Paul and his shipmates stay on the island of Malta for three months. While they are there, Paul is bitten by a serpent, but he suffers no ill-effects. He also heals many people. Once again, the power of God performed through His miracles presents a doorway to presenting the Good News.
Once in Rome, Paul speaks to the Jewish people. Some listen, most do not. This fulfills prophecy found in Isaiah. The people will refuse to listen and repent. However, God's offer of spiritual healing is always available to anyone who repents and believes.
So, what can we learn from this? Always, always keep your faith. Always, always rely on God. The storms in life will come, but with God we can overcome.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Acts 27:1-44
Paul is sailing to Rome to have his day with Caesar. Notice that even though Paul is a prisoner, he is given favor. **Note: Your attitude in live often determines how others treat you. If you're always complaining, whining, arguing, or pessimistic - you will have a harder time in life than those that roll with the punches and find the joy in every situation. ** **Side note - an example from my own life. My good friend and I went on a 5 day vacation to Puerto Rico. This was her first official get-away. AND IT RAINED - A LOT. So, what did we do? Did we sit in the hotel and complain? Nope - we went hiking in the rain forest, we zip lined, we walked through Old San Juan. Occasionally we got wet, a few times we got soaked. But we had a great time - every single day - simply because we had the right attitude. **
Now, Paul is an educated man. He also listens to God. Paul advised the captain to stay in port. Winter was coming & it was not a good time to sail. However, those in authority decided to continue on. **Note: Paul didn't argue or pitch a fit. He listened to those in authority over him. Yikes, do I have a lot to learn from Paul. ** When the storm came up, as Paul predicted, he continued to be a positive leader for the people by encouraging them and giving them hope. When the ship finally ran aground, the prisoners were saved because of Paul's example and good attitude.
So - what can we learn? A positive attitude helps not only yourself, but others around you. It's not all about you. You are not the only human on this earth. Your actions affect you and others. So, when times get you down, pray, pray, pray & keep your attitude positive.
Now, Paul is an educated man. He also listens to God. Paul advised the captain to stay in port. Winter was coming & it was not a good time to sail. However, those in authority decided to continue on. **Note: Paul didn't argue or pitch a fit. He listened to those in authority over him. Yikes, do I have a lot to learn from Paul. ** When the storm came up, as Paul predicted, he continued to be a positive leader for the people by encouraging them and giving them hope. When the ship finally ran aground, the prisoners were saved because of Paul's example and good attitude.
So - what can we learn? A positive attitude helps not only yourself, but others around you. It's not all about you. You are not the only human on this earth. Your actions affect you and others. So, when times get you down, pray, pray, pray & keep your attitude positive.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Acts 25:13-26:32
Interesting that no one in authority can seem to find a crime in which to charge Paul. Not Felix, Festus, or King Aggripa. However, Paul has appealed to Caesar, so to Caesar he must go.
Our worldly minds cry out in anguish over this. Paul would have been able to be free had he not made this appeal. He would have been able to walk about and continue to preach the Gospel. Why is God allowing this to happen? And yet, as we read these verses, we are able to see the big picture. Because of these trials, Paul is able to preach the Gospel to many more people. He was held in prison, yet he still preached. He is now going to Rome where countless people with hear him preach. He is walking the path to which he was called AND he is peaceful about it.
Very often in our own lives we walk through trials and tribulations. We shake our fist at God, we ask why, sometimes we even lose faith. However, we must remember that in our own lives we don't have the luxury of reading ahead. We don't get to see the big picture until it has been fully drawn. Faith is trusting that you are walking on the path to which God has called you. Faith is trusting that God is doing what is right. Faith is walking through the trials and tribulations of life in constant contact with God knowing that He will work it all for His good purpose. Faith is finding joy and peace in the storm.
