Keep on - Keeping On!!!

Event: Paul Preaches at Rome under guard
S – Scripture
Acts 28 v. 30-31 And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered.

O – Observation
Keep on keeping on. That's really the final message, the final thought from the book of Acts. It’s interesting that the whole book is full of amazing accounts of God pouring out the Holy Spirit, men standing strong and courageous for the Lord, then it ends with the daily hum-drum sort of life experience. Which really is inspirational. We will have "mountain top" experiences, but it’s the day in - day out that is so critical. Sharing the Great news, being in a relationship with God should be like breathing. It’s what we do. It’s second nature. It’s a life style, a form of worship. It is who we are - sons and daughters of God.
 
A - Application
Am I keeping on day in and day out?  
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Let my love and devotion to you be who I am.  Love Will.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
 

Keep your senses razor sharp!!!

Event: Paul Preaches at Rome under guard
S – Scripture
Acts 28 v. 26b-27 You shall indeed hear but never understand, you shall indeed see but never perceive. For this peoples heart has gown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes thy have closed: lest they should perceive with their eyes and hear with their ear, and understand with their heart, and turn to me to heal them.
 
O – Observation
The dulling of the senses, the need to resharpen them. Sin, our flesh, the world has a way of putting us away from the word of God, from our faith. The less time you spend intentionally in God's word, the duller your senses will get. Soon, the babble of the world will pull you away, evolutionist, coexistence, the melting of truths, the desire for self. One must stay focused on God, be in his word daily, chew on it, pray about it, do it. This keeps our senses sharp.
 

A - Application
Are my senses dull or sharp?  
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to keep my senses razor sharp.  Love Will.

Photo by Hair Spies on Unsplash
 

Every Good Gift Comes from Above

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

O - OBSERVATION: Gods gifts are perfect gifts! They are wide ranging, the gift of singing, playing music, speaking the truth of God’s Holy Word, praying and even organizing all of this into a Worship Service, is manifested at church every Sunday and every midweek service. Those who do these things are using the gifts God has given them to conduct and carry out a meaningful Worship Service. There are many other ways we use the talents God has given us, for me it’s cultivate the soil God has given to produce food, it’s teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers and every worthwhile talent that it takes to build and sustain a nation. All of these are God’s perfect gifts to be used for His glory and honor.

A - APPLICATION: So often we think I did this or I did that, but in Galatians 2:20 we read: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. So when I do something good and worthwhile, it is God who enabled me to do it, rather than my own strength or wisdom, for wisdom is from God. Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

P - PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help us to remember that every good thing is a gift from You, and every good thing we do is because Christ lives in us. In Jesus Name, Amen

Image by 14995841 from Pixabay

Be Bound to the hope

Event: Paul Preaches at Rome under guard
S – Scripture
Acts 28 v. 20  For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.
 
O – Observation
Bound due to hope. That is exactly, physically, the case with Paul. Because of his faith, his hope, life eternal thru Jesus Christ, that he is bound. We to will face the same thing, although they may not be actual shackles, living for Christ vs. self, will inherently put some lifestyle shackles on you. After all, Jesus did say in Matthew 26 v. 24-25, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." The cross we bear may will be the cross of sacrifices, where you put your money, your time. Might not have that nice vacation or cool car, or big house. It may be ridicule or exclusion from groups due to your faith. But Jesus follows this verse with Matthew 16 v. 25b, "whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
 

A - Application
Am I bound due to my hope in Christ?  
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, I am willing to lose my life for your sake.  Love Will.
 

Photo by 愚木混株 cdd20 on Unsplash

Be intentional with your relationships

Event: Paul Arrives at Rome
S – Scripture
Acts 28 v. 15 And the brethren there, when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.
 

O – Observation
The importance of relationships. The importance of being intentional. That's what this verse reflects. These people came from a distance to visit Paul. A relationship where one shows sincerity in it, is willing to sacrifice for it, will encourage, energize the other person. One sided friendships don't work. Proverbs 26 v. 20a, says it quite well, "For lack of wood the fire goes out." We need to be the wood for our relationship with each other and God. If we don't "burn" for the Lord or our friends how can we expect to be close them?
 
