Not A Failure

"You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure." 1Thessalonians 2:1"

I so love that the whole Bible fits together. You see, the Word of God is not a random collection of works that are independently written by men with no ultimate cohesive thread of connectedness. This visit and historical event that is spoken of here in this first verse of chapter 2 actually is recorded in Acts 17:1-9. On the initial visit to Thessalonica, Paul was received well and a large number of God fearing Greeks and many prominent women along with some Jews believed in the gospel, but those Jews who did not believe rallied some bad characters, city officials and a crowd to cause a terrible rabble, which led to a near riot, Paul's temporary arrest and a ton of local trouble.

Turn

".. they tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God," 1Thessalonians 1:9b

Every sin in my life, whether in thought, word or deed generally has to do with me putting something ahead of God. I choose, I let something.... my feelings, my opinion, my issues, my wants, my needs... whatever.. to become more important in the moment than who God is in that moment. Idolatry can happen as simply as my priorities getting out of whack. I trade, justify, excuse or cave in to my nature and put something above God. This phrase tells of how the Thessalonians were turning away from their idols (they may have been literal 'other gods', I don't know specifically) But, I do know mine. Those things that are so seemingly precious to me. You know the stuff. Join me in admitting them, my way, my time, my space, my control, my rights, my ego, my importance, my pity party, my popularity, my things, my, my my. The list goes on. I, like you have an inborn tendency to make me the center of everything, the universe included. It is really crowded there, in case you haven't noticed, which is most likely why we are so often conflicted with each other and bumping heads and crossing each other's boundaries. So what do we do? Do we just acquiesce to our weaknesses and not try to be better? No, look at the second part of the quotient in today's verse. We turn to God from idols when we serve the living and true God. I must admit that my idols are dead and false, not living and true. If I turn to the living and true God I can resist my weaknesses. I don't need to pout, I don't need to rage, I don't need to manipulate or connive or pretend. I just need to turn. In the words of the classic worship song..."Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." How true. But, I must turn. Nothing happens without me turning away from my inclinations, my machinations and my temptations. For me, I must make everything about serving Him. When I am serving Him, I can turn away more easily. When I keep Him in mind, I can do better, act nicer, be Christian. Because I am a Christian. I love Him more than my way and my anything. I encourage you to turn before you speak, before you act and before you do what you know He would not want you to do or say.

What We Know

"For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." Thessalonians 1:4"

I could so easily say this of the family of believers at Grace Harbor Church. As a matter of fact, I know it. The brothers and sisters of the Body of Christ that I know as my church family were chosen by God. All believers are, but I know it about this church family because of the evidence of their belief.

No Need To Say Anything

"Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us." 1Thessalonians 8b-9a

I can't believe it! Am I reading this right? Has there ever been a literal time when human beings were involved that there was no need to say anything? Incredible! Even though, we would all agree, actions really do speak louder than words, but oh how we like to add an extra detailed explanation to anything and everything. In this passage it seems the Thessalonians have earned a good report and reputation based on feedback that Paul and others are getting, so they don't need to say more. They just report what good news they heard and leave it at that. We do struggle with too many words. Funny though, not so much the good reports do we tend to add too many words to; it is the bad news and bad reports that we must elaborate on and on.

Giving Up All Hope

"When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved." Acts 27:20

When the storms of life take all the light out of our lives for days and days and the trouble and suffering does not let up, we can begin to feel that helplessness that means we just know we aren't going to make it. These times are devastating, when we can't believe in hope anymore. Our faith is finished and we are ready to throw in the towel. We start to relive all the decisions that got us into peril and the 'woulda, coulda, shouldas, start to come to mind. The fear of being aboard a sailing ship when it sinks in the middle of the sea is more than disheartening. We start to consider what it will be like to drown, and how exactly we will die. Luke is painfully honest here and even though they make it through this shipwreck miraculously, he doesn't edit his story. He tells us exactly what he was thinking and feeling at the point of despair.

Conflicting Truths

"They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding: you will be ever seeing but never perceiving": for this people's heart has become calloused: they hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them." Acts 28:25-27

I find these words not only convicting but indicting. Oh how the people of America are similar to the people of Israel in that day. We too have heard for a long time and have not understood. We too have seen for a long time and have closed our eyes. If we would open our eyes and ears and hear and see what God is saying and showing us, we would understand with our hearts and turn and be healed.

Short Lectures

"After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: ;Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island." Acts 27:21-26

My Dad was famous for short lectures. At the time I probably thought they went on forever, but as I now more objectively recall, he was a man of precise, concise and convicting words. There are some wonderful teachable words in this passage. I don't usually use such a long section of Scripture, but these words hang together and tell a piece of the amazing, but absolutely accurate and true story of Paul's sailing adventure to Rome. I would like to recap the story with a short lecture list like my Dad would give it to me. He loved to make points. He would point to his fingers one by one and list them out for me.

Give a Gift

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

We are in the season of Advent, preparing to celebrate the birth of our Savior. At this time of gift giving, good tidings and cheer, we, as Christians, are again reminded that the birth of Jesus Christ was the ultimate gift of God to a sinful and detached people. He was and is a gift of unconditional love, grace and mercy to the entire world. Indeed, Christ’s ministry had at its core this very message.

And So

"... and so we came to Rome." Acts 24:14b

With this brief little statement Luke wraps up the harrowing adventure that had taken months and months across miles and miles. When we move forward in our lives we must find a way to sum up the past in just a few words. I sense Luke may have said this almost a little 'tongue in cheek'. We have all seen movies or television series that were about the harrowing adventure of a vacation or a 'three hour tour'. All of us have been part of life experiences that got way more complicated than they were planned. It is a common plot ending to have the adventurous group all looking at one another and just with their eyes saying, "I can't believe we survived that". But Luke, Paul, Aristarchus and the other 276 passengers did. Just like the movies, just like Gilligan, just like us. Our life experiences are sometimes life threatening and we don't die. We somehow manage to move on.

Continuou​s Prayer

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father...." 1Thessalonians 1:2-3a

As we study the Word of God more and more we can begin to see themes arising in the verses. Reading, studying and loving the Scriptures can give us richer understandings of the truth as we build precept on precept and principle upon principle. Paul is sharing his thankfulness for the Thessalonians as he writes to them these opening verses of the two letters he pens to them. Note that he says of prayer that it is always and continually. That is why we should in effect strive to pray without ceasing.

The Blessings of Shipwreck

"When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. "Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety." Acts 27:39-44

As unbelievable as it seems, all 276 passengers made it safely ashore. Amazing. Miraculous actually. Not only is there a devotional message in their survival, but there is an underlying message that is so very important. We can still count our blessings, even when things don't go exactly as planned. Sure Paul had forewarned them that they would run aground somewhere. But, when they spotted that sandy beach and little bay and headed for it, they had to hope that they would just sail into safety in one piece. I am sure they did not count on there being a shipwreck on a sandbar or soldiers who wanted to kill all the prisoners or the stern of the boat coming apart. But, they did all get to land safely.

We Need To Be Tougher

"On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land." Acts 27:27

Fourteen nights? Are you kidding me? Most of us could not handle such circumstances. They have no idea exactly where they are. No Coast Guard. No motor. No lights. The fear and anxiety must have been palpable. 276 passengers being driven by winds and currents across unknown waters. Sound exciting? Sound awful? Depends on how tough you are. Too many of us are not tough enough. We panic if we can't find our phone. We obsess on our symptoms of sickness. We are ready to quit if anyone questions us about anything. We live in fear and dread of what ends up being nothing. We do it constantly. Please understand that in a consumer society like ours we must be kept in a constant sense of need in order to be marketed effectively. We are kept soft in order to make us feel like we need something, when what we really need to do is to trust God and obey Him.

