“’They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs.’” Acts 21:21.
Paul arrived in Jerusalem and was greeted warmly by the leadership of the young church. On his second day in Jerusalem, Paul explained all that had happened on his journeys since his last time with them. There was much rejoicing among the leadership, for they had heard false reports that Paul had been telling the Jews he encountered to turn away from Moses and to not live according to the Jewish Law. Being there in person, Paul was able to correct these false reports. The problem was that there were now thousands of Jews in Jerusalem who were following Jesus, yet they were adamant about following the Law of Moses. They had their minds set against Paul, and nothing could be done to change them. Paul was now going to face those who misrepresented him and the purpose of his ministry. It is interesting to see how Paul handled being misrepresented in such a central area of his life.
When I have been misrepresented by others regarding an important (to me, at least) issue, I have usually reacted with frustration or anger and have thrown up my hands in disgust. I take it as a personal attack and have a defensive posture. When I take a breath, though, and catch myself before reacting, I usually will stay calm enough to begin thinking through the issue and considering how I have been misrepresented and how I should, if necessary, respond. It seems that Paul was willing to work through the issue and was willing to do what was necessary to demonstrate this willingness. He seemed to handle himself with dignity and humility.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been misrepresented by others? If so, how did it make you feel and how did you handle it? How did Paul handle it? What can you learn from how Paul handled being misrepresented?
Prayer: Father, I know that there will be times when I am misrepresented by others. Help me to remain calm and prayerful and to not react. Please give me insight as to how to respond in those situations. Amen.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
November 24, 2011 - Ephesians 5:20
“…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20.
As I am writing this thought, I am looking around at the many wonderful ways that God has blessed me and my family. My wife and I enjoy a warm, loving relationship with each other, as well as with our children and grandchildren. We have food and shelter and are able to go to some really beautiful locations. He has provided a job with income for both my wife and me (and has provided a wonderful health insurance plan!).
It is relatively easy for us to give thanks for the many ways God has blessed each one of us. Could we be just as thankful for a debilitating or chronic illness or condition? Or for a financial meltdown or job loss? What about being thankful for being mistreated, ostracized, or even persecuted in some way? What is our frame of mind when adversity comes upon us? My initial reaction is usually negative and complaining, yet I am attempting to see things and circumstances in a different light. I realize that God has my best interest at heart and that He would never let anything happen to me unless He knew that I needed the adversity to help me grow closer in conforming to His image.
For this Thanksgiving season, it is my hope that each of us will take some time to reflect on God’s amazing goodness in our lives, and especially His goodness in giving Himself to us…sacrificing for us…in His son, Jesus, and for ushering in His kingdom for us to begin to walk in. It is also my solemn hope that each of us will “always (give) thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Questions to consider: What does it mean for you to always give thanks to God for everything? Are there some things, situations, or people that it is difficult for you to give thanks? How does your frame of mind need to adjust when adversity comes upon you?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You know what I need better than I know myself. Please help me to embrace all that happens in my life in a way that is thankful and grateful for how You are conforming me to Your image. Amen.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
As I am writing this thought, I am looking around at the many wonderful ways that God has blessed me and my family. My wife and I enjoy a warm, loving relationship with each other, as well as with our children and grandchildren. We have food and shelter and are able to go to some really beautiful locations. He has provided a job with income for both my wife and me (and has provided a wonderful health insurance plan!).
It is relatively easy for us to give thanks for the many ways God has blessed each one of us. Could we be just as thankful for a debilitating or chronic illness or condition? Or for a financial meltdown or job loss? What about being thankful for being mistreated, ostracized, or even persecuted in some way? What is our frame of mind when adversity comes upon us? My initial reaction is usually negative and complaining, yet I am attempting to see things and circumstances in a different light. I realize that God has my best interest at heart and that He would never let anything happen to me unless He knew that I needed the adversity to help me grow closer in conforming to His image.
For this Thanksgiving season, it is my hope that each of us will take some time to reflect on God’s amazing goodness in our lives, and especially His goodness in giving Himself to us…sacrificing for us…in His son, Jesus, and for ushering in His kingdom for us to begin to walk in. It is also my solemn hope that each of us will “always (give) thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Questions to consider: What does it mean for you to always give thanks to God for everything? Are there some things, situations, or people that it is difficult for you to give thanks? How does your frame of mind need to adjust when adversity comes upon you?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You know what I need better than I know myself. Please help me to embrace all that happens in my life in a way that is thankful and grateful for how You are conforming me to Your image. Amen.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
November 17, 2011 - Acts 21:13
“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 finally arrived at Caesarea, the last port before traveling by land to Jerusalem. At Caesarea, Paul and his companions stayed with Philip and his family for several days. While there, prophetic words came forward, telling the people of Paul’s arrest and almost certain death. Silencing their pleas to not go to Jerusalem, Paul stated that it was breaking his heart to see all of the people pleading for him to not do something he was being compelled to do by the Holy Spirit. As he stared death squarely in the face, Paul told the people that he was willing to die for the sake of Jesus and His kingdom. This was not just an idle comment but expressed Paul’s willingness to face the reality of death in Jerusalem for the sake of the kingdom of God.