A - Application
Am I adding fuel to the "fire" of my relationships with God and family and friends?  
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be intentional with all my relationships.    Love Will.
 

Photo by Benjamin DeYoung on Unsplash

Trust in God Regardless of the situation

Event: Paul gets Shipwreck on the way to Rome

S – Scripture
Acts 27 v. 34-35 Therefore I urge you to take some food, it will give you strength, since not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you. And when he had said this he took bread and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat.
 
O – Observation
Unwavering in the belief and trust of God's promise. Today's verse is Paul's response to the members aboard the ship to Italy. They were stuck in the middle of a horrendous storm, the ship had been battered for 14 days. Sailors were bailing off the ship. They were dumping cargo. It was pure survival mode. But, yet, Paul had been promised by an angel of God that he and the passengers would be saved. So in spite of the circumstances, Paul remained calm and trusting to the promise. There was not panic, there was no cursing to God, no why me's. Just TRUST.
 
A - Application
Am I trusting in God's promise to me regardless of my current circumstances?  
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Give me a Rock Solid Faith.    Love Will.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
 

Be a 100%ter!!!

Event: Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa

S – Scripture
Acts 26 v. 29 And Paul said, "Whether short of long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am- except for these chains.
 
O – Observation
God's will for us. Paul stated God’s will for us to King Agrippa and Festus, Its essentially to be a man or woman of God, to be a man after God's own heart. God wants us to be in a relationship with him. He wants 100% of our body, soul and mind. Romans 12 v. 1b, " Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. " But I can’t be a 100%er. I have problems, sins that get in the way.” No worries, that’s the lie of Satan. Remember, Jesus died for us so that we may become 100%ers. But every journey begins with a step, so start living your life for Jesus.
 
A - Application
Am I striving to do God's will for me?  
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be a man after your heart.   Love Will.
 

Remember: The Facts are the Facts!!!

Event: Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa

S – Scripture
Acts 26 v. 25-26 But Paul said, I am not mad, most excellent Festus but I am speaking the sober truth. For the King knew about these things, and to him I speak freely for I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner.
 
O – Observation
The plain bold facts. That the cornerstone of Paul's defense, Jesus death and resurrection was NOT done in some private, remote location. No. It was done for all to see. The whole city of Jerusalem knew that Jesus came in. They had to of known that he was crucified. They had to of known that the grave was empty. Jesus appeared to over 500 people. These are the facts whether one chooses to believe them doesn't change the fact that it is a fact.  In this case, ignorance is NOT bliss. Ignorance will be deadly. The more we study the facts, archeology, the more the facts become bold.
 
A - Application
Do you believe in the facts?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, I believe in the Facts of your life.  Love Will.
 

Seek God's help

Event: Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa
S – Scripture
Acts 26 v. 22a, 23 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great;.... that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.
 

O – Observation
We have help in our mission. Paul recognized this when he was giving his defense in front of King Agrippa. When we are about doing the mission God has commissioned us, we will have help from him. It may not be as you expect, but his is there. Proverbs 16 v.3, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." So as we go about this mission (reaching, teaching), we need to be in constant prayer with God. We need to be in his word looking for wisdom and guidance. He will be there for us.
 
A - Application
Am I seeking help from above?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me, guide me to do your mission. Love Will.

Photo by Daniil Silantev on Unsplash
 

God Will Meet All Your Needs

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

O - OBSERVATION: So often we as God’s people have a tendency to worry about tomorrow, we’re concerned about how the future will play out. We wonder if we’ll have enough food to eat, enough money coming in to pay the bills, or enough set aside for retirement. Or we may worry in our case at AIC if we’ll ever get an Associate Pastor, or another position filled but God says He will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. You see, God is the owner of all, he will insure His people have what they need. Not necessarily what they want, but what they need. His ways are better than ours, and He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.

