Don't be afraid about the reality of being a Christian

Event: Paul transferred to Caesarea  

S – Scripture
Acts 23 v. 28-29 And desiring to know the charge on which they accused him, I brought him down to their council. I found that he was accused about question of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.
 
O – Observation
The definition of persecution. The tribune of Jerusalem, Claudius Lysias, in essence defined persecution in today's verses. Persecution is undeserved punishment or death. This will be the road for those that follow Jesus. Why? Ephesians 6 v. 12 tells us, " For we are not contending with flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. " Jesus knows this. That is why he told us in Matthew 24 v. 9, " Then they will deliver you to tribulation and be put to death; and you will be hated by all nations for my names sake. " So why put yourself through this? Revelation 2 v. 10b, "Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life."
 
A - Application
Am I being faithful even when persecuted?  
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Thank you for the crown of life. Love Will.
 

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Remember we are precious cargo

Event: The Plot to Kill Paul

S – Scripture
Acts 23 v. 23-24 Then he called two of the centurions and said, "At the third hour of the night get ready two hundred soldiers with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea. Also, provide mounts for Paul to ride, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”
 
O – Observation
The convoy. Protecting precious cargo. It's interesting the size of the convoy, the troop that was taken to bring Paul to Felix. Not only did the tribune want to make sure that Paul arrived safely, so did God!!! God knows and values those that share and teach the Great News of the Gospel. He knows how valuable they are. Romans 10 v. 15, "And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!" We are precious cargo. Jesus has told us that he will NEVER leave or forsake us.
 
A - Application
Do I realize that I am precious cargo?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Thanks for being on my side.  Love Will.

Image by amyelizabethquinn from Pixabay
 

God's Word Will Not Return Empty

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 55:11 So shall my Word be that goes out from my mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

O - OBSERVATION: That is a bold statement, which can only be issued by the Lord God Almighty. No human can place such a guarantee on their word, but only God. In the preceding verse Isaiah writes as inspired by God, “as the snow and rain come down from heaven and water the earth and bring forth fruit so shall my word be.” God does not idly spread His word about, but does it with purpose and to bring forth fruit in His Kingdom! As those who sometimes help teach His word, we need to take care that we pay attention to the Holy Spirit so that we do not adulterate its meaning. We also need to throughly and prayerfully study it so that what we share is the truth, but the thought remains, God’s Word does not return to Him void, or empty. He will see to it that it accomplishes His purpose.

A - APPLICATION: Because God promises that His Word will bear fruit, we really need to concentrate on sharing that word, and be reminded that His Spirit will convict the heart and win the soul for Jesus. We are not to attempt to be the winner of a debate about whether God is real, we just share the word and match it with out actions. Bringing someone to the Lord is the Spirits work and not ours. This passage should actually encourage us in our witness, we need only share what God spoke through man (2 Peter  1:21."But Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”)

P - PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we pray Lord that all of us would take heart and realize our job is to share in Word and deed, and to know that it is Your Spirit’s task to convict. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Learn to say Yes or No

Event: The Plot to Kill Paul
S – Scripture
Acts 23 v. 12-13 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat or drink till they had killed Paul. There was more than forty who made this conspiracy.
 

O – Observation
Oaths. Swearing. Binding. Your word. This verse has always fascinated me. It’s the only time you hear specifically about the forty. But yet, after Paul gets sent to Rome, he lived there for two years. Makes me wonder what happened to those forty? Did they all die of starvation? Or, when they saw that it wasn't going to happen did they break their oath? Don't know. But this much I do know, taking Oath on emotion can be dangerous, or embarrassing. After all, Webster defines oath as, "a VERY serious promise.”  Jesus gave us this wisdom in Matthew 5 v. 34, "But I say to you, Do not swear at all either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, of by the earth, for it is his footstool. Let what you say be simply yes or no; anything more than this comes from evil."
 
A - Application
Am I swearing?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to simply say - Yes or No.  Love Will
 

Trust God's plans for your life!

Event: Paul Before the Sanhedrin

S – Scripture
Acts 23 v. 11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness at Rome."
 
O – Observation
The lord has a plan for you. This verse reflects the plan he had for Paul. There's a couple of things that stand out to me about this verse. 1) God encourages Paul to be courageous. All of his plans takes courage. Takes conviction. After all we are battling against Satan. 2 God may only reveal the next step vs. the whole plan. He does that so often, the Israelites, following the cloud where ever it goes, Paul being told to go to Rome. So don't worry if you don't know the complete picture of what God wants you to do. We need to have confidence and trust in God's complete plan. 3) His plans will be opportunities to share his story, how he has blessed you, helped you, convict you , trained you.
 
