Here is what God is saying to me through this chapter:
Paul is arrested and has to stand trial. We discover at the end of the chapter, through Agrippa’s words in v. 32, that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Rome (i.e., “Ceasar”). The question is, why would Paul stay arrested and go through a trial if he didn’t have to? The answer seems obvious. Paul wasn't necessarily looking for a trial to defend himself; he was looking for an opportunity to share the good news about Christ with Agrippa and his household. In other words, Paul was willing to give up his freedom and convenience in order to serve the purposes of Christ.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
When it comes to choosing either my convenience or a chance to serve God’s purposes, I will go with the latter. Like Paul, I don’t want to make decisions based upon what works out best for me but based on how I can minister best to others in Jesus’ name. God, help me to see some of the obstacles I might face as opportunities to serve you today.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
November 24: Acts 22
Here is what God is saying to me through this chapter:
Paul is giving his defense to zealous Jews who do not believe in Jesus. Paul is sharing the story of his conversion to and calling by Christ. These Jews seem to be attentive and willing to listen, that is until v. 21. Here Paul, a Jew like the crowd hearing his case, says that Jesus has called him to bring good news to the Gentiles (Non-Jews). The Jews “listened to him up to this statement” (v. 22) and then they wanted to kill him. These Jews didn’t necessarily hate Paul, but they did hate those who weren’t Jewish. Paul put his neck on the line by following Jesus’ call to go out and bring the good news of Christ’s love to the Gentiles.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
These passage challenges me in two ways. First, I wonder if I am sometimes like those Jews who hated Non-Jewish Gentiles. I’m challenged to consider if there is any person or group that I might try to keep good news from. Second, I’m challenged by Paul’s commitment to not draw lines in the sand when it comes to whom he can share the good news with. Would I risk my neck with the religious crowd in order to reach out to those far from Christ? Sometimes the religious crowd today can be as hostile as the Jews were in Paul’s day. I don’t mean for this to sound arrogant, but at this point in my journey I would rather offend religious people than to not reach out with Christ’s love to all people.
Paul is giving his defense to zealous Jews who do not believe in Jesus. Paul is sharing the story of his conversion to and calling by Christ. These Jews seem to be attentive and willing to listen, that is until v. 21. Here Paul, a Jew like the crowd hearing his case, says that Jesus has called him to bring good news to the Gentiles (Non-Jews). The Jews “listened to him up to this statement” (v. 22) and then they wanted to kill him. These Jews didn’t necessarily hate Paul, but they did hate those who weren’t Jewish. Paul put his neck on the line by following Jesus’ call to go out and bring the good news of Christ’s love to the Gentiles.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
These passage challenges me in two ways. First, I wonder if I am sometimes like those Jews who hated Non-Jewish Gentiles. I’m challenged to consider if there is any person or group that I might try to keep good news from. Second, I’m challenged by Paul’s commitment to not draw lines in the sand when it comes to whom he can share the good news with. Would I risk my neck with the religious crowd in order to reach out to those far from Christ? Sometimes the religious crowd today can be as hostile as the Jews were in Paul’s day. I don’t mean for this to sound arrogant, but at this point in my journey I would rather offend religious people than to not reach out with Christ’s love to all people.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
November 20: Acts 18
Here is what God is saying to me through this chapter:
Several times in this chapter Luke, the author of Acts, highlights the importance of knowing the Scriptures in order to proclaim from them that Jesus is the Christ (see vv.5, 24, 28). It was very important for God’s people to know, live, and teach the Scriptures. The word of God is indispensable to knowing God and making him known to others.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
SWC is trying to imitate Paul and Apollos by also becoming “mighty in the Scriptures” (v. 24). We are doing this by reading and applying the book of Acts. For so many people reading the Bible is a real challenge. For me the challenge is really an issue of time. What makes reading, knowing and living Scripture a challenge for you? Reply and let me know.
