training program

Event: Eutychus Raised from the Dead at Troas
S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 9 And a young man named Eutychus was sitting in a window. He sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer; and being overcome by sleep, he feel down from the third story and was taken up for dead.
 

O – Observation
The spirit is willing by the body is weak. Sadly, I can relate to this guy. Sometimes I have a hard time keeping my eyes open. (Sorry Tim!!!) I want to hear, but I'm comfortable and tired from staying up too late the night before. Jesus recognizes our human limitation. He recognizes that our bodies are ravaged by sin and thus are weaken. We need to become stronger. God gives us this wisdom in 1 Timothy 4 v. 7b-8, "train yourself in godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way as it hold promise for the present life and for the life to come."
A - Application
What is my training program?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be strong in you and in my body!!   Love Will.

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It's important to be a part of a group of belivers

Event: Eutychus Raised from the Dead at Troas

S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and he prolonged his speech until midnight.
 
O – Observation
Sometimes you got a lot to say. Sometimes the Spirit will guide you, inspire you to do more than share the good news, but also to teach how to live the good news. 2 Timothy 3 v. 16, “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.” Instruction in Godly wisdom is tie well spent. It’s good to hear the instruction in groups. I always send pairs or teams to training at work. Why, because it allow them to discuss what was shared and how it can be applied in their own situation. They serve as an accountability, support group for each other. That’s why it’s so important to go to church. Hear instruction. Discuss instruction. Support each other.
 
A - Application
Am I getting biblical instruction in a group setting?  
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Bless my teachers and my fellow classmates.  Love Will.

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
 

Encourage People

Life Lesson: Encourage people
Event: Paul travels through Macedonia and Greece
S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 2 When he had gone through these parts and had gave them much encouragement, he came to Greece.
 

O - Observation
Encouragement. I resound with this. I know that I myself am an encourager. Encouragement is very vital. Webster defines encourage as, "giving support, approval for confidence." Encouragement makes other people stronger. Encouragement unites people together. Encouragement reminds us about the goals we have, the future we aspire to. Philippians 4 v. 4-5, "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. LET ALL MEN know your forbearance." Knowing that Jesus has won the battle for us is tremendously encouraging. Knowing that God loves and forgives you is VERY encouraging. Lamentation 3 v. 22, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end."
 
A - Application
What am I encouraging people with?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to use your words to encourage!!!   Love Will.

Photo by Ioann-Mark Kuznietsov on Unsplash
 

Place your faith on Jesus!!!

Event: The Riot in Ephesus

S – Scripture
Acts 19 v. 35, And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, "Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of Ephesians is the temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky?"
 

O - Observation
Faith in nothing. The sacred stone from the sky. Reminds me of those old Planet of the Apes movies where they were worshiping the sacred Atomic bomb. Jesus said it quite well as he hung from the cross. Luke 23 v 34, "And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."" Ignorance is bliss - NOT!!! Ignorance can be deadly. Faith in things not from above, not from God the Father, not from Jesus Christ, not from the Holy Spirit is NOTHING. Matthew 24 v. 35, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Now that is faith in something!!!
 
A - Application
What am I basing my life, my faith on?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, You are the words of eternal life.  Love Will.

Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
 

Wait Upon the Lord

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

O- OBSERVATION: I love this verse and all the more as the years fly by, but I wanted to think about it in the context of waiting for the coming of Jesus. You see, we can’t speed it up, we can only be patient and prepared, and in the waiting we are strengthened by regularly reading the Word and by prayer.

In fact, we only grow weary and faint of heart when the Word is removed from our routine. Waiting upon the Lord is surrendering to Him and trusting in Him alone, our own strength is of no consequence.

A - APPLICATION: At this time of the year we are anticipating the celebration of the first coming of Jesus, being born of a virgin in a manger in Bethlehem; the beloved Christmas Story in Luke chapter 2. But we never want to forget while all of that is going on, each day draws us closer to the Second coming of Christ. So, while we wait to celebrate the Birthday of Jesus, we are also waiting for Him to come again. Again, their is joy and anticipation in the waiting for those who have put their faith in Jesus and in His birth His suffering in our stead, His death in our place, and His Resurrection which assures our own eternity in heaven, Romans 6:5. Even if illness, age, lack of work, whatever the challenge afflict us, we can still be strong in faith waiting for the Lord to come again or to come for us whichever comes first. Being strong in faith is what keeps
us from growing weary or fainting at the first difficulty. Our hope is in the Lord and Him alone, and absolutely nothing else. Faith in Jesus alone is our only source of meaningful strength! May waiting for Him be your source of strength and consolation!