A - Application
Am I willing to follow God's plan for me even when I don't know all the details?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Where you go I'll go - I will follow.  Love Will.

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God doesn't follow the Party Lines

Event: Paul Before the Sanhedrin
S – Scripture
Acts 23 v. 6-7 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; with respect to the hope and resurrection of the dead I am on trial.” And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.
 

O – Observation
Politics. God doesn’t follow party lines. This account is really no different back then as it is today in America. Democrats. Republicans. Pharisees, Sadducees. Both claiming to be right. Both claiming to have the knowledge and blessing of the people. The problem is.. God doesn’t follow party lines. Sure a group may say they are more closely connected to God, and his facts, Pharisees, Republicans.  But the truth is, they are still missing the point. Greed and Power has nothing to do with God. Standing true to your faith, will more than likely throw you out of both parties.
 
A - Application
Will I follow God or will I follow the Politics?  
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to stand firm on the facts. Love Will.
 

Be aware of the Double Standards

Event: Paul Before the Sanhedrin
S – Scripture
Acts 23 v. 3 Then Paul said to him, "God shall strike you, you white washed wall! Are you sitting to Judge me according to the law, and yet contrariety to the law you order me to be struck?
 

O – Observation
The old double standard. Paul was calling out the High Priest in this verse. The High Priest just had him hit in the mouth for what he had to say. The double standard exists when self-pride is consuming. Self-pride puts one above the law. It creates a double standard. It never ends good. At some point, the double standard will be exposed. Jesus gave us this example in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee prayed/told God how great he was, and how he's not like the tax collector. Jesus concluded the parable with this insight found in Luke 18 v. 14b, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
 
A - Application
Sure I see double standards, but do I have my own?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, forgive me when I apply my double standards, help me to humble myself. Love Will.
 

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Dance like we've been saved!!!

Event: Paul Before the Sanhedrin
S – Scripture
Acts 22 v. 30 But on the morrow, desiring to know the real reason why the Jews accused him, he (the commander of the Roman Guards) unbound him, and commanded the chief priest and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.
 

O – Observation
That nagging feeling, that curiosity, that desire to understand why people do what they do. This basic desire in everybody is what should compel us to live our lives fully and completely for Christ. David Crowder said it best, "We're gonna dance like we've been saved." Paul was simply following thru with what Jesus said in Matthew 4 v. 1, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in Heaven." So as your live your life, dance like you’re gonna be saved and if someone asks why, don't be afraid. Just tell them the awesome news that drives you. And then ask would you like to be driven by Jesus?
 
A - Application
Am I dancing like I've been saved?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to let my light shine for your glory.  Love Will.
 

Photo by Patricia Palma on Unsplash

Trust God at all times - even when it seems bad

Event: Paul the Roman Citizen
S – Scripture
Acts 22 v. 24 The tribune commanded him to be brought into the barracks, and ordered him to be examined by scourging, to find out why they shouted against him.
 
O – Observation
It can't get worse, can it? This verse exemplifies out the saying, out of the frying pan and into the fire. Paul was originally bound and was being sent to prison. But now, after he talked to the Jewish people, (and they went crazy) he now is going to be examined by scourging. If you thought a bunch of lawyers quizzing you was bad, try a professional torturer!! But, what happens next is how God planned it. This event here is what ultimately sends him to Rome where he.. 1) lived there for two whole years 2) welcomed all who came to him 3) Preached the kingdom of God openly and unhindered. Paul trusted that God had a plan for him, regardless of the situation.
 

A - Application
When it seems to get worse, do I trust that God has a plan for me?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, I am trusting you. Regardless.  Love Will.
 

Guard Your Heart!

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

SCRIPTURE:  Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

OBSERVATION: In Matthew 15:19, Jesus said, "out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murders, adulteries fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies, 20a These are the things which defile a man."  Is it any wonder that Proverbs says guard the heart. You see, the heart of our human nature is sinful by nature. All our righteousness is as filthy rags it says in Isaiah 64:6 and if we strive to fulfill the law, we simply can’t do it and our guilt weighs us down, but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our dear Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57. Isaiah 1:18 Though our sins be as scarlet they shall be white as the new blown snow.