It Is Just Cargo!

"We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard." Acts 27:18

The storms of life are real and exhausting. The storms of life never end in this life. The storms of life come just because we live in a broken, fallen world. Sometimes we get beat up by life and its storms. Other people around us get beat up too. Very seldom are we the only victims of our storms, whether they are of our own doing or not. When such times come, it is important that we realize that the most important cargo is anything that is eternal. Such as people, values and principles. The rest of our stuff is not eternal nor is it irreplaceable. When in the midst of a beating we can be tempted to turn on others to share the pain or defer the agony.

Going With The Flow

"The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along." Acts 27:17

When I read a passage of Scripture from 2,000 years ago I have to remind myself that in a situation like this, in a sailboat caught by a storm and unable to head into the wind and having to just let it blow you wherever it is going.... oh yeah, its not like we can just turn the motor on and keep going. I know not all sailboats have motors, but many do. But we are significantly before motors at this point in history. What I am getting at is that they did what they had to do, given the circumstances.There are four key action words or phrases in this verse that illustrate how we deal with the storms of life.

Family Formation

"But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul." Acts 21:16

I find this verse very interesting. Paul is arrested and so tells him that he is to go to Rome and share his testimony. At the same time, some Jews are vowing to not eat or drink until they kill him. At the same time, the commander is trying to figure out just what to do with him. In the midst of this drama, his sister’s son overhears about the plots and goes to Paul to warn him. Wow, how intriguing. I think this shows three important things about the way life is and God works.

They Thought

"When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted…." Acts 27:13a

We sometimes misread the weather just like we misread people and situations. When you want to do what you want to do you start to feel all the indicators that justify your plan. I know I hear what I want to hear or see what I want to see to substantiate what I already believe to be true.

Should Have Listened to Paul

"‘But the Centurion instead of listening to what Paul said followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.’ ‘Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and water there.’" Acts 27:11

There is a lot of very interesting information here. Paul will get his "I told you so" moment during the shipwreck. I also wish I had listened to Paul a few more time in my life. Hey, they took a vote. This is democracy at work, majority rules. I don’t know who voted. There were 276 people on board. The captain thinks he can make it; the owner has cargo to push through, and passengers to please. I doubt the prisoners got a vote, but Julius decides he and his men and the prisoners are staying on board. The majority throughout history has more often than not been wrong. In addition, so have despots. I am not trying to make a point, it is interesting though how we make decisions in group situations. I am sure Julius doesn’t want to hang out for the winter with prisoners, right? (By the way, I hear a lot of folks still spend their winters in Phoenix, we call them "snowbirds", haha!) Whether the decision is made subjectively, objectively or democratically the decision is to sail on. We should not over-analyze what we would have, should have, or could have done. By the end of the voyage, Paul is way more interested in the message of Christ than being right again. So my advice today is threefold.

Slow Headway

"We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus." Acts 27:7

As Luke writes this, he has no idea yet what an adventure they are in for. Eventually they are going to face horrific conditions and shipwreck. Slow headway is not that bad. At least it is a headway. A difficult landing is not the worst scenario. At least they landed. We all say that after the fact or in reflection, but oh how we can moan and groan when things are slow, or there is minimal headway. Oh how we can complain when anything takes many days, much less weeks, or months or years. We don’t wait well, even on the Lord, much less humans. Some of us fly off the handle with any difficulty. Some of us are "loaded for bear" and just waiting for the opportunity to be negative or to throw in the towel. We are inclined to punt on third down just so we don’t get sacked again. If it is not smooth sailing, everybody is going to suffer. If we are put out at all, everybody feels it. Some of us are terrible traveling partners who love to share their misery with the whole company. We nag, we bellyache, we pick and if we aren’t happy, nobody is. If I am describing you, shame on you for the pain in the derriere you must be. Please count your blessings and ask for forgiveness. I pray for the folks that get stuck with you. We can all have a bad day or moment, but if you are a whiner or a professional critic, or just love to rain on anybody’s parade, I pray that you will be changed. Life if full of slow headway and things take many days. They just do…. And sometimes we have difficult landings. Get over yourself. Snap out of it. Turn to Jesus. Stop being helpless, hopeless, and hapless! God can change your mind and point of view. Let God and let God. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Whatever you need to hear to turn around, receive it from God no matter how hard it is or how hard you make it, God has ultimate control. The Bible says that Jesus says, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” No matter what, trust in Him, and he will take care of the rest. I feel better now, I hope you do too.

Ports O Call

"We board a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia," Acts 27:2

In Acts 27, the following places are listed or referred to.

Putting Out to Sea

",and we put out to sea," Acts 27:2b

Between the commas in Acts 27:2 is nestled a sailing term that carries a lot of meaning. As you may know, I love the ocean, and all that is associated with it, including sailing. To put out to sea is to leave the harbor. To put out to sea is to commit to sailing and to get underway. Deciding to sail is important, boarding ship is necessary, but putting out to sea is actually doing something that means you are going somewhere.

His Perfect Will

Matthew 12:39-40 shows the reaction of Jesus to the demands of the Pharisees for a "sign": But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

Boarding Ship

"We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail…" Acts 27:2

I love boarding ships. We recently spent 15 days aboard a ship that "set sail" from San Diego. We had purchased a cruise from Vacations To Go (a discount cruise agency) that arranged for us to board the Celebrity Millennium. Our cruise was to go through the Panama Canal and end up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We boarded the ship, we had no idea who would be on board. In life, whether you are a prisoner or not, you don’t get to choose your travel mates when you sail as a group. Paul boarded with Luke (writer of Acts and perhaps signed on as the ship’s doctor), Aristarchus (a Macedonian believer), Julius (a centurion of the Imperial Regiment from Rome and Paul’s personal guard) and many other prisoners being transferred to Rome. When you read the Bible accounts you can deduce many things. These are real people and real historical events. The Bible is not a story, it is an account of God’s work with real people. Just as real as Kevin and Cindy who were honeymooning on our cruise: he was widowed a few years ago, she was a new believer. They were totally blessed to be together and we enjoyed their company immensely. It felt like we had known each other for years. He was an elder at his church, we so loved talking shop, life and faith with them. Just like Paul, who I am sure met crew and passengers and found kindred spirits and new friends, opportunities to witness, and divine appointment. When we board ships, get on airplanes, are seated at restaurants, and attend events, we have these opportunities as well. Who does God have you seated with or traveling alongside? Every human encounter is a reminder of the divine plan for life and redemption. Why did God put them on that ship? Why did we get on the ship that we did? There are probably more divine appointments than we keep. God is orchestrating constantly. Let Him conduct the symphony of your life as you live day by day. What is God up to in your life today? Every encounter may be an opportunity from Him. When boarding anything, anytime, think about what He might be up to. There are no accidents with God.

Deciding to Sail

"When it was decided that we would sail for Italy…" Acts 27:1a

When you are arrested and in the system, you don’t get to make many, if any, decisions about your arrangements. In the hospital, in school, in church, at work even…you do get some choices. But under arrest, in jail, in prison, and to an extent even on probation/parole, you are pretty much at the mercy of the system. What you get to do and the rules, consequences and conditions are arranged by someone else. Paul was waiting to be sent to Rome for over two years. Maybe this is why he has such a heart for prisoners, who along with widows and orphans (whom we have far more compassion for) are lumped together as those who should be visited, prayed for, and especially ministered to. Jail is hard. But when you lose your freedom, rights, and choices, you are still responsible for how you handle it. Even when it is decided for you, you can still embrace the opportunity whatever the limitations are. Paul is falsely accused, wrongfully arrested, and unjustly punished, yet he still makes the best of his situation. He says that no matter what situation he finds himself in, he is content. Contentment can even come in confinement. It’s not easy, but when you truly trust God you can cope with faith and trust no matter what the circumstances. Luke is writing Acts and he is part of the “we” here in verse 1a. He stands by his arrested brother in Christ, Paul, and rolls with the decision to wait two years and then, all of the sudden, sail for Italy. Whether you are confined to not driving, or taking medication, or living with friends, or whatever your restriction, embrace it. See God in it. Let God lead you through it. His grace is sufficient. Jesus knows your pain, your trouble and your purpose. Let him guide you and comfort you and work behind the scenes and though the process. Yes, even through the system. Hey, sailing sure beats waiting, even with a centurion watching over you all the time. Paul shows us how to deal with it. Luke shows us how to roll with those who are dealing with it. We can learn how to embrace our situations and circumstances and make the best of them by trusting the Lord.