A - APPLICATION: So in every facet of life we may have a tendency to be apprehensive about what tomorrow will bring, but this verse tells us our God has the resources, the riches to provide everything we need. How can we be sure? We can read His Word daily, we will see how He fulfilled His promise of sending Jesus to save us and make the way for our salvation. We can attend a church that speaks  the truth of God’s Word, thereby also increasing our faith as
we fellowship with fellow believers. We can pray for a full measure of the Holy Spirit to help us understand  the truths of scripture. Psalm 36:5 Your love O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. We can trust God’s faithfulness to His people!

P - PRAYER: Gracious Father, help us not to spend our time in needless worry, for it steals our joy. Rather let us faithfully trust You Lord, to provide for our needs out of Your Glorious ability to do that, and May we then give the Glory to You alone! In Jesus Name, Amen

Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash

Remember the Playbook for being a witness

Event: Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa
S – Scripture
Acts 26 v. 20 But declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance.
 

O – Observation
So much to unpack in one verse. First, Paul's approach, inner circle, then expanding outward following the instruction by Jesus in Acts 1 v.8b, "And you shall by my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." It’s a great approach, focus first on the relationships that you have right now, right here. It’s the point of biggest impact, then focus outward. Second, the message - Repent, turn and perform. Turn to God and accept Jesus as your savior then live our your faith. James 2 v. 17, "So faith by itself, if it has no works is dead."

 
A - Application
How well am I living out these verses?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to be a witness to you. Love Will.

Photo by Jeremy Dorrough on Unsplash
 

Do the three step Boogie - Open - Turn - Recieve

Event: Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa

S – Scripture
Acts 26 v. 17b-18 To whom I sent you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness into light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
 
O – Observation
Open - Turn - Receive.  It’s a summation of the steps to faith. Open your eyes. See clearly the picture. See clearly that your sins will condemn you from being with God. After all, he is holy and perfect. See the influence of the evil one in the world and in peoples (yours) lives. Turn from them. Follow the wisdom of God's word and instruction. Turn is an action verb and requires effort. Turn is intentional. Turn is a choice. Receive a place, a reward. Revelation 3 v. 21, "He who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne."
 
A - Application
Am I doing the three step boogie? Open-Turn-Receive?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help me to live and follow your three step plan.   Love Will.

Photo by Forest Simon on Unsplash
 

We need to believe in Miracles

Event: Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa
S – Scripture
Acts 26 v. 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
 
O – Observation
Miracles. God's power. Paul puts it right out there. Doesn't it make sense that the God that created the Heavens and the Earth by speaking can raise the dead? After all, creating something so amazing and complex as the universe would seem much more difficult than restoring life. (Resurrection.) Which is why, as Pastor Tim has stated many times, the first 9 chapters of Genesis is so foundational, so key. These chapters point to God as the creator, God as the only God, God as all powerful, and God as a loving God, by committing to Adam and Eve that he has a perfect plan (just like creation) to save us through his son Jesus Christ.

A - Application
Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe in resurrection?

P – Prayer
Jesus, I believe in the resurrection of the dead. Love Will.
 

Determine what you will glory in

S – Scripture
Acts 25 v. 23-24 So on the morrow Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then by command of Festus, Paul was brought in. And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.”
 
O – Observation
The world’s power vs. God’s power. It’s interesting how this is happening. The worldly power, Kings, pomp, prominent men, military tribunes vs. a man. This scene reminds me of one of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 9 v. 23-24, “Thus says the Lord; Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the might man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches, but let him who glories, glory in this, the he understand and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight says the Lord.”
 
A - Application
What are you glorying in?   
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help  me to know and understand you more. Love Will.

Photo by Photoholgic on Unsplash
 

How to view your gal. Or be viewed if your a gal

S - Scripture
Proverbs 31 v. 10 A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than Jewels.

O - Observation
A very special gift. The gift of a good wife. She is invaluable. Which makes me think, how do I treat what is invaluable in my life? Just like jewels, I should keep it safe. I should protect the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of my wife. I should know what areas are vulnerable and protect them, not attack them. Just like Jewels, I should be proud of them, shine them, wear them. Do I compliment my wife? Do I do this when I'm alone with her and with others? Do I like having her around with me? Do I take her with me, or just do my thing? Just as wealth and status are gifts from God, do I realize and thank God for the wonderful Gift I have been given?