APPLICATION: But we dear friends live not under compulsion, but by the fruits of the Spirit; Galatians 5:22,23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these things there is no law. You see, when Jesus enters our heart by the power of the Spirit, we seek to follow the fruits of the Spirit, not by our own discipline, but because God is dwelling within us and helps us guard our hearts and
leads us to show forth the fruits of the Spirit. Our heart is a well spring, it spews out what we allow in it. Fill your hearts with Jesus and the fruits of His Spirit is how you will be known.

PRAYER: Almighty God, I pray the Blessing of Your Spirit on Your people, May they be well springs of the fruits of the Spirit, and May You Bless and Keep them. In Jesus Name, Amen

Photo by Mara Ket on Unsplash

Don't listen to Satan's lies!!!

Event: Paul Speaks to the Crowd

S – Scripture
Acts 22 v. 19-20a And I said, “Lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in the Way. And when the blood of Stephen, thy witness was shed, I also was standing by and approving.”
 
O – Observation
No sin is too great not to be forgiven by God. That is the great lie by Satan. Identifying, prodding, reminding, guilting us of our past sins. Making us believe that we are not worthy of being a Christian, or a child of God. But, as God points out in Saul’s/Paul’s life. That’s NOT TRUE. Saul. A person that personally, with great zeal persecuted Christians, hated Christians, was forgiven. One of God’s biggest enemies – forgiven. Changed. Being used by him to declare His awesomeness. Perhaps, we should remember this when we feel like were “NOT READY” to be for God because of our sins. God forgives us. God is ready to use us.
 
A - Application
Do I realize and believe that God has forgiven my sins, even the really bad ones?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Thank you for forgiving me, changing me.  Love Will.

Image by David Bailey from Pixabay
 

Listen to what God has to tell you

Event: Paul Speaks to the Crowd

S – Scripture
Acts 22 v. 14-15  And he said, "the God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Just One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard.”
 
O – Observation
The voice of God. Paul heard the voice of God and he told Paul that he shall be a witness. We need to listen to the voice of God. More than likely it will not be hearing an actual voice, but it will speak to you when you read his word. God will not have everyone do the same things. So don't fret if you don't feel called to be like Paul. Ephesians 4 v. 11-12, "And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelist, some pastors and teachers to equip the saint for the work for the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ."
 
A - Application
Am I listening to the voice of God? What is it telling me to do?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to hear you clearly. Point me in the direction you want me to go.  Love Will.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
 

Do something with what you know

Event: Paul Speaks to the Crowd

S – Scripture
Acts 22 v. 10 And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.'
 
O – Observation
What shall I do with the knowledge of Jesus? This is life's second most important question. Yesterday we talked about the first, "Who is Jesus?' Just like Saul did in today's verse, we need to ask Jesus what his will is for us. We do this by prayer and reading of the Bible.  Jeremiah 29 v. 13, "You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart." Sometimes it’s made abundantly clear what to do, sometimes like in Saul's case, it wasn't completely made clear at first. Go to Damascus  and then find out. But this much is true, God does have a plan for you. Jeremiah 29 v.11a, "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord."
 
A - Application
What am I doing with the knowledge of Jesus?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Show me, tell me what you want me to do.   Love Will.
 

Know the answer to Life's #1 Question

Event: Paul Speaks to the Crowd
S – Scripture
Acts 22 v. 8 And I answered, 'Who are you Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.'

O – Observation
Who is Jesus? That is life's most important question that everyone will ask at some time, even if it’s only from the heart. Jesus even asked this to his disciples and they rattled off the Old Testament prophets. Which is a response we get in the world today, he was  good man, he had good teachings, started a religion. But that still avoids the question, it’s still personal as Jesus pointed out. But then Jesus said, But who do YOU say I am? Jesus answers this question for us in John 14 v. 6, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me." This is the answer we must believe in our heart.
 
A - Application
Who do I say Jesus is?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, You are the way, the truth and the life.   Love Will.
 

Be ready to Answer the Question

Section: Paul speaks to the crowd
Event: Paul Speaks to the Crowd 

S – Scripture
Acts 22 v. 4,7 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
 
O – Observation
Jesus will be asking. It might not be why do you persecute me? After all we haven't made it our goal to kill and destroy Christianity as Saul did. But, it could be - why do you ignore me? Revelation 3 v.20, "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him and he with me." It could also be, why do you talk the way you do? Matthew 12 v. 36, "I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter." But just like Saul, God so loves us that he's willing to forgive when we sin against him. The only question of Jesus that we really need to answer is… Do you believe in him as your Savior?
 
A - Application
Will I be ready to answer the key question from God?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Yes I believe you are my Savior.  Love Will.