What I Am

"I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." Acts 26:29

These are basically Paul’s words to everyone, all the time. He wants all to become Christians, not in name only, but servants of the Lord. Like Paul, what I am is a child of the King. I am a sinner saved by grace. I am an ever grateful believer in the only true redeemer. I am part of the Body of Christ. I am part of the fellowships of believers that know Jesus is the way, truth and life. I am a living witness to the power of God to save. I pray God that not only you but all who are reading this today may become what I am. Paul ends his statement saying that he wouldn’t hope for anyone to be in chains or falsely accuses, or victims of injustice. Paul wants most of all for everyone to be free in Christ. I too, would rather you knew Jesus than be rich, free, successful, or anything else. There is no greater thing than knowing Jesus. It is the ultimate experience. It is the only thing that supersedes everything else. As Paul would say, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Just how sold out are you to Him today? Become what Paul became? Surrender to Christ. I have never regretted my decision for Christ. It was the most important decision of my life.

I Too, Am Out of My Mind

"“At this point, Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. ‘You are out of your mind, Paul!’ he shouted. ‘Your great learning is driving you insane.’" Acts 26:24

The point Paul had just made was that Christ rose from the dead and proclaimed light to the Jews and the Gentiles. Festus has invited a lot of people to hear Paul, including King Agrippa and his wife Bernice. Agrippa was of Jewish descent and a direct descendant of Herod the Great. It is very complicated, but Bernice is his sister and also his wife. Part of the downfall of the Herodian Empire was their incestuous relationships. All that aside, this group of influential people is listening to Paul’s testimony and Festus says Paul is crazy. The “crazy-making” in the room is pretty thick, with a lot of intelligent people in desperate need of grace, and a Savior. The tension must have been measurable, so Festus makes his insanity claim to change the conversation.

This scene is repeated often throughout history. I have been part of intelligent conversations that changed course when someone felt so uncomfortable with the claims of Christ. You can talk about church, or history, or almost anything, but mention Jesus resurrected or on the cross, and people get edgy. It is an uncomfortable subject. Because we all have to answer the question, “What about what Jesus did?” It’s particularly uncomfortable is you are prideful, sinful, or lost. If Jesus was crucified, then why? If He resurrected, then how? It changes not only a conversation, it changes everything. As soon as the claims of Christ are made, we all must respond. What say you today? Jesus indeed was crucified for our sins, rose again, and that demands a response. Call me crazy too, but it remains the most important question. What have you done about what Jesus did?

In Kindness

"The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs." Acts 27:7

Julius is the centurion who has been given the responsibility to deliver Paul to Rome. Little does he know at this juncture what a harrowing experience this is to be. Paul had a knack of getting close to people and developing deep admiration and mutual respect. Even though we often read of him speaking out and raising a bit of a ruckus at times, behind the scenes in one on one relationships he befriended many. Julius was fast becoming his friend. Through trust and conversation, through coming troubles and cooperation, Julius will come to understand Paul and his quest. Even though Paul is under arrest, he firmly believes that he is to go to Rome and do whatever God tells him to do there. When they land at Sidon, Paul lets Julius know that he has friends there. Julius responds with an unusual kindness.

Aristarch​us

"Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us." Acts 27:2b

Bible people are fascinating. I mean people who are part of history. People who lived and died, had families, jobs and are mentioned in the Word of God. Aristarchus, by name is in the Bible five times. Acts 19:29, Acts 20:4, Acts 27:2, Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 1:24. He is one of Paul's primary traveling companions on his third missionary journey. We see from this passage that he is a Macedonian and was from Thessalonica. Remember the reputation of the leaders are Thessalonica was that they were not as receptive to the teachings of Paul as the Bereans. But, I bet Aristarchus was. As a Macedonian I believe he probably was symbolic to Paul of the vision he had of the Macedonian man who beckoned him to Macedonia to witness. Aristarchus may have come to Christ during Paul's mission journey to that region. When this little eight word phrase speaks of 'us', it means Paul, Aristarchus and Luke the writer or Acts. They often traveled together and Luke served as correspondent and Aristarchus was Paul's aide.

How to Get at People

"There was a great uproar and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. ‘We find nothing wrong with this man,’ they said, ‘What is a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’" Acts 23:9

Paul has been hauled in before the Sanhedrin (a council of Jewish leaders). He notes that he is a Pharisee and the Pharisees and Sadducees got into an argument with each other. Essentially, Paul divided his adversaries against each other. It’s an effective tact since at the bottom line, the dispute is so divisive and violent that Paul is sent to Rome for further questioning. This basically protects him from being the victim of mob violence. In this verse, the Pharisees do something we do that really hits below the belt. When they suggest that a spirit or angel may have spoken to Paul, they know that the Sadducees don’t believe in spirits or angels (or the Resurrection). So they pick at a core belief to make their point. This is a fact that we all see from time to time. You know, bring up a big bone of contention that is really unrelated to sway an argument. We do this with “hot topics” or “weaknesses” when we want to win an argument at any expense. We bring up a sore point to make our point. This is very loaded and always intensifies the argument. Paul knew this would happen and turned them on each other. When it means your life, I understand the tactic, but over little stuff, we can do the same thing. For example, someone says, “You forgot to take out the trash.” The response would be something like, “Well it’s not like I came home drunk!” Get the picture? We hail out a hurtful past big issue to deal with a current little problem. Lots of what we say is pretty loaded, if we think about what our motives are. Paul was strategically dividing his adversaries. The Pharisees were mocking the Sadducees’ beliefs. Why do you say what you say? I am convicted by this.

Say What?

"When they heard him speak in Aramaic they got very quiet." Acts 22:2

Paul was a bright guy. Not only was he learned, he was also wise. He had a way with the “right words” at the “right time”. Paul also knew how to talk to people. How he spoke to the Roman Commander was effective. It was different than how he addressed the crowd, which was different than how he spoke to the Ephesian elders. He knew how to connect without watering down the message or overly fearing being offensive. Paul could “speak the truth in love”. When he spoke to this crowd who had essentially turned on him due to confusion, mob mentality and misinformation, he was able to win them over by speaking more informally in Aramaic, their common, but personal language. When he spoke to the Commander, he spoke Greek. We can learn from this. We need to know how to talk to people. You can’t speak to seniors with loads of hip jargon, nor can you speak to youth with nonstop euphemisms. I must get on a knee to talk to a preschooler and to my mother-in-law who is in a wheelchair. I speak slower to someone who is learning English as much as I appreciate a Spanish-speaker slowing down for me. You get the picture. Paul sets us a great example of being “all things to all men, so that he might win a few”. Think about your audience, whether it’s a crowd or just one. Don’t talk all “churchy” to people who don’t know church lingo. Make an effort to connect without patronizing. A quick prayer to ask for the Spirit’s help is a good start. I said one as I wrote this devotion. I hope it doesn’t sound all “Greek to you”.