A - Application
How am I treating my very special gift?

P - Prayer
Jesus, Thanks for giving me Sam. What an awesome gift. Love Will.

Photo by Will Kiehl

The Truth can't be compromised

Event: Paul’s Trial Before Felix

S – Scripture
Acts 25 v. 8-9 Paul said in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended at all.” But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “do you wish to go up to Jerusalem, and there be tried on these charges before me?”
 
O – Observation
Politics. Politics will always mute or dilute the truth. In this case, Festus knew there was no case against Paul, but yet he wanted to do the Jews a favor. This for that. Compromise. Appeasing different factions. But the reality is this, Christianity does not play politics The truth can’t be compromised. God’s word stands on its own. John 1 v. 1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
 
A - Application
Am I compromising God’s word?  
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help  me to always state the truth.  Love Will.
 

Power, Love, and Self-Discipline

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

O - OBSERVATION: In our world today, where evil is all around us, as it has always been, this verse is a comfort to me and also inspires me. Last Sunday morning in worship, in Mark Chapter 5:-13 we see how Jesus confronted and cast out the demons from the man in Gerasena. So this verse from Timothy reminds us that God’s Spirit has been given to us, He has put His name on us at Baptism and we need not be afraid of Satan, but rather we can call on the name of Jesus who has already defeated Satan.

A - APPLICATION: To often we feel like we are powerless in temptation, that we are unable to love someone who has wronged us and that we are not self disciplined enough to keep any would-be New Years Resolution. Truthfully we are powerless on our own, but this passage reminds us that we not alone! God’s Spirit is with us and inspires us to be strong, to love the unloveable, and to lead us in a self disciplined life. Again the only way we can do this is because God has chosen to shower His Spirit upon us. The moral of this verse is stop trying to achieve, but rather believe. God’s Spirit is able to lead us through the toughest roads, and reminds us we are called by the the Spirit to trust and believe in God.

P - PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Remind us always that spiritual battles are not meant to be fought alone, but rather by the power of the Spirit.  To God be the Glory!
In Jesus Name, Amen

Photo by Norbert Buduczki on Unsplash

Don't water down the message

Event: Paul’s Trial Before Felix
S – Scripture
Acts 24 v. 24-25 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess; and he sent for Paul and hear him speak upon faith in Christ Jesus. And as he argued about justice and self-control and future judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “go away for the present; when I have an opportunity I will summon you.”
 
O – Observation
You can’t water down the message. In these verses, Paul was given many opportunities to share his faith with the Governor (Felix). Not many people get such access to such an influential position. What to do with such an opportunity? Well, In Paul’s case he didn’t water down the message. He didn’t skip over the “hard to accept” facts of Christianity. After all, they argued about justice, self-control and Future Judgment. The trust is the truth is the truth. We need to follow Paul’s lead.
 
A - Application
Am I watering down the message or stating the facts?  
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Help  me to boldly state the facts. Love Will.

Photo by Steve Harvey on Unsplash
 

Be intentional with your faith

Event: Paul’s Trial Before Felix

S – Scripture
Acts 24 v. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience towards God and toward men.
 
O – Observation
Intentionality. Webster defines intentionality as," on purpose" and purpose as, "a reason for doing something." In today's verse Paul was stating his intentionality towards being a Christian. So what is the purpose of being a follower of Christ? God reveals this for us in Jeremiah 29 v 11, 13, " For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." The purpose of intentionality for Christians is to experience his plans for welfare not only eternally, (he promises heaven), but also while on earth. Following his commands, contrary to what the world may say, does NOT make you a Kill-joy, but instead makes your life so much fuller, richer.
 
A - Application
Am I being intentional in my faith?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Place a purpose, a motivation in my heart to do your will.  Love Will.

Photo by David Iskander on Unsplash
 

Live your life knowing the facts

Event: Paul’s Trial Before Felix

S – Scripture
Acts 24 v. 15 Having a hope in God which these themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.
 