Our worldly minds cry out in anguish over this. Paul would have been able to be free had he not made this appeal. He would have been able to walk about and continue to preach the Gospel. Why is God allowing this to happen? And yet, as we read these verses, we are able to see the big picture. Because of these trials, Paul is able to preach the Gospel to many more people. He was held in prison, yet he still preached. He is now going to Rome where countless people with hear him preach. He is walking the path to which he was called AND he is peaceful about it.
Very often in our own lives we walk through trials and tribulations. We shake our fist at God, we ask why, sometimes we even lose faith. However, we must remember that in our own lives we don't have the luxury of reading ahead. We don't get to see the big picture until it has been fully drawn. Faith is trusting that you are walking on the path to which God has called you. Faith is trusting that God is doing what is right. Faith is walking through the trials and tribulations of life in constant contact with God knowing that He will work it all for His good purpose. Faith is finding joy and peace in the storm.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Acts 24:1-25:12
Paul has been arrested because of trumped up charges from the Jewish Council. He has been sent to the Governor Felix for his protection. There he stayed under house arrest for two years. Paul knew his rights as a citizen and he called for those rights; yet, he did not work the system. He didn't flatter or bribe officials, he didn't attempt to curry their favor. He simply continued to speak the truth and present the Gospel. There is a fine line between knowing your rights as a citizen and using those rights to play the game. We can learn much from Paul as he walked the line on this issue. Notice how he respects those in authority. Notice how he continues to follow the plan and purpose God has set before him regardless of his circumstances. As you continue to walk through your life, remember these lessons of Paul and apply them to your own life.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Acts 22:30-23:35
Paul speaks to the Jewish counsel & rioting ensues. Typical - these Jewish leaders cannot agree on their theology & spend a good time fighting about it. Sound like the church today? What they are able to agree on is that Paul must die. A plot is then hatched to lie to the Tribune & kill Paul when he appears before them. However, Paul's nephew hears about the plot & warns the tribune. Notice the tribune is intent on following the law - he sends Paul to the governor.
So, what can we learn from this? Well, as I read today I am reminded to stand up for what is right. It's that simple. When someone is being mistreated, stand up for them. It all comes back to love and the golden rule to treat others the way you want to be treated. There may be times when someone offends us by their actions or words. Paul offended the Jewish council, yet they had no reason other than their pride to persecute him. If someone offends you, stop & figure out why you are offended. Is it because they revealed a fault in your personality? Did they expose a sin? If so, you need to focus on yourself rather than on the offense. Don't allow yourself to fall further into sin.
So, what can we learn from this? Well, as I read today I am reminded to stand up for what is right. It's that simple. When someone is being mistreated, stand up for them. It all comes back to love and the golden rule to treat others the way you want to be treated. There may be times when someone offends us by their actions or words. Paul offended the Jewish council, yet they had no reason other than their pride to persecute him. If someone offends you, stop & figure out why you are offended. Is it because they revealed a fault in your personality? Did they expose a sin? If so, you need to focus on yourself rather than on the offense. Don't allow yourself to fall further into sin.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Acts 21:37-22:29
Paul has been arrested. Paul asks to speak to the crowd. The tribune, the commander, thinks that he is an Egyptian who has been stirring up trouble recently. Josephus, a Jewish historian, also mentions this Egyptian. I mention this to show that the Bible accurately records history. There are other non-biblical sources that mention the same events and people. Pretty awesome.
Paul is given permission to speak, so he gives his testimony. The people listen, but they continue to reject him because he is preaching to the Gentiles. The tribune decides to appease the people and have Paul flogged, but Paul reveals that he is a Roman citizen. Therefore, he cannot be flogged without a trial.
We are going to stop here for today, but I want us to examine our hearts. Do we ever treat people unfairly before we know the facts? Do we listen to gossip and rumor? Do we judge people by their appearance or by there actions? Do we give people a chance to explain themselves? People usually act with reason. They all have a story. Take the time to listen to their story and understand their motivations.