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay
 

Learn to speake the "language" of those around you

Event: Paul Speaks to the Crowd
S – Scripture
Acts 22 v. 1-2 Brethren and fathers hear the defense which I now make before you." And when they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew language, they were more quiet.
 
O – Observation

Speaking in a language people understand. That is the key to sharing the Gospel. It’s not about changing the truth to fit people needs. No. It’s about presenting the truth, the facts in a language people understand. Intellectually, for the intellectuals. Arkansasian for those that live in Arkansas. The key is to be able to RELATE to the folks your sharing with. And to relate to them, you have to spend time with them. Understand how they think, what’s important to them, how they communicate. Different approaches for different people.  Jude 1 v. 22-23a, "And convince some, who doubt; save some by snatching them out of the fire; on some have mercy with fear."
 

A - Application
How well do I speak in a language people understand?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be able to RELATE to ALL people.  Love Will.

Image by Biljana Jovanovic from Pixabay 
 

Why We Love?

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

SCRIPTURE: 1John 4:19 We love because He first loved us.

OBSERVATION: Love is an often used word and the frequency of it’s use and the sometimes shallowness of its use has cheapened the real meaning of God’s intention of love. God’s love was so great for us that He gave His only begotten Son to DIE for us and our sins that we might be redeemed children of the Heavenly Father. Galatians 4:4,5 We are by Jesus sacrifice, adopted children of God. God loved us so much He allowed His Son to suffer in our stead. The song; “How Great the Father’s Love for us, how vast beyond all measure; That He should give His only Son to make this wretch His Treasure”  Says it all, God’s love for us is more than we can imagine or measure!

APPLICATION: So, love is not the fulfillment of desire, or any other selfish meaning, but rather it is a selfless caring that makes others wishes and desires more important than ours. It places more importance on their happiness and well-being than on our own. In John 15:13 Jesus says:“Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for His friends.” So what about you and I, when I say I love you brother or sister, how much am I willing to sacrifice for you? Early on in my military duty, I was asked; If you are captured by the enemy, are you willing to die rather 
then divulge any information that might prove harmful to your fellow soldiers or the cause of our country? I said yes to that and I meant it. That is just a very small example of what Jesus did for us. The love Jesus is talking about is a deep sacrificial love which loves at any cost, even death.
Love is a beautiful forever commitment to whoever or whatever we pledge ourselves to, hopefully, to God first and then to those we hold dear.

PRAYER: Gracious Father, how grateful we are that “You first loved us.” Lord teach us to love with a true and pure heart, a heart that puts the well-being of others ahead of our own, a heart that can only do that through a relationship with You. Grant that to us by the power

of Your Spirit. In Jesus Name, Amen

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Ask Questions!!!

Event: Paul is Arrested
S – Scripture
Acts 21 v. 37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, ‘May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek?”
 

O – Observation
Asking the question. A question always has a point. Webster defines question as, “A sentence that asks for information.” And information is defined as, “Data, facts.” A question is always about learning. The only question is, who’s doing the learning. It’s either the person asking the question, or it a learning tool for the people being asked the question. So we need to follow Paul’s lead, even when he’s being brought to the barracks, instead of arguing, he asks a question. Paul’s always had good questions. A key question that he asked is found in Galatians 3 v.2, “Let me ask you only this: Do you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?”
 
A - Application
Am I asking questions to help spur the learning of Jesus?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to use the tool of the question.  Love Will.

Photo by Matt Walsh on Unsplash
 

Stand Firm!!!

Event: Paul is Arrested

S – Scripture
Acts 21 v. 34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another, and as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.
 
O – Observation
Not sure what to do. Prior to this verse the people of Jerusalem dragged Paul out of the temple and were in the process of beating him to death. It took the city's policemen, soldiers at the time, to stop the carnage. Even then they had to put Paul in a safe place.  But where? Jail. Barracks. People will not be sure what to do when encountering the message of Christ. Especially when emotions run high. There are divisive issues, -- abortion, gender issues, evolution. I've seen passion about these issues on both sides. What will we do? Stay firm to the instruction of God's word. But do as Ephesians 5 v. 32a, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
 
A - Application
Do you know what to do?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to stand firm and steady when confusion reigns.   Love Will.

Photo by Christopher Stites on Unsplash
 

Welcome those who"defile" the Holy Space

Event: Paul is Arrested

S – Scripture
Acts 21 v. 28 Crying out, , "Men of Israel help! This is the man who is teaching men everywhere against the people and the law and this place; moreover he also brought Greeks into the temple, and has defiled this holy place.
 