The Name of the Lord Jesus

"Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'" Acts 21:13

Paul had been warned repeatedly of the danger of his going to Jerusalem. Now, a prophet, Agabus, tells him he will be bound and arrested, even tying Paul’s hands with his belt to illustrate the point. Paul cannot be dissuaded. He knows he must go, whatever fate awaits him. He has been through a lot already and he fears nothing. He is literally “bound and determined” to go. In spite of certain trouble, he forges ahead. Why? Because he is ready to die, if necessary for Jesus. His faith and testimony are exemplary, what dedication and commitment. This kind of willingness is rarer today. At the first sign of trouble, we are more likely to scatter, or reconsider. We are inclined towards the easy way out or the way of least resistance. Paul carries through. He asks them not to break his heart with their tears and to trust God with him. They do. They agree together in verse 14 “The Lord’s Will be done”. But that’s another devotional…

Arrested?

"The Commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked him who he was and what he had done." Acts 21:33

Does something seem out of order here? Where is the due process? Anybody gonna give Paul his rights? They don’t even know he is a Roman citizen yet. As a matter of fact, if you read a little father, this commander actually thinks Paul is an Egyptian terrorist. What confusion. People are yelling all kinds of things and this Roman commander has to take Paul into the barracks to get some peace and figure out what is going on. After Paul straightens him out a bit, the Commander allows him to address the crowd. Paul is calm, reasonable, courteous, and convincing. Notice now the two things that have happened. One, Paul has been arrested and bound just like the prophet said. I find that interesting. And also, Paul is going to testify to a large crowd no matter what, just like he said. So God’s will is getting done, no matter what anybody else is doing or saying. Amazing how this happens, isn’t it? Often, we must roll with it and just watch God work. I have seen so many time when we are obedient, faithful and willing that He accomplishes amazing things. You see it is not primarily about us or our rights, it is fundamentally about His will and purpose. Even under unfair or dire circumstances. There is a lesson to learn here.

Even Paul Took Counsel

"What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come. So do what we tell you." Acts 21:22

Paul is first and foremost a servant of the Lord. Even though he is outspoken, evangelical, and doctrinally correct, he would so what is right and best when given wise counsel. Here is the scenario in a nutshell. He is advising new Jewish believers to be free from the Law, free from circumcising their children and following most of the other customs. The Jerusalem Jews who believe in Jesus as their Messiah are still doing these things. James (half brother of Jesus) and the other elders advise Paul to sponsor four men who have taken a vow and to join them in purification rights. They were shaving their heads and Paul had had Timothy circumcised to appease the legalists. Now it is on him to show some sensitivity to traditional Jews and participate in a custom that will not be doctrinally inappropriate. He doesn’t get high and mighty, he doesn’t argue, he doesn’t defend his fervor, he just takes counsel and obeys. What an example! Eventually new Christianity pulls away from Judaism because of the most important issues of Christian deity, atonement and resurrection. Paul’s obedience helped out to create a distraction so the crucial points of departure could be clear. Paul didn’t have to this, but he did. Would you do what you don’t have to do to be a better witness? I advise this those who take counsel, and especially when it is those who give it.

The Final Straw

"Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go, I will send you far away to the Gentiles." Acts 22:21

After 20 verses of testimony and Paul telling everybody his whole story about who he was and is and all the details about he persecuted Christians and how he heard the Lord’s voice and Jesus Himself spoke to him on the road to Damascus. He talked about rejection and praying in the temple and Stephen’s martyrdom. As soon as he brings up the message going to the Gentiles, this Jewish crowd turns on Him.

Family

"But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home." Acts 21:5-6

The Bible is the Word of God. Every verse is good for doctrine or reproof. It is our only source for faith and practice. That being said, it is also, especially here in Acts, a chronicle of what early believers did. I don’t know is Paul or Luke’s wives and kids were in this number, but it important that we always remember that ministry, mission and outreach always affect the whole family. That is part of why we have a Christian school. It is why we have Childcare and Children’s Church. It is why we do a Christmas Musical and have Christmas Eve Service. We are and must more so be a church that is not only about the teaching, ministry and evangelism, it is about the spouse and children. Single people without children also went to the beach that day to pray, because church is about family. Picture it—A bunch of Christians, all ages, kneeling on the beach together to pray. Praying for God’s will and safety and for new believers. Real people, just like when we have baptized at the beach and the church family came. I am sure there were hugs and kisses, encouragement and concern. Living the faith in Bible days was as real as it is today. Trying to keep the kids quiet, trying to hear. A few tears, and that sense of excitement that we are part of what God is doing. I hope you feel like you are a real part of a church family. Someone who could kneel and pray on the beach with brothers and sisters. We together are part of His ministry, even we you return home.

His Will Be Done

"When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done." Acts 21:14

I remember once, an agnostic said to me, “Christians always use that ‘God’s will thing’ as a cop out to disagreements and non-decisions.” My response has been that if it worked for Paul, we should at least consider it. Or, hey it is a big line from our prayer model from Jesus, you know… “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone!

Our Monday Devotion comes to us from Council Member, Gabby Botts:

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

It might be true that you have seen me talk about this verse before. I can’t help it! It’s one of my favorites. It’s just so important that we "stir up" each other, or encourage each other, towards love and doing good. I’m here to encourage you this morning. It’s easy to go through our day without taking the time to really see people and listen to people. A lot of people “listen” solely with the intent of responding. Instead, we should listen more carefully, with the intent of understanding. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them, and nothing more. That’s one simple way we can show love. Let’s not just go through the motions of our day, or go through on autopilot, let’s take the time to really look people in the eye, and care about them. When you learn to see people as fellow creatures that are bearing the image of God, created in His image, it’s a lot harder to judge or scorn them.

Humble Service

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

For me, anything worth doing is worth doing right, so critical thinking about all the possible threats, weaknesses and outcomes is just part of the process. Others might see it as criticism. Some might even consider the drive for excellence simply as arrogance. This is why we must make every effort to bear each other in love.

Torn

"After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos." Acts 21:19

Luke used the word "we" here because he is with Paul as he says farewell to the Ephesians. Luke shares Paul’s sentiments, so much so that he says in strong words, “after we had TORN ourselves away from them”…There is a closeness and a union that believers have that is very special. I believe it is unique to Christian brothers and sisters in Christ all joined together spiritually, by His blood. We rejoice and we suffer—as one. When someone halfway around the world is persecuted for their faith…it is personal. When Christians are martyred it is about His blood, the same blood that saved me. I am closer to people I don’t even know because of it. When we travel, we make new friends and because of Christ there is instant bonding. We are quickly family and when reunited we pick up where we left off. As the old song goes, “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, and we know that all unity will one day be restored and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” These words resonate with me and like Paul and Luke I share the deepest connections with other believers and feel it when we are torn apart by time, space, circumstance, sin or persecution.

Get it Right

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" Acts 20:35

Sometimes stuff is quoted as Scripture that really isn’t in the Bible. In our effort to make sure we don’t invent Bible verses, we sometimes can toss stuff out that really is in the bible. Here are some examples:

Watch-care

"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God. Which He bought with His own blood." Acts: 20:28

As a shepherd, I know the role of overseers or under shepherds is vital to a local church. Pastors should care and watch over the flock. But Paul, in his model of the church sees the responsibility also for leaders of the church to watch and care and, in effect, shepherd also. How can this happen? First of all, why? Because people need lot of touches and connection points. It is reassuring and encouraging. I believe there should be a consistent, comprehensive, and accountable ministry in the church to watch over and care for a church. Especially one like Grace Harbor that has a high impact and is growing. Everyone appreciates that the Pastor cares and knows everyone, but they will commit when they know the leaders care. I think many can serve as watch-care leaders. The importance of watch-care is illustrated by Paul’s words to describe the sheep. He says watch over the sheep for “they were bought with His own blood.” That is a dear price and every sheep is worth Jesus to God. So we should value them, shepherd them, care for them and watch over them. This is a fundamental principle of the church. I should be equipping and training people to do this.