P - PRAYER: Gracious Father, I pray that all who read this might know You as their source of strength. I pray that in the waiting we grow stronger and more dependent on You and less caught up in ourselves. I pray his in the Name of Jesus, Amen

Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash

Be Clear for Christ!!!

Event: The Riot in Ephesus
S – Scripture
Acts 19 v. 29 So the city was filled with confusion; and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel.
 

O - Observation
Today’s verse has people being filled with confusion being perpetuated in public. Boy, I see that a lot today. The media of today provides all sort of confusion about Christianity. They portray Christians as out dated even though what Jesus did is applicable today. Hebrews 13 v. 8, "Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday and today and forever." They portray Christians as Kill-Joys, fuddy duddys. John 15 v. 11, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."  We are intently Joyful because we know the facts of eternal life. Don't be confused by the world's message about Christianity, instead refute it!!!
 
A - Application Am I refuting, clarifying the confusion of Christianity in the world?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be clear for you.  Love Will.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
 

Christianity has a personal fianance impact!!!

Event: The Riot in Ephesus
S– Scripture
Acts 19 v. 27a-28 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great Artemis may count for nothing.... When they heard this they were enraged and cried out, "Great is Artemis of Ephesians!"
 

O - Observation
Freakonomics - Part 2. Yesterday we looked at God's Freakonomics from a macro view, today it’s from a micro view. The silversmiths were getting ready to lose money. So they incited the crowds , the people, because they were believing God and were not buying idols anymore. It's now personal. It’s what we do with our time and money. 2 Corinthians 9 v. 7b-8, "For God loves a Cheerful giver. " And in Malachi 3 v. 10,  "Bring forth the full tithes in to the storehouse, that there may be food in my house; and thereby put me to the test, says the Lords of Host, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing." Being a follower of Christ will compel you to rethink how you spend your money, give of your time.
 
A - Application
On a personal level, where am I spending my money, my time?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to spend my talent, time and treasure for you.  Love Will.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
 

Christianity has an Economic Impact!!!

Event: The Riot in Ephesus

S – Scripture
Acts 19 v. 24-25 For a man named Demetrius, a silver smith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. These he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation and said, 'Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth.'
 
O - Observation
Freakonomics. This is the first recorded case of freakonomics. Freakonomics is a book that a couple economist wrote, very popular, that looked at how events in culture impact economics. Well, the impact of sharing the gospel in Asia, was eliminating the need for idols. And the idol makers were not happy. Not because people were ditching their false Gods for the true God, but because they were losing business. Becoming a follower of Christ will change what you spend your money on.
 
A - Application
Have I considered the impact of Jesus on my economy?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be a part of your economy.  Love Will.

Photo by Andre Taissin on Unsplash
 

We will be at conflict with the world

Event: The Riot in Ephesus

S – Scripture
Acts 19 v. 23 About this time there arose no little stir concerning the Way.
 
O - Observation
Conflict with the world. Being a follower of Christ, living out his word, sharing his word and teaching other will cause conflict. It’s true today, it was true back then. Jesus knew this when he said in Matthew 10 v.22, “And you will be hated by all for my names sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Why does the world hate Christians? It goes to the source. It’s not just the people that hate Christians. Remember this, Ephesians 6 v. 12, “For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Sometime I think, we lose track of what’s at stake - Our souls for eternity.
 
A - Application
Am I experiencing conflict in the world due to my faith?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be faithful to the end.  Love Will.
 

Photo by jean wimmerlin on Unsplash

Follow up your confession with actions

 Event: Paul’s encounter with people practicing the Occult in Ephesus

S – Scripture
Acts 19 v. 19 And a number of those who practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; and they counted the value of them and it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.
 
O - Observation
Confession without action is just empty words. In yesterday’s verse, the people confessed that they were sinning against the Lord by doing occult things. But now, following up with their words is deeds, action. They got rid of it. Burned it. Worth lots of money. James 2 v. 17, “So faith by itself if it has no works is dead.” We could reword this to say, “So confession by itself, if it has no actions, (changed behavior), is worthless.”  It’s all about heart work. It’s all about what is important to you. Matthew 6 v. 21, “For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.”
 
A - Application
Am I following up my confessions with actions?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Don’t let me have empty words.  Love Will.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Don't forget the Power of Confession

Event: Paul’s encounter with people practicing the Occult in Ephesus
S - Scripture
Acts 19 v. 17b-19 And fear fell upon them all; and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Many also of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.
 