O – Observation
Defiling the Holy Space. Whose standards? Do we become hypocritical when we see people not like us, you know sinners, come to our church? Do we think that you have to achieve a standard of dress or living to be a Christian? To grace our hallways? Remember these words from Jesus. Matthew 9 v. 12-13, "But when he heard it, he said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those war are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
 
A - Application
Am I welcoming those who "defile" the Holy Space?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to see everyone as one who needs you desperately.  Love Will.
 

Photo by Miriam G on Unsplash

We are part of the New Covenant

Event: Paul’s Arrival in Jerusalem

S – Scripture
Acts 21 v. 21 And they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs.
 
O – Observation
A New Covenant. This verse is reflecting how the application of Jesus words is impacting the world. 1 Corinthians 11 v. 25a,"In the same way also the cup, after super saying, "This cup is the  NEW COVENANT in my blood." The Old Testament covenant as God gave to Moses included sacrificing, laws, events to place you closer to God. Jesus, was the ultimate sacrifice, completely pure and blameless, which created the New Covenant. Hebrews 9 v. 15a, "Therefore he is the mediator of a NEW COVENANT so that those who are called may receive the promise of an eternal inheritance. " This NEW COVENANT by faith in Jesus brings /assures you to be with God.
 
A - Application
Do I recognize the NEW COVENANT of Jesus blood?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Thank you for the NEW COVENANT. Thank you for your sacrifice.  Love Will.

Photo by Geda Žyvatkauskaitė on Unsplash 

Remember your life's history!

Event: Paul’s Arrival in Jerusalem
S – Scripture
Acts 21 v. 19-20a After greeting them, he related one by one the things God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God.
 

O – Observation
Lists. Chronicles. History. Ah.. History was one of my bad subjects in high school. (I keep repeating it.!! Ha!!) But, this verse highlights the importance of keeping track of these things. Especially the history of how God has been in your life. It you don't keep track of them you might forget them. Reminding yourselves about God's blessing to you will cause the same reaction as the people in this verse. You will glorify God. God knows the importance of history. He wrote the Bible, he directed the Passover ceremony. History can be boring if you let it. History, our history can be amazing if you let God guide your history.
 
A - Application
Have I documented my history?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to remember and reflect my history with you so that I may glorify you.  Love Will.

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Be welcoming - Be hospitable!!

Event: Paul’s Arrival in Jerusalem

S – Scripture
Acts 21 v. 17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
 
O – Observation
Joy. Hospitality. Unity. This verse reflects exactly how we need to live our lives. Receiving, loving, caring fellow believer with joy. (Even the EGR's (Extra Grace Required.) I'm sure my hyperness puts me in the EGR group - so thanks!!! Why? Because we are family. And family sticks up for each other. 1 Timothy 5 v.8, "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, especially his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." In today's verse, they received Paul and his companions. They welcomed them into their homes, their lives. We need to be welcoming. It creates security. Hospitality is an amazing blessing to those being served. Webster defines this as  "Friendly and generous treatment of guests." Sounds like a solid way to live out your Christian life.
 
A - Application
Am I being hospitable?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to ALWAYS be welcoming.  Love Will.

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
 

Work of God

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

SCRIPTURE; John 6:29  Jesus answered them; This is the work of God; That you believe 

in Him whom He has sent!

OBSERVATION: This is so fundamental to the Christian faith and our very salvation.

Jesus paid the price but by the power of the Spirit it's up to us believe what God through Jesus has done for us.

APPLICATION: So many times we are so tempted to feel like we need to earn our salvation. After all, our country was built on the "work ethic." We've been taught we need to work for what we need and want. However grace and salvation are another matter, the best explanation for this topic is found in Ephesians 2:8,9,10. We are saved by grace through faith but we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus which God has before ordained that we might walk in them. God is the author and finisher of our faith and our salvation. He gives us works to do to bring praise and glory to His Holy Name and to further His Kingdom on earth! 

PRAYER: Gracious Father, I give you thanks and praise for your plan of salvation and for Your plan for our lives. May we forever trust You and follow Your Word. In Jesus Name, Amen 

Let God's will be done

Event: Paul Journeys to Jerusalem
S – Scripture
Acts 21 v. 14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, "The will of the Lord be done."
 