It is somewhat easy for me, in the comfort of my home, to say that I am willing to die for Jesus, but it is quite another when facing that reality. In many parts of the world, followers of Jesus are threatened, beaten, and sometimes killed for spreading the life giving message of Jesus. For them, this is a reality. Most of us in the West are spoiled with all the comforts of a “prosperous” life. These comforts can anesthetize us to the realities of the kingdom of God. Paul was fully aware of these realities and willing to look fully into the face of death as he spread the life-giving message of Jesus and His kingdom.
Questions to consider: What are you willing to die for? How anesthetized are you? Are the comforts you live in dulling you to the realities of the kingdom of God? What can you do about it?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for relying on the comforts that surround me. Please help me to see the reality of Your kingdom, which has come, and is continuing to come, here on earth, and to respond accordingly. Amen.
Paul finally arrived at Caesarea, the last port before traveling by land to Jerusalem. At Caesarea, Paul and his companions stayed with Philip and his family for several days. While there, prophetic words came forward, telling the people of Paul’s arrest and almost certain death. Silencing their pleas to not go to Jerusalem, Paul stated that it was breaking his heart to see all of the people pleading for him to not do something he was being compelled to do by the Holy Spirit. As he stared death squarely in the face, Paul told the people that he was willing to die for the sake of Jesus and His kingdom. This was not just an idle comment but expressed Paul’s willingness to face the reality of death in Jerusalem for the sake of the kingdom of God.
It is somewhat easy for me, in the comfort of my home, to say that I am willing to die for Jesus, but it is quite another when facing that reality. In many parts of the world, followers of Jesus are threatened, beaten, and sometimes killed for spreading the life giving message of Jesus. For them, this is a reality. Most of us in the West are spoiled with all the comforts of a “prosperous” life. These comforts can anesthetize us to the realities of the kingdom of God. Paul was fully aware of these realities and willing to look fully into the face of death as he spread the life-giving message of Jesus and His kingdom.
Questions to consider: What are you willing to die for? How anesthetized are you? Are the comforts you live in dulling you to the realities of the kingdom of God? What can you do about it?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for relying on the comforts that surround me. Please help me to see the reality of Your kingdom, which has come, and is continuing to come, here on earth, and to respond accordingly. Amen.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
November 10, 2011 - Acts 21:4-5a
“Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. Acts 21:4-5a.
On his way to Jerusalem, Paul and his companions landed in Tyre, which is on the Mediterranean coast 80 miles north of Jerusalem. Once there, Paul found some followers of Jesus and stayed with them for one week. These believers heard from the Holy Spirit what Paul was headed for in Jerusalem and urged him not to go. Christians were being persecuted throughout the Roman Empire and especially in this Middle Eastern region, and they didn’t want to see Paul go through pain and possibly death in Jerusalem.
It is interesting that Paul heard clearly from the Holy Spirit that he was to go to Jerusalem and would face very harsh treatment; yet, the same Holy Spirit seemed to have led these believers in Tyre to tell him not to go. It appears there is some confusion. I believe that the disciples in Tyre heard correctly from the Holy Spirit that Paul was headed for trouble in Jerusalem, but instead of encouraging him to stand firm in his faith, these disciples urged Paul not to go. They translated what the Spirit told them in a way that could have actually hindered Paul from fulfilling the mission God had called him to do.
Sometimes I don’t pay very close attention to the power that is in my tongue. I may speak up too quickly or too flippantly, and realize later that what I said had negative outcomes as a result. I didn’t control my thoughts and allowed my tongue to speak. These disciples in Tyre had good intentions and spoke to Paul out of their love for him, but if Paul had followed through with their request, he might have missed doing God’s bidding.
Questions to consider: How can you know if what you say on an issue is accurate and not misleading? What can be done to take more care in controlling the tongue? Is there a situation today that you need to go back and straighten out as a result of what you said?
Prayer: Father, please help me to take care in what I say to those around me. Help me to temper my words with gentleness and thoughtfulness. Amen.
On his way to Jerusalem, Paul and his companions landed in Tyre, which is on the Mediterranean coast 80 miles north of Jerusalem. Once there, Paul found some followers of Jesus and stayed with them for one week. These believers heard from the Holy Spirit what Paul was headed for in Jerusalem and urged him not to go. Christians were being persecuted throughout the Roman Empire and especially in this Middle Eastern region, and they didn’t want to see Paul go through pain and possibly death in Jerusalem.