Several times in this chapter Luke, the author of Acts, highlights the importance of knowing the Scriptures in order to proclaim from them that Jesus is the Christ (see vv.5, 24, 28). It was very important for God’s people to know, live, and teach the Scriptures. The word of God is indispensable to knowing God and making him known to others.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
SWC is trying to imitate Paul and Apollos by also becoming “mighty in the Scriptures” (v. 24). We are doing this by reading and applying the book of Acts. For so many people reading the Bible is a real challenge. For me the challenge is really an issue of time. What makes reading, knowing and living Scripture a challenge for you? Reply and let me know.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
November 19: Acts 17
The following thoughts and reflections are from a friend named John who has been attending SWC for the past few months.
This reading really moved me when I read it on multiple levels. First, I am moved by the fact that although there was a plurality of religion in the Athenian society, Paul did not pretend that he was going to talk about one of the many gods which would probably have been readily accepted by the Athenians, he instead stopped and explained to them his understanding of the one God.
Secondly, His explanation of God is breathtaking... Think about it, he states that God not only made man and everything on heaven and Earth but is somehow in everything. Not only did he do all this but Paul also explains what man's purpose is which is exceptional. Paul explains that we are put on this Earth so we might, "27 seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'" This means to me that God has placed us here with a longing to be near him and to know him more intimately. Which is probably the thing in this passage that warmed my heart because I can relate with this strong intense desire to search and know my God. Not only is this a desire of mine but I feel like that is what God wants me to do to know him on an intimate basis and that makes me feel extremely grateful to be on the path that my God wans me on.
These are the things that stuck out the most for me...
This reading really moved me when I read it on multiple levels. First, I am moved by the fact that although there was a plurality of religion in the Athenian society, Paul did not pretend that he was going to talk about one of the many gods which would probably have been readily accepted by the Athenians, he instead stopped and explained to them his understanding of the one God.
Secondly, His explanation of God is breathtaking... Think about it, he states that God not only made man and everything on heaven and Earth but is somehow in everything. Not only did he do all this but Paul also explains what man's purpose is which is exceptional. Paul explains that we are put on this Earth so we might, "27 seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'" This means to me that God has placed us here with a longing to be near him and to know him more intimately. Which is probably the thing in this passage that warmed my heart because I can relate with this strong intense desire to search and know my God. Not only is this a desire of mine but I feel like that is what God wants me to do to know him on an intimate basis and that makes me feel extremely grateful to be on the path that my God wans me on.
These are the things that stuck out the most for me...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
November 18: Acts 16
Here is what God is saying to me through this chapter:
I was particularly moved this morning by verses 25 and following. The jailer knew how important a prisoner Paul was and when Paul and Silas were set free by God, the jailer was going to fall on his sword and kill himself. The jailer would rather end his life than deal with the consequences of allowing Paul to escape jail. But Paul stopped the jailer from harming himself and actually stayed in the jail, even though he could have escaped. It seems that Paul’s compassion for the jailer’s situation was influential in the jailer becoming a Christ follower. Compassion for those who have set themselves up as our enemies can have a profound impact.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
Like Paul, I want to have enough compassion for my enemies that I put their need for God before my need for comfort. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount “it’s easy to love those who love, but love your enemies (paraphrase).” Today I want to allow compassion instead of anger to rule in my heart toward those who may set themselves up as my enemy.
I was particularly moved this morning by verses 25 and following. The jailer knew how important a prisoner Paul was and when Paul and Silas were set free by God, the jailer was going to fall on his sword and kill himself. The jailer would rather end his life than deal with the consequences of allowing Paul to escape jail. But Paul stopped the jailer from harming himself and actually stayed in the jail, even though he could have escaped. It seems that Paul’s compassion for the jailer’s situation was influential in the jailer becoming a Christ follower. Compassion for those who have set themselves up as our enemies can have a profound impact.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
Like Paul, I want to have enough compassion for my enemies that I put their need for God before my need for comfort. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount “it’s easy to love those who love, but love your enemies (paraphrase).” Today I want to allow compassion instead of anger to rule in my heart toward those who may set themselves up as my enemy.