Talking On and On

"Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and put his arms around him, ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said, ‘He’s alive!" Acts 20:8-10

The Bible is so real! Can you picture this scene? I bet when the gasps and screams combined, everybody else woke up too. Talk about a group adrenaline rush! I am sure Paul had their undivided attention for his closing comments. But, I think Luke thinks he was preaching for a bit too long. “On and on” is never a compliment. Young Eutychus may not remember what Paul said before he fell, but I bet he was focused after he came back to life. I can’t imagine Paul’s horror thinking he has killed him with a long sermon. Yikes! This story has many possible illustrations. I know I am always a little uncomfortable with those who nod or doze or even snore during my messages! Just recently, I committed to trying to be more effective with my time and not putting anyone to sleep. Which means…a little shorter. I will trust God’s leading, but this devotional has me thinking seriously about what “on and on” could do.

A We Insight

"But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed for seven days." Acts 20:6

As I have been “devotionalizing” my way through a study of the Book of Acts of the Apostles, I have to remind myself from time to time that it is penned by Luke. He writes himself into the story more than once when he uses the word “we”. I try to remember to ask the question, “We who?” when I see the word used. Here the “we” means at least me and Paul, maybe just the two of them, but maybe more. The separation of the group was probably for Paul’s safely since he was a married man. So Luke and Paul sail from Philippi instead of going over land and backtracking to Troas with the larger band of brothers. Luke served as the narrator for the events of Acts and like his gospel account, he shares personal details like no other writer. I appreciate this. This is why we use so much of Luke in the Christmas story. The detail brings it to life. Luke is chosen to write and inspired by the Holy Spirit because of who he was. God knows his writer and uses him perfectly. Imagine Paul and Luke sailing. It inspires me. For five days, maybe just the two of them. We have much to learn from them.

Knuckleheads of the Bible

Our Tuesday Devotion comes to us from Council Member, Ray:

So, April is running a 10-week course on the “Bad Girls of the Bible”, or something like that. Good call, because there aren’t enough weeks in the year to run “Bad Boys…” And, from my recent readings through the early Prophets (as I walk through the Bible in a year) recently has led me to an amazing sensitivity to Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. It makes me want to title this missive “Knuckleheads of the Bible”, as it seems as though there are countless nations, people groups, towns, …, individuals who are so incredibly stubborn, hard-hearted, sinful – despite the words straight from the Creator of the universe they all live in – that it borders on insanity! One must simply deny the messenger’s message and stick to the horrid way of life that your senses have led you. Consider Eze 33:6, where he is appointed by God to be the “watchman” over the house of Israel: “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand”. Then, when the Lord gives Ezekiel a vision, or the words to speak as the watchman, he is commissioned to speak these words or else! Ouch, once we know, we're accountable!

Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?

Our Friday Devotion comes to us from Church Member, Lahoma:

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

I have been asked many times in my life why I believe the Bible is the Word of God by skeptics and those who seek to discredit and discourage people from believing the Bible is our only source of truth for today. There are a lot of “sacred books” out there, but none of them come close to being the literal Words of our Holy God, our Creator, Master, Defender, Lord and Righteous Heavenly Father. I ponder why people have such a hard time accepting the Bible, then I remember that in today’s society, people don’t like relying on something other than themselves to give directions for living-that goes against the world’s philosophy of “Do whatever YOU want to do, after all, no one has the right to tell you what to do!”. The Bible is continually under attack and mocked, changed, parts are dismissed as outdated or culturally inappropriate. I heard once that a school district didn’t want to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms because “Kids may read them and actually do what they say.” REALLY? Not kill???? Not steal???? Honor their mothers and fathers?????? Wow…. And we wonder why our kids are scared to go to school and we have shootings, metal detectors and bomb threats on our campuses. Our passage today is so true, we need light in this dark world to direct our steps- but when we don’t have that lamp, we are destined to stumble in the ever growing darkness until we fall and lose our way. The Bible is CLEAR when it tells us what is good for us, and what is NOT good for us in our lives. It makes me sick to watch the world redefine sins that they want to participate in, and then when the Bible is brought up to direct us away from those sins, it is dismissed as a “mere book outdated and only written by men”. This kind of thinking has slowly eroded our society, our schools, our government, our families, and sadly our faith. Brothers and sisters, we need to know WHAT GOD SAYS, and the only way to do that is to honor the Bible, believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and…. READ the Bible! There is NO OTHER BOOK in the WORLD that comes close to the amazing Bible, the true Word of God. We can put our confidence in the Bible as truth that does not change by the whims of society, or the opinions of man. It is forever established in the heavens, it does not return void, and there is power in scripture to speak LIFE into us, into our challenges, into our trials.

Regular People

"He was accompanied by Sopater, son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia." Acts 20:4

The Bible, and Christianity in general, is made up of regular people. Everyday folk who are mentioned maybe only once in the word of God. People who are mentioned maybe only once in the word of God. People who believed in God enough to go ahead of Paul when his life was being threatened. Believers, all of them who signed up to serve, who stepped up and gave of themselves. The church has always been the people. No more and no less. Christ is the head and we are the body. We should be willing like Secundus from Thessalonica who we hear nothing more about in the word other than his mention here in Acts 20:4. We need more people like Secundus who didn’t ask to be mentioned in the Bible. He was just a believer willing to come along and help. He wasn’t looking for fame or a moment of glory. I am sure that I am saying more about him now than usually gets said. Secundus is us. We should think of him as an example of volunteerism. A brother who served the Lord by helping Paul. There are always Chiefs and Native Americans. The church needs Braves who will do what is needed.

The Other Story

"But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" Acts 19:34

Two hours shouting! Oh my! Sounds like some of the recent protests from around the world. The poor Jew who was shouted down was a guy named Alexander who was just trying to squelch a riot. The riot was stirred up by a silversmith named Demetrius, who made Artemis idols. Why is there so often a money or power angle to riots? Well, at the heart of this reaction was people turning away from idolatry and towards Jesus and whipped up about how that would affect the traditions and the idol industry. People will miss the truth in the name of not wanting to change or for a few dollars. This is human nature: selfish, rebellious and lazy. Why is it even in the Bible? Devotionals should only be about encouragement and victory, healing and salvation, right? Well, New Testament life had low moments too. On this day, the crowd rejected the truth of Christ and resisted change. Not every Bible account is a victory. The believers would regroup and move forward. A little discouraged, but faithful. When we are tested, we move forward, knowing He is for us. Can’t win them all. But we keep on keeping on, knowing the truth is still the truth. The news can be discouraging, but the truth is greater.

Daily for Two Years

"He took the disciples with him and had discussion daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of God." Acts 19:9b-10

Wow! No wonder God called Paul. He is so effective. What a dedicated and tireless servant. Every day for two years. Over 700 Bible discussion sessions with the disciples (not the 12, all the disciple believers in that region) Did every Jew and Greek attend one or more of these 700 sessions? Is that how it got spread? I don’t think so, I think all those disciples discussed it with everyone they knew and it spread exponentially. It is a good thing to invite people to church. It is more effective to share your faith in the contact of everyday life to do this we must feel a sense of urgency. If you possess the key truth of life, how can you not share it? It takes time to get discipled. It takes disciplers to disciple eager believers. The world needs Jesus. That is not an annual event, or a quarterly effort, or a monthly program. Be part of His kingdom work, your King deserves that.