It is interesting that Paul heard clearly from the Holy Spirit that he was to go to Jerusalem and would face very harsh treatment; yet, the same Holy Spirit seemed to have led these believers in Tyre to tell him not to go. It appears there is some confusion. I believe that the disciples in Tyre heard correctly from the Holy Spirit that Paul was headed for trouble in Jerusalem, but instead of encouraging him to stand firm in his faith, these disciples urged Paul not to go. They translated what the Spirit told them in a way that could have actually hindered Paul from fulfilling the mission God had called him to do.
Sometimes I don’t pay very close attention to the power that is in my tongue. I may speak up too quickly or too flippantly, and realize later that what I said had negative outcomes as a result. I didn’t control my thoughts and allowed my tongue to speak. These disciples in Tyre had good intentions and spoke to Paul out of their love for him, but if Paul had followed through with their request, he might have missed doing God’s bidding.
Questions to consider: How can you know if what you say on an issue is accurate and not misleading? What can be done to take more care in controlling the tongue? Is there a situation today that you need to go back and straighten out as a result of what you said?
Prayer: Father, please help me to take care in what I say to those around me. Help me to temper my words with gentleness and thoughtfulness. Amen.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
November 3, 2011 - Acts 20-36-37
1. “When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him.” Acts 20:36-37.
Paul was about to leave his Ephesian friends for the last time, as he journeyed on to Jerusalem. Paul and the elders of Ephesus knew that there would be no other time that they would be able to speak to each other. Knowing this, they knelt together, prayed and cried, and hugged and kissed each other. This was a bitter, sweet picture of the tender care and concern that each had for the other. They deeply loved each other.
As I am writing this thought, I am sitting at the foot of my brother’s bed trying to be a comfort to him. My brother is in the final stage of his fight with cancer and could pass away at any time. I sit with my dear sister-in-law, as she seeks to make him as comfortable as possible, and we pray and cry together. She hugs and kisses him, speaks assuring and comforting words to him, and we cry and pray some more. We know that we will never see my brother and her dear husband again. It’s final. This scene must have contained very similar emotions to the tender love that was expressed between Paul and the elders of Ephesus. It was final.
As I sit and reflect on this scene, I remember that the love and compassion that we feel for each other is but a reflection; a glimpse of the deep feelings of love that our Father in heaven has for each of us. Can you imagine that love? We love imperfectly and selfishly, yet God’s love for us is perfect, complete, and sacrificial.
Questions to consider: Have you ever felt that kind of deep love for someone that you knew you would never see again? Can you recall what that love felt like? What kind of love do you think that God has for you? Can you imagine the tenderness and compassion that He has for you?
Prayer: Abba…Daddy…thank You for Your deep love for us. When we couldn’t do anything to deserve it, You did everything that You could to help us receive Your love and Your embrace. Amen.
(Since the time I wrote this thought two days ago, my brother passed away. He is pain free and at peace.)
Paul was about to leave his Ephesian friends for the last time, as he journeyed on to Jerusalem. Paul and the elders of Ephesus knew that there would be no other time that they would be able to speak to each other. Knowing this, they knelt together, prayed and cried, and hugged and kissed each other. This was a bitter, sweet picture of the tender care and concern that each had for the other. They deeply loved each other.
As I am writing this thought, I am sitting at the foot of my brother’s bed trying to be a comfort to him. My brother is in the final stage of his fight with cancer and could pass away at any time. I sit with my dear sister-in-law, as she seeks to make him as comfortable as possible, and we pray and cry together. She hugs and kisses him, speaks assuring and comforting words to him, and we cry and pray some more. We know that we will never see my brother and her dear husband again. It’s final. This scene must have contained very similar emotions to the tender love that was expressed between Paul and the elders of Ephesus. It was final.
As I sit and reflect on this scene, I remember that the love and compassion that we feel for each other is but a reflection; a glimpse of the deep feelings of love that our Father in heaven has for each of us. Can you imagine that love? We love imperfectly and selfishly, yet God’s love for us is perfect, complete, and sacrificial.
Questions to consider: Have you ever felt that kind of deep love for someone that you knew you would never see again? Can you recall what that love felt like? What kind of love do you think that God has for you? Can you imagine the tenderness and compassion that He has for you?
Prayer: Abba…Daddy…thank You for Your deep love for us. When we couldn’t do anything to deserve it, You did everything that You could to help us receive Your love and Your embrace. Amen.
(Since the time I wrote this thought two days ago, my brother passed away. He is pain free and at peace.)
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