O – Observation

Thy will be done. We need to recognize God's will and follow it. Paul's friends begged him not to go to Jerusalem, but in the end Paul recognized that it’s His (God's) will, so he followed it. Do you realize that we pray for this every time we say the Lord’s prayer? Matthew 6 v. 9-10, "Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed by the name. Thy Kingdom come, THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in Heaven." What is God's will for us? After all, Jeremiah 29 v 11a, "For I know the plans I have for you." His plans may not be your plans. He may want you to be in various positions in life. But this much is true regardless of where you are, the will of God is this for us. Romans 12 v. 1b, "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
 
A - Application
Am I following God's will for my life?   
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Thy will be done.    Love Will.

Image by Carabo from Pixabay 
 

Realize and understand your destiny!

Event: Paul Journeys to Jerusalem S – Scripture
Acts 21 v. 13 Then Paul answered, " What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

O – Observation
Holding fast to one's destiny. Paul did not waiver even though he knew he was going to face imprisonment and death. He could have worked to find a way out of this or try to avoid it. But instead he stood the course. Perhaps he knew what happened to Jonah when he tried to avoid doing God's plan for him. (God ultimately  got Jonah to Nineveh, just took a little sightseeing detour along the way!!) So it holds for us. We know that we will all die. We know that God puts us in various stations in life. Paul states in Philippians 4 v. 11b, "For I have learned, in whatever state I am to be content." Remember our destiny is to live forever with Jesus.
 
A - Application
Do I realize and understand my destiny?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to hold fast to my destiny in you.    Love Will.

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God's words will come true!

Event: Paul Journeys to Jerusalem 

S – Scripture
Acts 21 v. 11 And coming to us he took Paul's girdle and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, "So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this girdle and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."
 
O – Observation
Prophecy. Stating what’s going to happen. The Old Testament is chock full of Prophecies. I think of Psalm 22 v. 1a, "My God, My God why hast thou forsaken me."  22 v.7a, "All who see me mock at me." 22 v. 16b, "they have pierced my hands and feet." 22 v. 18, "They divide my garments among them, and for my raiment thy cast lots." Wow. Those words were written 100's of year before Jesus was ever nailed to a cross. Eerily, prophetically, exactly as it happened. In this verse a Prophet told Paul what was to happen to him. (It happens as stated.) The last prophecy to be fulfilled is Jesus return to Judge the living and the dead. Prophecy. It will happen.
 
A - Application
Am I aware of Jesus last prophecy? How does that impact my life?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Thanks for revealing the future so that I might be prepared.    Love Will.

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Have a plan for Life's transitions

Event: Paul Journeys to Jerusalem

S – Scripture
Acts 21 v. 5 And when our days there were ended, we departed and went on our Journey; and they all, with wives and children, brought us on our way till we were outside the city; and kneeling down on the beach we prayed and bade one another farewell.
 
O – Observation
Transition. Season. There will be several times in our lives when we move on from one station in our lives to another. College to real world. Single to married. Moving from city to city. Job to Job. This verse is all about transition. Paul leaving to head to Jerusalem. A place where he knew would be a place of conflict. A couple of things to learn from how Paul handled the transition.  1)Involve everybody, (wives and children came too) after all, there are relationships. 2) Prayer. Involve God. Have him be there with you on your next steps.
 
A - Application
How do I handle transitions?  
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Help me to make my transitions smooth.   Love Will

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash
 

Help the weak!!!

Event: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 35 In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

O – Observation
Helping the weak. It’s what we need to do. Helping the weak first and foremost recognizes that you yourself has already been blessed by God, since you are in a position to help the weak. Which means that you are able to. Thanks be to God!!! Then in typical God-o-noimcs, a person that is already blessed will be blessed even more by giving to the weak. "It is more blessed to give than receive." Helping the weak is a reflection of love. 1 John 3 v. 17-18, "But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heat against him, how does Gods love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth,"
 
A - Application
Am I helping the weak?
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Thank you for my blessings. Guide me to bless others in your name.   Love Will.

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Remember - You are God's!!!

Event: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

S – Scripture
Acts 20 v. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
 
O – Observation
Commend to God. Linked to God. Bound to God. Family of God. It does two main things. 1) Temporary - builds you up. Knowing that you are part of God's family gives one amazing confidence to face the world. Even when bad things happen. Job said it quite well when he lost everything. Job 1 vs. 21b, "The Lord gave, the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord." 2) External - Inheritance. Heaven. A place where there will be no more tears, of hunger of pain. 1 Corinthians 2 v. 9, " What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him."
 
A - Application
Do I recognized that I am "Commended to God?"  
 
P - Prayer
Jesus, Thank you for building me up and my inheritance.   Love Will.
 

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