Vigorous Refutation

"For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scripture that Jesus was the Christ." Acts 18:28

This verse speaks of Apollos, a fiery preacher that Aquila and Priscilla mentored. They were Paul’s tentmaker friends. In the early church, there was a lot of ministry training going on. Apollos needed to be taken deeper in his understanding of the faith, and as he grasped it, he then vigorously and passionately shared his deeper faith and used the Word of God to support his claims about Jesus being the Messiah and the Way. When we will study the Bible with those who are more knowledgeable and more mature we can be used to reach others. Sometimes it is very convenient to not know enough to share. It is like not knowing how to swim well and using that as an excuse to not get in the water at all. Or, not knowing how to dance, so you refuse to even try. You may not be an Apollos, or a Paul, or a Priscilla or Aquila, but if you will learn more you could be passionate about your faith and a much better witness. Apollos was a natural preacher, but needed training and deepening. How could God use you if you let go of your excuses? I am not a strong swimmer, but I always get in the water. Early on I learned from friends and took calculated risks. What could you vigorously do with some training?

How to Strengthen

"After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples." Acts 18:23

We all need it. Paul needed it. He got it and he shared it. But how did he do it> How exactly do you help believers get stronger? If we look at Paul’s efforts over a period of time, we can list the ways he strengthened all the believers. This takes skill and sensitivity. Can’t just pass out exercise programs and expect people to work out. Can’t just talk about it either. Strengthening happens when we turn faith into action.

The Value of Vows

"Before he sailed, he has his hair cut off at Genchrae because of a vow he had taken." Acts 18:18b

Paul was a real man. He was reflective and humble, bold, brave, and willing to do whatever. After a long mission stint in Corinth and before he went to the next place (which, by the way, was Syria), he gets a serious hair cut. It is widely believed he took a Nazarite vow. Jews made personal vows, which are a little like our recommitments and rededications. I am sure with the success of the outreach in Corinth, a number of believers made deep decisions to follow Christ. Some consecrated these acts with personal vows. The Nazarite vow says you cut your hair as a sacrifice to God. In the Old Testament, the hair was burned. Paul supported and joined the serious new believers in their commitment. I hope we return to a more serious "total commitment" time. Back in the Jesus Movement time in the 60s, many believers made vows and practiced spiritual discipline. I will list 13 spiritual disciplines in hopes that some of you might make short term vows to express your dedication to Christ.

I Got Your Back

"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’ So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God." Acts 18:9-10

Paul knew how to balance caution, boundaries and spiritual freedom. He was able to hear God embolden him for a long season and an important mission. God can help you know your limitations and cut you loose when He needs you. Paul heard God in a vision. God calmed him and reassured him. I have had this happen. The Lord from time to time lets me know He has my back, either through the encouragement of others, or in a dream or vision that still, small voice says to me, "You are going to be fine, don’t be afraid, keep sharing, I am with you, you are safe…" The boldness that comes from this reassurance is wonderful. He indeed, "never leaves us or forsakes us." He is truly with us, for us, and in us. Paul stays for 18 months longer because of this assurance. Life and ministry has its ups and downs, from the mountaintop to the valley. He is with us the whole way. We must trust Him for each season, long or short, high or low. As it says in His word, "He who began a good work in us is faithful and just to complete it." I just must listen, trust and obey, just like Paul.

With His Power,
Pastor Fred

Boundaries

"But when the Jews opposed Paul and he became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." Acts 18:6

I love to hear Paul set boundaries. He loves the Jews but rightfully decided to step back from them and let them face their consequences. He drew a line about the verbal and physical abuse. He said, “No more” when it was time. He knew when he was done. Scripture says he “shook out his clothes”, a symbolic action of letting go and shaking off all the hurt. He surrendered the Jews to God. He refused to take their responsibility and to repeat the cycle of rejection, drama and abuse. The words and the feels ended. He released the chain and was free to move on. Who are you chained to? Who keeps dragging you abusively into the drama? When we truly surrender toxic situations to God, He takes them and we are done with them. Until you do, you are destined to repeat the crazy making and continue the abuse. Do you still love people? Of course. Do you still care, of course! Are you available under the right conditions? Yes. But the cycle stops. Paul drew a line, stayed behind it with this group. The results are miraculous. When we have our boundaries, God can move without us being in the way. Try it.

Show Me the Way

Our Thursday Devotion comes to us from Member, Heather Gent:

Over the years, I've often teased my 20 year older husband about his taste in music, and one night not long ago when I had to borrow his iPod was no exception. As I headed out to the fitness room, I playfully poked at what I might hear when I turned it on, never dreaming that what I heard would be the inspiration for what I now write. As I listened to Styx when they came up in the queue, I found myself not only smiling, but also senselessly singing along - at least until I remembered there were other people in the room. Most intriguing to me as the words rolled across my tongue was the lyrical parallel to my life as I frequently find myself asking God to show me the way. I am ever aware of my weaknesses, especially my internal navigation system for the future, which seems to recalculate on every whim. More than once I've messed things up, gotten ahead of God, and fallen because of it all, but at a time in my walk with Him when I feel strong in my faith and discerning of His voice, I recently found myself feeling dejected over my ceaseless questioning regarding days ahead. It was in this low moment, however, that He gently reminded me that the day I stop asking Him to show me the way is the day I'll actually lose my way.

Aquila and Priscilla

"After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them." Acts 18:1-3

I not only enjoy writing devotionals, I also enjoy Bible study. Reading and writing devotionals does not replace Bible study. All Christians must study God’s Word if they expect to mature in their faith and walk. Going to church, attending church events, serving the Lord, and even witnessing do not replace Bible study. Giving, praying, and being the pastor do not replace studying God’s Word either. Most Christians lack adequate biblical understanding. Let me share a list of ten quick Bible notes from this passage that Christians who study His Word should be able to deduce.

Full of Idols

"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols." Acts 17:16

Athens, Greece. Greek Gods, the Parthenon... etc. It’s not surprising that the city of Athens would be full of idols. It’s also not surprising that Paul would be distressed by that fact. He is caught in a precarious position. He is a Jew, a Pharisee even and a well-studied and intellectual type, able to discuss all matters of philosophy and discussion. Note that he now is a follower of the Christ, the Messiah. He is building trust among believers and is distrusted by the Jews. He comes to Athens ahead of his new Christian friends and waits for them.

One Teenager's Journey

I didn't have to search or look too far to inspire me for my devotional message this week. I don't get to read the newspaper every day (who else reads the newspaper anymore, huh?) as I'd like to, but for some reason this Monday morning, something caught my eye on the front page of the Late Extra section of the Los Angeles Times, "Glendale's teen's moving campaign. Sebouh Bazikian raises money to buy bikes for Kenyan orphans". And if that wasn't enough, the love is… cartoon on the next page was "SAVE THE CHILDREN", stating "love is… supporting a good cause." Okay, I got the feeling that God likely (definitely) wanted me to share this message with others because it so touched my heart and likely will yours too. I don't have the space to share the whole article, but if you're interested, you can go on-line to read the full story [LATIMES.COM, Mon. Sept. 9, 2013, Page AA3]. It's inspiring! When Sebouh learned how orphans in Kenya had to walk an hour to school, he wanted to find a way to help make their lives a little easier. So, for a year, Sebouh worked to raise about $5,000 to buy 43 new bicycles through the organization World Bike Relief. When the bikes were delivered in August to the children at the Machao Orphanage in Makueni, about 115 miles from Nairobi, Sebouh traveled to be there when the orphans received the bikes. He also helped the older kids learn how to ride the bikes, and watched with amazement when the older kids, after they had gained enough confidence on the bikes, taught the youngest of the children how to ride. Sebouh said "this was probably one of my greatest experiences. I felt I was like their parent teaching them how to ride a bike. You always have to keep a promise, especially to children who have absolutely nothing. I wasn't going to flake out."