Monday, November 17, 2008
November 17: Acts 15
Here is what God is saying to me through this chapter:
There are several things in this chapter that strike me as very important. For one thing, we must learn from the early church not to make it too difficult for new believers to come to Christ in faith. Some of the more legalistic Christians were drawing lines in the sand that Jesus didn’t draw. These lines were a needless obstacle to Gentiles converting to Christ.
The other thing that strikes me about this chapter is the process of decision making that the early church used. When trying to decide what was essential for Gentiles converting to Christ, the early church used several tools in the decision making process. They consulted Scripture, each other, and their experiences.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
First, I will be careful not to overburden new believers with lines in the sand that Christ never drew. Second, when making decisions I will prayerfully reflect upon Scripture, consult with wise friends, and consider my experiences over the years to guide me.
There are several things in this chapter that strike me as very important. For one thing, we must learn from the early church not to make it too difficult for new believers to come to Christ in faith. Some of the more legalistic Christians were drawing lines in the sand that Jesus didn’t draw. These lines were a needless obstacle to Gentiles converting to Christ.
The other thing that strikes me about this chapter is the process of decision making that the early church used. When trying to decide what was essential for Gentiles converting to Christ, the early church used several tools in the decision making process. They consulted Scripture, each other, and their experiences.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
First, I will be careful not to overburden new believers with lines in the sand that Christ never drew. Second, when making decisions I will prayerfully reflect upon Scripture, consult with wise friends, and consider my experiences over the years to guide me.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
November 15: Acts 13
The following devotional reflections are from Patrick Eby, SWC board member.
Here is what God is saying to me through this chapter:
Today’s chapter begins the story of Paul’s missionary adventure which will be the focus of the rest of the book. First, we learn of the support Paul and Barnabas received from the Church at Antioch, a church which sought the direction of the Lord through prayer and fasting. This chapter also outlines Paul’s normal method of sharing in the cities. He would first go to the Jewish synagogue, and then take the message to the rest of the city. Many times and in many different ways he will be rejected and face opposition. The main point of the chapter seems to be his sharing the story of God’s actions. His story is very similar to Peter’s (Chap. 2) and Steven’s (Chap 7). Beginning with the Old Testament he recounted the work of God, and then he shared the message of Jesus. The chapter ends reminding us that the plan of God was always to bring light to the whole world.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
Today I will reflect on my part in making the gospel known to the whole world. What is my part? How will I be a light to those around me? Will I pray and fast for God to send someone like the people at Antioch? Will I help and encourage others to share their story? Will I go to a mission field either near or far and share the good news of the Gospel?
Lord, today I ask that you would make me sensitive to the role you have for me. Help me to be a light in a world so filled with darkness. Amen.
Here is what God is saying to me through this chapter:
Today’s chapter begins the story of Paul’s missionary adventure which will be the focus of the rest of the book. First, we learn of the support Paul and Barnabas received from the Church at Antioch, a church which sought the direction of the Lord through prayer and fasting. This chapter also outlines Paul’s normal method of sharing in the cities. He would first go to the Jewish synagogue, and then take the message to the rest of the city. Many times and in many different ways he will be rejected and face opposition. The main point of the chapter seems to be his sharing the story of God’s actions. His story is very similar to Peter’s (Chap. 2) and Steven’s (Chap 7). Beginning with the Old Testament he recounted the work of God, and then he shared the message of Jesus. The chapter ends reminding us that the plan of God was always to bring light to the whole world.
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
Today I will reflect on my part in making the gospel known to the whole world. What is my part? How will I be a light to those around me? Will I pray and fast for God to send someone like the people at Antioch? Will I help and encourage others to share their story? Will I go to a mission field either near or far and share the good news of the Gospel?
Lord, today I ask that you would make me sensitive to the role you have for me. Help me to be a light in a world so filled with darkness. Amen.
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