SCRIPTURE Acts 24:10-15
10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
OBSERVATION
Paul was being accused of stirring up trouble and gathering crowds in the synagogues. This was not true but the charges were real. Even though Paul tried to spread the gospel in a non threatening way, the pharisees and high priest still were intimidated and upset that Paul was in their town. Sometimes when we are sent to speak to someone or minister to a certain area we are not going to have open arms or a red carpet. As Christians we sometimes think that everyone is going to accept our beliefs and treat us like royalty. This was not the case for Paul. They put him in jail and falsely accused him. One thing was sure, Paul knew that he was on the right path and he was following the Way. Paul was leading people to Christ and there was going to be no obstacle that would block the Way. We are serving Christ today because Paul had perseverance and did not give up.
APPLICATION
We are following the Way. The way to the Kingdom is through Jesus. John 14: 7 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus let his disciples know that if they wanted to go to the father they would have to go through him. Paul let others know and preached this gospel to everyone he came into contact. Paul did not hide the truth. He did not teach that you can get to the father through any means or anyone. Today's message that is being preached through talk show host and new age teachers is that there are several ways you can get to heaven. This is false and needs to be confronted by the church. We need to speak up and let people know that Jesus is the Way the truth and the life.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to be bold like Paul and tell people the good news. Lord you have made the way for us to come into your presence today. It is not through meditation or chanting prayers but it is through seeking after you that we can have access to the Kingdom of God. Thank you for going to the cross so we could go to the father. It is only through the remission of sin that we can stand pure and holy in the presence of God.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
face to face
SCRIPTURE
Psalms 24
A Psalm Of David 1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
OBSERVATION
The Lord is the Creator and he has made everything. He is all powerful and Holy. Who can stand in his presence. David states that those people who do not worship idols or swear by what is false shall receive blessings. David was blessed and he was often times vindicated by God. God always watched over David eventhough he made mistakes and failed. David did not follow after other gods when he was down or discouraged. He knew that he would always seek after God's face. His goal was to seek him with all his heart.
APPLICATION
Seeking after God is a choice we all have to make. I can claim to be a christian and seek his instructions, guidance and wisdom, . Jesus told his disciples to follow after him. Most people do want to follow God's word but they are not seeking his face. Recently I asked all 60 youth in our group this question," How many of you pray at least 10 minutes a day?" I think only 5 people said they prayed at least 10 minutes not counting a blessing over their food. We all have something we are seeking! We seek after money, pleasures, power, entertainment or people's approval. Seeking his face is more than reading through the Bible in a year. I believe that seeking after his face is somthing more personal. He wants us to seek him like moses who went up on the mount to find him. Today is Valentines day and I want to spend my time with my wife. I want her to know that I love her with all of my heart. I long to see her face. I want to challenge you to seek after God the way David did! I want to seek his face. I want God to know that the only thing on my mind is to spend time with him. I want him to know that nothing else has my attention. I want to speak with him face to face! I do not just want to know about him I want to know him.!
PRAYER
Lord today I come before you and put all distractions aside. I want you to know that I am only focusing on you. I want to give you all my attention and not my spare time. Please know that I love you and thank you for giving me all of your love. There are no other gods before you and you are an awesome God.
Psalms 24
A Psalm Of David 1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
OBSERVATION
The Lord is the Creator and he has made everything. He is all powerful and Holy. Who can stand in his presence. David states that those people who do not worship idols or swear by what is false shall receive blessings. David was blessed and he was often times vindicated by God. God always watched over David eventhough he made mistakes and failed. David did not follow after other gods when he was down or discouraged. He knew that he would always seek after God's face. His goal was to seek him with all his heart.
APPLICATION
Seeking after God is a choice we all have to make. I can claim to be a christian and seek his instructions, guidance and wisdom, . Jesus told his disciples to follow after him. Most people do want to follow God's word but they are not seeking his face. Recently I asked all 60 youth in our group this question," How many of you pray at least 10 minutes a day?" I think only 5 people said they prayed at least 10 minutes not counting a blessing over their food. We all have something we are seeking! We seek after money, pleasures, power, entertainment or people's approval. Seeking his face is more than reading through the Bible in a year. I believe that seeking after his face is somthing more personal. He wants us to seek him like moses who went up on the mount to find him. Today is Valentines day and I want to spend my time with my wife. I want her to know that I love her with all of my heart. I long to see her face. I want to challenge you to seek after God the way David did! I want to seek his face. I want God to know that the only thing on my mind is to spend time with him. I want him to know that nothing else has my attention. I want to speak with him face to face! I do not just want to know about him I want to know him.!