Better Christians

""Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11

Not all Christians are the same. There are more noble ones and less noble ones. This has always been a weakness and a strength for the kingdom work--a weakness, because it is confusing to unbelievers when believers don't act like believers should, and a strength, in that believers are just humans and their weaknesses can be a witness as they are transformed. The problem is that too many weak Christians don't become very transformed and they can give us all a bad name. Our response to this reality should not be to be defensive of the weakness of Christians, but rather to be honest about our shortcomings. We should neither try to explain away or defend bad Christian behavior.

Paul’s Custom

"As his custom was, Paul went into the Synagogue and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead." Acts 17:2-3

Paul was always ready to teach. He was always ready to share from his experience and especially from the Word of God. He used the Scriptures effectively from the Old Testament to show the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. He focused on two fundamental truths that are pivotal to our faith. One, the necessity of the Cross and the other the necessity of the Resurrection.

About Praying and Singing

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." Acts 16:25

Just so you know, Paul got arrested a lot. He seemed to be in the unenviable position of being disliked by both the Jews and the local officials. So therefore, between the two of those groups being frustrated with his incessant witnessing, they locked him up to try to shut him up. I don’t know how much you know about jail (probably more than you often admit) but, in jail, there is a lot of witnessing and praying and bible study and singing going on.

Come and Stay at my House

"When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord", she said, "Come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us." Acts 16:15

There is a unique and special type of hospitality that Christians should be capable of that transcends family, culture, friendliness and concern. Lydia is the woman in this passage and she was a businesswoman who sold purple cloth in her day. (How do I know this?) It says so in other places in the New Testament.) She came to the river to wash that cloth and there she witnessed baptisms. She was curious, then interested and asked questions. She believed on Jesus Christ and was baptized along with her whole household. This is not uncommon that the witness begins with one person in a family and spreads to others.

Sharp Disagreements

"Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing. Barnabas wanted to take John also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." Acts 15:36-41"

I wonder why Luke chose to share this part of the inner workings of the early church. Obviously because he is led of the Spirit in writing Acts and what is included in what God intended for us to study. Luke is sharing as he is inspired and not trying to paint a pretty picture or one that is touched up for appearances.

Legalism Should Be Dead

"Through Him (Jesus) everyone is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." Acts 13:39"

You have your choice in life. Either you can be religious or faithful. You can have grace or the law. Jesus makes a new way for us to deal with all of our sin. All of us have sin. We cannot avoid it. It is part of the human experience. We do stuff, say stuff, think stuff and allow stuff that shouldn't happen. We fail to do many things that should happen. This is called the sin of omission. How can anyone possibly not sin? Only Jesus did this. Everyone else has sinned. There is not an exception. Moses sinned, Abraham sinned, Mary sinned, Joseph sinned and all the disciples sinned. We are human. That is not an excuse that is a condition. The human condition.

The Word of God

"But the Word of God continued to increase and spread." Acts 12:24"

In the same way I always am compelled to ask, “What is the therefore there for?”, I also ask, “But what about the but?” What precedes this comment about the Word of God is the nasty death of Herod. I say nasty because Herod was struck down by an angel with worms for allowing people to call him God. Shocking, but true. On the other hand, God's Word increases and spreads. Still true today. Over the centuries, the powers, individuals, and other religions that would destroy the Word of God have come and gone, but his truth endures. That will always be true. Nothing can stop it. The more it increases the more it spreads. The more it spreads, the more it increases. It is the very nature of truth and the light to do that. He is the truth, He is the light. He is the Word that was made flesh. Until the end, His Word will increase and spread. Eventually every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is God. So, we work and wait. Is His Word increasing in you? If it does it will spread through you. The very purpose of God's Word increasing is so that it will spread. This is why we spread the Good News, that Jesus Christ is Lord!!! Everything else passes away, only He and His Truth remains. Herod thought he could shut down or slow down the Word of God and it cost him his life. Whatever happens in your life, even if you die, God's Word will increase and spread. So, try to do your part and I will try to do mine.

So Then

"So if God gave them the same gift as He gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." Acts 11:17

The choice of language has an interesting way of conveying deep sentiment. Peter is sharing that it is now revealed that God's will is that Gentiles are included in the family of God through faith in Jesus. This is a huge change. Not only does this make sense, but it also is a heart correction that needed to be made for some time. For centuries there had grown a superior and "holier than thou" feeling, that the Jews had over Gentiles (non-Jews). This is easy to have happen. We experience it in the church today. People who have been 'believers' for a long time can begin to exclude others easily and begin to feel exclusive about who can belong in the church family.

The Ability to Respond

"During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul." Acts 11:27-30

The responsiveness to need by Christians is amazing, and a glory to God! The unresponsiveness of Christians to need is a selfish shame. The early church was a picture of the potential of believers to find and do God's Will. They did so by being decisive, generous and compassionate. I note in this passage that each disciple, according to their ability, made a decision of what to give to alleviate the effect of the coming famine on brothers and sisters far away. They did more than talk, they acted. They also, literally, put their money where their mouth was. It is one thing to care, and another to respond. We must do both, and with the right heart and the personal commitment. Three observations to wrap up today's devotional. 1) The sum total of the end result was more important than any individual effort. 2) The timely response unified together was miraculous. 3) The integrity of each disciple making a prayerful decision about how generous to be, was truly exemplary. We have much to learn from the early church about decisiveness, compassion and generosity. Believers across the world are suffering and we are seemingly hamstrung to respond. Praise God for how much Christians glorify God by caring through giving. And Lord, forgive us for any shameful selfishness that hampers God's plan in any way.

Stuff to Avoid

"You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangles animals, and from sexual immorality." Acts 15:29

The Council at Jerusalem decided to send a letter to all the churches to make sure that everybody agreed on the “short list” of what inexperienced, new believes should avoid. They said in the preceding verse that anything else would be burdensome, unnecessary and not good for the church. OK…a short list, we like that, right. Let’s check it off one by one.

Some are Persecuted

"It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them." "Acts 12:1"

What time was that Pastor, you may ask? That time was when the generosity, compassion and decisiveness of the early disciples was so prominent. News of the success of the believers was spreading fast. The early church was on fire for Him and when we are in the center of His will that is when persecution often comes. Of course King Herod had it in for the Christians, because he couldn't get rid of Jesus before He grew up and fulfilled His mission. The believers in the early church were profoundly committed to Christ and would very willingly give their lives for the Truth. At least some were. It does say that "some" were persecuted doesn't it? I am sure Herod wanted to make an example of some or someone.

I'm Sailing!

"From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed." Acts 14:26

From time to time I need to remind myself that it is Luke who is writing the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. When he writes "they sailed" it says two things to me. One, he was not with them or he would have written "we sailed". Luke uses "we" when he is part of the experience and "they", when he is not. It’s pretty clear if you study the passages. But, it also says to me that "they" came to him and told him about the sailing trip, and probably in more detail than we read here.

James Spoke Up

"When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me." Acts 15:13

This Council at Jerusalem that takes place in Acts 15 is one of the key moments in early church history. There are battle lines being drawn over how much of the Jewish tradition was going to be incorporated into the early church. Pharisees who were converts to Christianity were taking a stand that new male believers needed to be circumcised. This may have been because of a passion for doing things according to the Law in an attempt to glorify God. Or, it could have been done in order to deter early believers from converting to the faith. I can see both.