Paul is given permission to speak, so he gives his testimony. The people listen, but they continue to reject him because he is preaching to the Gentiles. The tribune decides to appease the people and have Paul flogged, but Paul reveals that he is a Roman citizen. Therefore, he cannot be flogged without a trial.
We are going to stop here for today, but I want us to examine our hearts. Do we ever treat people unfairly before we know the facts? Do we listen to gossip and rumor? Do we judge people by their appearance or by there actions? Do we give people a chance to explain themselves? People usually act with reason. They all have a story. Take the time to listen to their story and understand their motivations.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Acts 21:1-36
Vs. 1-16 - as Paul travels to Jerusalem, many warn him not to go. There are even prophesies concerning Paul's imprisonment.. However, Paul knows what the Lord has asked him to do. He knows these things will come to pass, but he also knows that giving Jesus' message to the Jews and Gentiles in Jerusalem is more important. Paul is prepared & determined because of his close relationship with God.
Vs. 17-26 - rumors are flying. Isn't that always the case. Someone sees something or hears something but doesn't confirm that they think they saw or heard with the truth. Pretty soon we have an out-of-control game of telephone going on. When Paul meets with James and the elders, they have heard reports that he is not abiding by the decision of the church regarding Gentiles. Gentiles are not required to convert to Judaism, but they have been asked to abstain from sexual immorality and meat that has been sacrificed to idols. Paul listens to those in authority over him and takes the vow. Paul is not stating that the rumors are true, for in fact they are not, but he is submitting to the vow to show others his heart and willingness to submit to those in authority over him. We must remember that we are to listen, with respect, to those in authority over us. The only time we should not obey is when it is in direct violation of God's Word.
Vs. 18-36 - even though Paul listens and obeys, the Jews refuse to take the time to figure out the truth. Instead, they continue to inflame the rumors regarding Paul's actions until a riot breaks out. Paul is beaten and ends up in jail. So, what can we learn from this - don't listen to or spread rumors. If you see, hear, or read something that seems inflammatory - check it out for yourself. Don't just repeat a bunch of garbage that you know nothing about. Talk to the person in question, do some research regarding the rumor, and most importantly - don't react in anger! Take the time to pray and ask God how you should respond. The internet is one of my biggest pet peeves - we forward & post all sorts of stuff that is just plain not true! Not only is it spreading rumor, but posting incorrect and untrue information ruins your reputation. Slow down & remember to start thinking for yourself.
Vs. 17-26 - rumors are flying. Isn't that always the case. Someone sees something or hears something but doesn't confirm that they think they saw or heard with the truth. Pretty soon we have an out-of-control game of telephone going on. When Paul meets with James and the elders, they have heard reports that he is not abiding by the decision of the church regarding Gentiles. Gentiles are not required to convert to Judaism, but they have been asked to abstain from sexual immorality and meat that has been sacrificed to idols. Paul listens to those in authority over him and takes the vow. Paul is not stating that the rumors are true, for in fact they are not, but he is submitting to the vow to show others his heart and willingness to submit to those in authority over him. We must remember that we are to listen, with respect, to those in authority over us. The only time we should not obey is when it is in direct violation of God's Word.
Vs. 18-36 - even though Paul listens and obeys, the Jews refuse to take the time to figure out the truth. Instead, they continue to inflame the rumors regarding Paul's actions until a riot breaks out. Paul is beaten and ends up in jail. So, what can we learn from this - don't listen to or spread rumors. If you see, hear, or read something that seems inflammatory - check it out for yourself. Don't just repeat a bunch of garbage that you know nothing about. Talk to the person in question, do some research regarding the rumor, and most importantly - don't react in anger! Take the time to pray and ask God how you should respond. The internet is one of my biggest pet peeves - we forward & post all sorts of stuff that is just plain not true! Not only is it spreading rumor, but posting incorrect and untrue information ruins your reputation. Slow down & remember to start thinking for yourself.
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