PRAYER
Lord today I come before you and put all distractions aside. I want you to know that I am only focusing on you. I want to give you all my attention and not my spare time. Please know that I love you and thank you for giving me all of your love. There are no other gods before you and you are an awesome God.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Dead to Flesh!
SCRIPTURE
"But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace.
Acts 20:24
OBSERVATION
Paul has already been through a lot of persecution for the sake of the gospel and here, he is saying good bye to the church of Ephesus. Paul knows that when he leaves them and heads to Jerusalem, that he will never see them again. It doesn't matter to Paul that "Chains and affliction" await him. What matters to Paul is the furthering of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
APPLICATION
If there ever was a spiritual role model (Besides Christ) this is it! I want to be like Paul. I want to be so concerned about the furthering of the Gospel that I don't care about my own life. I want to be able to fully trust and accept the plan that God has for my life and despite how harsh or difficult the circumstances become, I want my concern to be getting the Gospel to those who have not yet heard or accepted the truth.
PRAYER
Father, Instill in me this kind of heart! Give me a greater heart and burden for the lost to the extent that my fleshly life fails in comparison with spreading your Gospel!
I want to be dead to the flesh and alive and awakened to the things of the Spirit!
Amen.
"But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace.
Acts 20:24
OBSERVATION
Paul has already been through a lot of persecution for the sake of the gospel and here, he is saying good bye to the church of Ephesus. Paul knows that when he leaves them and heads to Jerusalem, that he will never see them again. It doesn't matter to Paul that "Chains and affliction" await him. What matters to Paul is the furthering of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
APPLICATION
If there ever was a spiritual role model (Besides Christ) this is it! I want to be like Paul. I want to be so concerned about the furthering of the Gospel that I don't care about my own life. I want to be able to fully trust and accept the plan that God has for my life and despite how harsh or difficult the circumstances become, I want my concern to be getting the Gospel to those who have not yet heard or accepted the truth.
PRAYER
Father, Instill in me this kind of heart! Give me a greater heart and burden for the lost to the extent that my fleshly life fails in comparison with spreading your Gospel!
I want to be dead to the flesh and alive and awakened to the things of the Spirit!
Amen.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Who Are You?
SCRIPTURE
The evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul, I recognize- But who are you?"
Acts 19:15
OBSERVATION
The seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were trying to cast out demons by the "Jesus that Paul preaches." Since they had no relationship with this "Jesus that Paul preaches", they had no authority by his name. As a result, this person who was demonized pounced on them, overpowered them, and sent them running away, beaten and naked!
APPLICATION
You cannot have the authority of Christ, without a relationship with him! God has given us authority, through Christ, over ALL the power of the enemy. The key words: THROUGH CHRIST! This scripture is a lesson for those who do not yet have that relationship, but for those of us who do, it's an encouragement. Just before this, God was doing miraculous things through his servant Paul. If you have that relationship with Christ, and are filled with the Holy Spirit, EXPECT God to use you! EXPECT to see the miraculous operating through you!
PRAYER
Father, give me a spirit of expectancy! I want to pray for people expecting to see your hand at work. Thank you for the authority that you give your children over all of the power of the enemy.
Amen.
The evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul, I recognize- But who are you?"
Acts 19:15
OBSERVATION
The seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were trying to cast out demons by the "Jesus that Paul preaches." Since they had no relationship with this "Jesus that Paul preaches", they had no authority by his name. As a result, this person who was demonized pounced on them, overpowered them, and sent them running away, beaten and naked!
APPLICATION
You cannot have the authority of Christ, without a relationship with him! God has given us authority, through Christ, over ALL the power of the enemy. The key words: THROUGH CHRIST! This scripture is a lesson for those who do not yet have that relationship, but for those of us who do, it's an encouragement. Just before this, God was doing miraculous things through his servant Paul. If you have that relationship with Christ, and are filled with the Holy Spirit, EXPECT God to use you! EXPECT to see the miraculous operating through you!
PRAYER
Father, give me a spirit of expectancy! I want to pray for people expecting to see your hand at work. Thank you for the authority that you give your children over all of the power of the enemy.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
In The Face Of Opposition
SCRIPTURE
Then the Lord said to Paul in a night vision, "Don't be afraid, but keep on speaking and don't be silent." Acts 18:9
OBSERVATION
Paul was coming up against opposition while preaching to the people of Corinth. The lord sent him this vision discouraging fear and encouraging him to keep preaching the good news.
APPLICATION
Often, when we try to share Christ, we come up against opposition! Satan begins to do whatever he can to keep the message from reaching lost souls. Listen to the Lord...Don't be afraid, but keep on speaking! We're in the last leg of the race and if we don't do everything that we can to get the Gospel to those who have not heard or received, we have failed!
PRAYER
Father, thank you for the opportunity to be involved in sharing the "Good News." Give me the courage and boldness to speak your word, no matter how much opposition comes my way. Amen.