O – Observation
A Key event. An event that I believe will happen. Resurrection. We will die, but we will rise again (unless Jesus comes before we croak!!!) Everyone will rise again. From Adam on. That's a ton of people There is life after life. But, resurrection is really on half of the key event. Jesus is coming back a second time to serve as a judge, thus the reference to the just and the unjust. I believe that the just are those that recognize Jesus as their savior, those that have personal relationship with him. Revelation 20 v.15, "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life (just) , he was thrown into the lake of fire (unjust)."
 
A - Application
Am I living my life knowing and believing that resurrection will happen?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Because of you, I don't fear either death.  Love Will.

Image by KNFind from Pixabay 
 

Base your Life's foundation on the Bible

Event: Paul’s Trial Before Felix

S – Scripture
Acts 24 v. 14 But this I admit to you, that according to the way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law or written in the prophets.
 
O – Observation
Believing in the Bible. Paul lays the foundation of his faith squarely on the Bible. That is a key foundation for us to build our faith. 2 Timothy 3 v. 16a, "All scripture is inspired by God." The Bible, God's word has staying power. 1 Peter 1 v. 24b-25,a, "The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord abides forever." The Bible is not some fad, which will come and go. It is a fallacy to say that it is out dated. God's word is applicable today as it was yesterday as it will be tomorrow. Is foundational.
 
A - Application
Do I believe every part of the Bible?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Thank you for your word.   Love Will.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
 

Remember - Joy will destroy anger!!!

Event: Paul’s Trial Before Felix
S – Scripture
Acts 24 v. 10 And when the Governor had motioned him to speak, Paul replied, "Realizing that for many years you have been judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense."
 
O – Observation
An interesting approach to defending the faith. Cheerful. Webster defines cheerful as, "generally happy in a good mood." Which is a great mindset for defending the faith. So often when attacked, we can get in the fight or flight mode. Clearly God does not want us to fight or not show up for him, but God wants our fight to be different than a human inspired fight. Human inspired fight, begets anger, raises emotion, and begins the one upedness. Eye for an eye. But God inspired fight as reflected in Paul is with Cheerfulness. Joy will destroy anger. After all, we are talking about the greatest gift ever!!!
 
A - Application
What is my approach to defending the faith?  
 

P – Prayer
Jesus, Put joy in my approach to defending the faith.   Love Will.
 

Photo by MI PHAM on Unsplash

Know your life story

Event: Paul’s Trial Before Felix

S – Scripture
Acts 24 v. 8  By examining him yourself you will be able to learn everything of which we accuse him.
 
O – Observation
Exam. Learn. Live your life story. Live your life for Christ. Let all that you do be a reflection of Him in your life. Study God’s word. Live God’s word. Think about God’s word. Be prepared to share your faith. 1 Peter 3 v. 15, “But in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who call you to account for the hope that in in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” Sharing your hope and faith does not mean you have to be some great Theologian or a Pastor, it is simply sharing your story (which you know best) and how God has played a role in it. Remember Peter and John’s response in Acts 4v . 20, “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
 
A - Application
Am I prepared to make a defense for my faith?    
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Organize my mind, my experiences so that I can defend my faith.  Love Will

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash
 

Be Gone Satan!

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - Scripture: Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.”

O - OBSERVATION: This occurred after the 3rd temptation when Jesus had spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting. In the first temptation the devil knew Jesus was hungry so tempted him to turn stones into bread and Jesus answered, It is written, “Man does not live by bread alone 
but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him to the Holy City, on the very top of the temple and told Him if you are the Son of God throw yourself down and the angels will save you. Again Jesus answered, “It is written, you shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Then the devil took him to a high mountain and told Jesus if He would bow down to Satan, the devil would give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. That’s when Jesus 
answered with the above text.

A - APPLICATION: From Jesus we learn important lessons about dealing with temptation, first He was tempted with every temptation known to man, so there is nothing new!  Secondly, Jesus fought back every time with a verse from scripture, therefore being armed with God’s Holy Word is always a good  tactic and makes our Pastor’s point that we should know the scriptures. Finally, point number three, tell Satan to be gone, "get thee behind me” in the king James version.

