Acts 21
"I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul's commitment to the cause of Christ is amazing. As he travels he hears the warnings of what lays before him. Yet, he is not afraid. He moves forward with confidence for he knows what is the greatest desire of his heart, to follow Jesus. He is willing to follow Jesus, even to death.
We leave for Kenya today. Please pray for us as we travel.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June 15
Acts 20
It is good to know that people fell asleep even when Paul was speaking. The story of Eutychus falling asleep while Paul was preachings is an example of what I believe is one of the great strengths of the bible. The bible does not try to hide the frailties of humanity. The scripture reveals the sins and shortcomings of great people of faith like Abram and David, as well as showing us the failings of ordinary people like Eutychus. These revelations are a constant reminder that we are in the need of the grace that God so freely gives.
It is good to know that people fell asleep even when Paul was speaking. The story of Eutychus falling asleep while Paul was preachings is an example of what I believe is one of the great strengths of the bible. The bible does not try to hide the frailties of humanity. The scripture reveals the sins and shortcomings of great people of faith like Abram and David, as well as showing us the failings of ordinary people like Eutychus. These revelations are a constant reminder that we are in the need of the grace that God so freely gives.
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14
Acts 19
There is a baptism by water and there is a baptism of the Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit comes through prayer. In the prayer we invite the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to enter into our lives. The Spirit becomes God's guiding presence within us.
If you have never been received a baptism of the Holy Spirit, you can simply pray. Invite God's Spirit into your life.
There is a baptism by water and there is a baptism of the Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit comes through prayer. In the prayer we invite the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to enter into our lives. The Spirit becomes God's guiding presence within us.
If you have never been received a baptism of the Holy Spirit, you can simply pray. Invite God's Spirit into your life.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11
Acts 17
I can not imagine how hard it was for Paul as he traveled from city to city proclaiming the gospel. The courage he had was amazing. His willingness to lay his life on the line in order that others might hear about Jesus is inspiring.
The challenge for us is to be willing to share our faith. We too often allow fear to silence us. Or we excuse ourselves by thinking we don't know enough or have the correct words. The challenge is to be willing to share what God has done for us.
I can not imagine how hard it was for Paul as he traveled from city to city proclaiming the gospel. The courage he had was amazing. His willingness to lay his life on the line in order that others might hear about Jesus is inspiring.
The challenge for us is to be willing to share our faith. We too often allow fear to silence us. Or we excuse ourselves by thinking we don't know enough or have the correct words. The challenge is to be willing to share what God has done for us.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
June 10
Acts 16
The leading of the Spirit is obvious in Acts. In chapter 16 we read how the Spirit would lead Paul and Silas to some places and keep them away from others.
I believe the Spirit's leading is present for us today. The question for us is whether we are open to or desiring to follow that leading. I find that I like the leading of the Spirit when it takes me where I want to go. I am not so excited about the leading when it is taking me where I do not want to go.
The leading of the Spirit is obvious in Acts. In chapter 16 we read how the Spirit would lead Paul and Silas to some places and keep them away from others.
I believe the Spirit's leading is present for us today. The question for us is whether we are open to or desiring to follow that leading. I find that I like the leading of the Spirit when it takes me where I want to go. I am not so excited about the leading when it is taking me where I do not want to go.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 9
Acts 15
In Acts we read of the early church struggles. Coming to grips with what they believed. Working out how they understood Jew & Gentile. They were exciting times but also very difficult. Many conflicts arose in the early church. At times the conflicts are intense enough that good friends, Paul & Barnabas determine to go different directions.
The challenge for us is how to live in peace with brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we disagree. It is difficult to not let our strong opinions over rule how Christ would have us live.
In Acts we read of the early church struggles. Coming to grips with what they believed. Working out how they understood Jew & Gentile. They were exciting times but also very difficult. Many conflicts arose in the early church. At times the conflicts are intense enough that good friends, Paul & Barnabas determine to go different directions.
The challenge for us is how to live in peace with brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we disagree. It is difficult to not let our strong opinions over rule how Christ would have us live.
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