Don't Make It Difficult

"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God." Acts 15:19

This is James the half-brother of Jesus speaking at the Council of Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas have made a case against the requirement for the circumcision of new believers (and other oppressive rules). James has spoken up with his support of their request and then he makes a great statement that has meaning for us today. For example, you can come to church, but you have to cut your hair, or grow a beard, or wear no jewelry, or wear sandals and a plain robe. These kinds of rules have been the downfall of the spread of the gospel over the centuries.

Say My Name

As my 33rd birthday recently came and went, I was uncharacteristically peaceful about the uncertain direction of my future. Although today I know more about where I'm heading, when I started this entry, I didn't have a clue. I was still in the process of praying and trying to understand what had transpired as my best laid plans came unglued. Even now, I know things can change in an instant, and I leave behind me a trail of incomplete projects, manuscripts, and blueprints, yet I know each article of unfinished business is a piece to my life's greater puzzle and God's holy purpose. All too often over the years I've allowed myself to be swept away with who I am in the eyes of fellow men and women rather than resting in whose I am through Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:10). As the days go by, however, I'm discovering a new confidence in Him that is increasingly unshakable by my life's unknown future and course. This steadiness was further cemented by an almost unnoticeable verse in the book of 1 Chronicles. In chapter four, we are given insight into the family lines of Judah and Simeon, but in verse 38, we're told that "these mentioned by name were leaders in their families, and their father’s house increased greatly." All of a sudden, I was engrossed by the four little words "those mentioned by name," as I wondered who wasn't mentioned at all. What was so special about those mentioned by name, and at the end of the day who do I want to hear say my name?

Letting Nations Go

"In the past, He let all nations go their own way." Acts 14:16

Everywhere, and I do mean everywhere, God's testimony is present, no matter if it is the remotest place on earth, or right in our own backyard. God is omnipresent and His Spirit is everywhere. He also reveals Himself in nature, which is obviously everywhere. If a tree falls in the forest, it makes noise because He hears it. Even though God has been ever-present throughout history, man has often refused to recognize Him. Not only man, but collectively..... nations. Whole people groups and cultures have had opportunity to be reached and they have individually and collectively rejected Him. Yet, everywhere on earth there are believers. There are presently very few people groups that have not heard the direct gospel, and in their own language too. There are mission organizations dedicated solely to reaching these remote places and peoples.

Yet, when we read this verse, we wonder if God just lets people and nations go their own way. He does both. He tries to intervene and He also gives room to reject. He will not force anyone, nation or individual to turn to Him. We have many opportunities and we also have complete independent choice-making abilities. In this verse it is being pointed out that He worked through the Hebrew nation, but let others go their own way. Yet, even back then He made a way for people to know Him and find Him. After the dissemination of the Gospel we have even fewer excuses. With the advent of the internet and phone distribution being so widespread along with television and radio, there is a constant telling of the Good News that goes on. Someday all will have had the opportunity to be reached.

Corner Guys

"Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city." Acts 14:19-20

Wow! The early church had some pretty exciting drama huh? Can you imagine? Stoned and drug outside the city and left for dead. Crazy. Paul just barely has proven himself to the Christians and some Jews really turned up the heat. They beat the crud out of him basically (stoning was a way to not make anyone guilty of the actual rock that took you out) It was kind of like group justice. You know, like a firing squad. Who knows who actually fired the fatal shot? They thought he was dead. So they left. Then the disciples gathered around him, praying and ministering to him no doubt, and he gets up and dusts himself off and heads back into the city. Are you kidding me? He goes back? That is dedication.

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

"A little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6c

The sources of devotionals never cease to amaze me. They come from my study of His Word, they come from my life experiences, they come from the life experiences of others. Sometimes they come out of the sky blue and capture my heart in a moment of time. That happened this morning. As I was sitting in my car (a very common workplace for me) I was facing the Memorial Cross that graces the median that separates our parking. The inscription at the base of that cross simply reads...

Filled with Joy

"And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." Acts 13:52

I have a lot to learn in a number of areas of my life. I can get a lot from this verse that applies to my life. Paul and Barnabas are about to be expelled from the region for preaching the gospel of transformation. It seems the local Jews incited the God-fearing women and the leading men in the community to stir up trouble and persecution against these early disciples. So what do they do? Do they run and hide? Do they cower in fear? Do they close up shop? Do they get depressed wondering why did they ever volunteer for this job in the first place? Noooooo.... Scripture says they shook the dust from their feet in protest and moved on to the next place. Wow. Impressive to me. Basically they shook themselves off and rejected the rejection and went forward. What excellent counsel for me and for us.

Effectiveness

"At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed." Acts 14:1

I spent a number of years pursuing a management degree in college. In that pursuit the term effective was often used. Every author had something to say about effectiveness. It was the effective thing to do. We talked in classes about how to be effective. Always coupled with efficient, effective was a constant theme. The disciples were effective for a reason. Beyond the definition in the workplace, they were in the center of God's will. Much easier to be effective when you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. Effective doesn't always mean easy. Led of God or not, often effective is not simple. Nice when it is, but sometimes being effective is complicated.

Keep on Knocking

"But Peter kept on knocking..." Acts 12:16a

As Peter shows up at Mary's house, they are still inside praying for his release. They literally cannot believe it is him at the door and leave him standing there for a long time. Peter knows he is there and persistently keeps knocking. He has just been delivered from prison by an angel. Locks are falling off, guards can't see them and doors are swinging open. Then he gets to where the believers are, back in the real world and the door is locked. It seems ironic that as soon as the element of human reactions and disbelief are once again in play, things slow down. But, the Scripture says... Peter kept on knocking. You see, once you have seen God's power, once you have experienced the supernatural, once you have tasted and seen His glory and power, you never give up, no matter what.
I am guessing that this circumstance even must have somewhat humored or amused Peter. Can you imagine? After he mysteriously escapes from jail, then he is locked out of the place where they are praying for him. They are praying for him to be released and protected, yet cannot believe he is standing at the door. Why are we sometimes so surprised when God answers prayer? Deep inside, do we actually not believe that God can answer us? Maybe it’s that we are just going through the motions because we think we should be faithful and trust Him, in spite of what we really think? I can see Peter suggesting to the girl who answered the door that she go tell James, (the half-brother of Jesus) that it really is him, Peter, and he is really at the door. I think he himself is so excited to tell the story of how the angel came to him and brought him out that he is anticipating being able to say, "Surprise!" when they finally come to the door. The Bible is so real in the way that it reveals the way of human beings.

And Then I Saw It...

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overthrow you. When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." Isaiah 43:2

I woke up around 4:15 this morning to an upset eight year old conversing with me as though I'd been awake for hours. Usually, when he needs something in the middle of the night or early morning before I'm up, he does the normal shoulder tap accompanied by a gentle whisper of "mommy, are you awake?" but this time was different. He was already in full conversation mode by the time my left eye sluggishly began to open. "What?" I asked, and then I heard him continuing with "...and I think I threw up..." at which point his little voice began to drift off again. At this point, I wasn't even sure what was real and what was just a vomit detail of a dream gone gross, but there it was again, this time louder - "and it's on my bed..." One eye fully open now, I asked him to repeat the problem. "I threw up and it's in my bed," he loudly responded. Surprisingly, even then, I was still a little confused about what was happening and I wondered how long he had been talking into my nearly deaf ear. "Did he say he threw up and it's in his bed?" I asked my husband with a few firm pats on the back to make sure he was also awake. "Huh?" was his barely audible reply. As the seconds passed, I became increasingly aware of my consciousness and somehow managed to open both eyes. Coordination absent, I got out of bed and stumbled through the dark hotel room, certain not to miss the shoes left out in the middle of the floor. After I groggily found my way to the bathroom, I gave my eyes a good rub, flipped on the light, and called my son over to me. And then I saw it...