We can only do this because Satan has been defeated by Jesus! But to defeat him, we need Jesus, we can’t do it ourselves and we need to remind ourselves and Satan that Jesus has soundly beaten him and he has no power over us!!!!!

P - PRAYER Gracious Father, I’m so thankful You have defeated Satan for us, keep us ever mindful of that and remind us always when tempted, call upon Jesus and ask for His intervention. Help us to know He is always near and ready to help. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Think about the Adjectives that describe you

Event: Paul’s Trial Before Felix
S – Scripture
Acts 24 v. 5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and agitator among all the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
 

O – Observation
You will be hated by all nations for my names sake. Matthew 24 v. 9b. In today’s verse, the Jewish leaders are presenting their case against Paul to the Roman leadership. The picture that they paint is less than glowing, pestilent, agitator, ringleader. It’s an interesting list of adjectives. I'm sure if you asked the people that he preached to, lived with, there would be a different set of adjectives. Which makes me wonder, what are the adjectives used to describe us? Especially when it comes to our faith. Hers a great list of adjectives to strive for. Galatians 5 b. 22-23a, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy , peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
 
A - Application
What are the adjectives used to describe me?   
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Let the adjectives used to describe me be about action.  Love Will.

Image by Greg Waskovich from Pixabay 
 

Don't be confused on who to honor

Event: Paul’s Trial Before Felix
S – Scripture
Acts 24 v. 2b-3 (Tertullas speaking): Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your provision, most excellent Felix, reforms are introduced on your behalf of this nation, in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.
 
O – Observation
Confusion of honor. Today's verses sounds like a testament to our God. But, really, this is a testament, praise and honor to a man. The Jewish leaders are going to compare and contrast what man has done vs. what a Man of God has done, as they bring their acquisitions against Paul. The world will recognize leaders that present an agenda that conforms to their standards. But, we have to realize God's sovereignty. God allows, puts, places, blesses and curses leaders as he sees fit. Psalm 24 v. 1, "The earth is the Lords; and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell their-in."
 

A - Application
Am I confused on who I honor?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, You are King of everything.   Love Will.
 

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Be prepared for Satan's A-Team

Event: Paul’s Trial Before Felix

S – Scripture
Acts 24 v. 1-2a And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the Governor their case against Paul; and when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him.
 
O – Observation
The world's logic. The world's A-team. It’s interesting to note, that the Jewish leaders sent their A-team to state their case against Paul. High Priest (subject matter expert) and the lawyer (Tertullas) the smoothie. It makes me think and realize that when one is being accused of their Christian faith, Satan will not allow a second rate crew to steal your soul. Nope, he will send the A-team, to provide acquisitions, half-truths, new doctrines, and politically correct point of views. How can one possibly prepare for this? Be in His word on a daily basis.
 
A - Application
Am I preparing myself for the world's A-team?   
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Give me the words and wisdom to stand against the A-team.  Love Will.

Photo by Merakist on Unsplash
 

Be more than just a Fan!!!

Event: Paul transferred to Caesarea  

S – Scripture
Acts 23 v.  35 He (the Governor) said, "I will hear you when your accusers arrive" And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's Praetorian.
 
O – Observation
Accuses! Webster defines accuse to be, "say that someone is guilty". Accusing is a verb. Accusing is pointing the finger. Accusing is singling someone out. Paul was accused of being a follower of God. Actually, he was a "Jesus Freak." Which makes me think of DC talk's lyrics on Jesus Freaks. "What will people say when the know that I'm a Jesus Freak. I don't really care. There's no disguising the truth." Being accused of your Christian faith moves one from being a fan or a causal acquaintance to being a follower. A follower is defined as a supporter, a believer. Because to follow is to understand, and to understand is to act, do and live your life for Christ.
 
A - Application
Have I been accused of being a follower of Christ/Jesus Freak?
 
P – Prayer
Jesus, Let me be "Freaky" for you.  Love Will.