Then the Lord said to Paul in a night vision, "Don't be afraid, but keep on speaking and don't be silent." Acts 18:9
OBSERVATION
Paul was coming up against opposition while preaching to the people of Corinth. The lord sent him this vision discouraging fear and encouraging him to keep preaching the good news.
APPLICATION
Often, when we try to share Christ, we come up against opposition! Satan begins to do whatever he can to keep the message from reaching lost souls. Listen to the Lord...Don't be afraid, but keep on speaking! We're in the last leg of the race and if we don't do everything that we can to get the Gospel to those who have not heard or received, we have failed!
PRAYER
Father, thank you for the opportunity to be involved in sharing the "Good News." Give me the courage and boldness to speak your word, no matter how much opposition comes my way. Amen.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
SCRIPTURE
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. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.
Acts 14:1-3
OBSERVATION
Paul and Barnabas go to Iconium and preach the gospel. As a result, many Jews and Gentiles believed in Jesus Christ. However, there were Jews who rejected the message and stirred up controversy and difficulty for Paul and Barnabas. The result... boldness and courage for the sake of the gospel. Paul and Barnabas actually spent more time in Iconium and spoke more boldly. As they did this, the Lord empowered their ministry with signs and wonders.
APPLICATION
It's easy to take the easy road. But, the easy road rarely leads anywhere of consequence. Paul and Barnabas could have packed up and headed to the next town, but they chose to stay and respond with boldness. As a result, God broke through and lives where changed. In ministry, we too need to be willing to choose the difficult road that requires boldness, courage and faith in the living God. And, as we step out beyond our comfort, beyond our confidence, beyond ourselves, God will show up and lives will be changed.
PRAYER
Father, give me more boldness. Give me more confidence in you. Give me courage to step outside my schedule, my comfort, my plans, my ideas, my...whatever... for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.
Acts 14:1-3
OBSERVATION
Paul and Barnabas go to Iconium and preach the gospel. As a result, many Jews and Gentiles believed in Jesus Christ. However, there were Jews who rejected the message and stirred up controversy and difficulty for Paul and Barnabas. The result... boldness and courage for the sake of the gospel. Paul and Barnabas actually spent more time in Iconium and spoke more boldly. As they did this, the Lord empowered their ministry with signs and wonders.
APPLICATION
It's easy to take the easy road. But, the easy road rarely leads anywhere of consequence. Paul and Barnabas could have packed up and headed to the next town, but they chose to stay and respond with boldness. As a result, God broke through and lives where changed. In ministry, we too need to be willing to choose the difficult road that requires boldness, courage and faith in the living God. And, as we step out beyond our comfort, beyond our confidence, beyond ourselves, God will show up and lives will be changed.
PRAYER
Father, give me more boldness. Give me more confidence in you. Give me courage to step outside my schedule, my comfort, my plans, my ideas, my...whatever... for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Earnestness
SCRIPTURE
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
Acts 12:5
OBSERVATION
Amazing things happen when the church prays together. Especially when the church prays earnestly. When God's people come before him with great purpose, seriousness and deep sincerity, miraculous things happen. In this case, Peter was freed from prison. This was a mark of the early church. They had great passion to pursue God. They sacrificed for the purposes of God's kingdom.
APPLICATION
The picture of the early church is quite moving. And, because of their faith, devotion and earnestness, amazing things happened. Who wouldn't want to be part of a community like that? And, the reality is, God is the same today that he was when Peter was miraculously released from prison. God can still move in amazing ways when his people pray earnestly. The question for me is when was the last time I did anything earnestly? When was the last time I prayed with great diligence or great purpose?
PRAYER
Father, give me a renewed vision of prayer. Give me a new passion for prayer. Give me a new confidence in prayer. Help me to see the world around me as those first Christians did.
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
Acts 12:5
OBSERVATION
Amazing things happen when the church prays together. Especially when the church prays earnestly. When God's people come before him with great purpose, seriousness and deep sincerity, miraculous things happen. In this case, Peter was freed from prison. This was a mark of the early church. They had great passion to pursue God. They sacrificed for the purposes of God's kingdom.
APPLICATION
The picture of the early church is quite moving. And, because of their faith, devotion and earnestness, amazing things happened. Who wouldn't want to be part of a community like that? And, the reality is, God is the same today that he was when Peter was miraculously released from prison. God can still move in amazing ways when his people pray earnestly. The question for me is when was the last time I did anything earnestly? When was the last time I prayed with great diligence or great purpose?
PRAYER
Father, give me a renewed vision of prayer. Give me a new passion for prayer. Give me a new confidence in prayer. Help me to see the world around me as those first Christians did.
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