O – Observation
Confession. Recognizing what is wrong and then stating that you were wrong. Confession involves more than just you. Confession involves a conversation between you and God. Confession can involve other people.  Confession of your sins is the recognition and fear of the Lord. Confession helps you to recognize your place. A sinner that is in desperate need of a Savior. Confession in front of another person takes courage. But, we all have to realize, that sin (our sin) although we think is terrible and unique, is common to all men. That is the Great lie of Satan. Shame. Fear. But, remember this: 1 John 4 v. 18b, “Perfect love cast out fear.” We have access to this perfect Love in Jesus.
 
A - Application
Have I confessed my sins to God and other people?     
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Thank you for being Perfect Love. Help me to confess my sins.  Love Will

Photo by Shalone Cason on Unsplash
 

Light of the World

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

O - OBSERVATION: This happens immediately after Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, “neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more!” Jesus has so much to give us; He gives us forgiveness, life and salvation, and that is actually another way of saying “the light of the world.” The prince of darkness and sin is the devil, but Jesus is the answer to overcome the devil and his evil schemes. John 1:4,5 In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Jesus has defeated Satan and the “Light of the World” shall always reign supreme!

A - APPLICATION: What a great comfort and inspiration that is for all of us! This world can be a dark and lonely place but with Jesus the darkness always loses. I’m reminded of the old Hymn: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of this world will go strangely dim, in the Light of His Glory and Grace!” So very beautiful and so very true! When your world grows a little dim and dark, remember, by His very own definition, Jesus is the Light of the World!! That should always bring comfort and the peace that passes all understanding!

P - PRAYER: Gracious Father, thank You for sending Your only Son, “The Light of the World” to overpower the darkness and consequences of sin. Thank You for this beautiful Season when we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus!  In His Name we pray, Amen

Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash

We need to KNOW who Jesus is

 Event: Paul’s encounter with people practicing the Occult in Ephesus
S - Scripture
Acts 19 v. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”  
 

O – Observation
Just knowing who Jesus is will not be enough. After all, Satan knows who Jesus is. The Jewish exorcists found this out. Acts 19 v. 15-16a, “But the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?’ And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaded on them, mastered all of them and over powered them so that they fled the house naked and wounded.” Jesus knew this would be the case,. He know that he wants more than name recognition, Matthew 15 v.8, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts is far from me.”  No. Knowing who Jesus is not enough. We need to give him our hearts.
 
A - Application
Do I know who Jesus is, or do I KNOW Jesus?    
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to know you with all my heart.  Love Will

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Cause Ripples!!!

Event: Paul in Ephesus

S - Scripture
Acts 19 v. 11-12 And God did extraordinary miracles by the hand of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
 
O – Observation
Ancillary impact. Second hand impact. That's what was happening in these verses. God was using Paul in all ways. Primarily as a spokesman for him. Secondary, even his clothes has the power of Christ. Which makes me think, that we too can have a ripple effect with those around us, both the ones we know and the ones we don't know. Perhaps more than likely, not healing garments, but conversations that occur between people that discuss what you might of shared with them. Sharing the Great News of Jesus death and resurrection not only impacts these hearing it, but also the people that they talk to. Its highly likely that what you share will impact people you don't even know. Now that is cool. That  is God's power!!!
 
A - Application
Am I causing ripples?   
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Let my conversations about you travel to many circles.  Love Will

 Photo by Biel Morro on Unsplash

Pray for Discernment!

Event: Paul in Ephesus
S - Scripture
Acts 19 v. 9  But when some were stubborn and disbelieved, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them, taking the disciples with him, and argued daily in the hall of Tyrannus.
 

O – Observation
Cut your losses. Planting on cement. This verse is interesting to me in that, at some point, Paul determined, was lead, to move on. He was trying to plant the seeds of faith on cement and it’s not gonna happen. Reminds me of the time when Jesus sent Seventy folks out into the towns ahead of him (Luke 10). He said this when they came to towns that did not want to hear the good news, Luke 10 v. 10 -11a, "But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that clings to your feet, we wipe off against you.'"
 
A - Application
Do I have the discernment on when to move on?  
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Make it clear to me when it is time to move on.  Love Will

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
 

Be consistent in hearing God's word!!!

Event: Paul in Ephesus

S - Scripture
Acts 19 v. 8  And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and pleading about the kingdom of God.

O – Observation
Consistency. Repeated. That's what Paul did for 3 months. It brings home the point that sharing the Good News needs to be more than a one and done approach. I love going to Winterjam and /or Dare2Share. Great Christian music (Yes - Skillet's great!!!!) and an important message, but what happens the week after? We need to hear the amazing glorious news of Jesus sacrifice for us again and again. Why? Romans 10 v. 17m "So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ. " Thus the importance of regularly attending church and or gong to small groups to study God's word.
 
A - Application
Am I exposing myself to consistency of hearing the word?  
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Make me consistent. Love Will.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash