“’I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel, I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.’” Acts 22:3.
After settling down the crowd, Paul began to speak, identifying himself in a manner in which his audience would relate. It seems as if Paul was trying to communicate that he was one of them; he was Jewish, just like they were, and he was zealous to keep his “Jewish-ness” intact. Apparently, he wasn’t attempting to justify himself. Instead, he was passionate to tell the story of his conversion to Jesus. His desire was to see all people of his faith become as he was: a follower of Jesus. Paul used the tools built into his life – his culture, his training and education, even his knowledge of languages – in order to tell anyone who would listen about Jesus.
When I think about where I came from and the tools that God built into my life, I am humbled to think of the many times I did not use them to tell the story of God’s goodness. Yes, there have been times when I used something from my life as a springboard into talking about Jesus, yet there were many times when I didn’t. I sometimes think that my story is not that interesting and that it won’t capture anyone’s attention. But it is my story, and I am grateful for the unique way God has built me. I hope to learn from Paul’s example and be willing to tell my story whenever I have the opportunity.
Questions to consider: What is your story? How do you use it to tell others about what Jesus has done in your life? How willing are you to tell your story, particularly about how you became a follower of Jesus?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the unique story given to me, and to each person. May I become more aware of how I can use my story to talk about Your Son. Amen.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
January 19, 2012 - Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race that is marked before us.” Hebrews 12:1.
One time, I heard a speaker say that when you see a “therefore” at the beginning of a verse, you should ask what it’s there for. In this verse, the writer of Hebrews is making a transition from giving many examples of the “great crowd of witnesses” that have gone before to the encouragement of the reader to take action steps and to live out their faith. In looking at the examples of the faithful who went before, the writer states that “by faith” each person was moved to some action. In the verse above, the reader (or listener) is encouraged to show their faith through the actions of one’s life. They are told to throw off the negative and to run with perseverance the race set before us. These are actions that are called for.
There have been times in my journey when I was stuck in the “paralysis of analysis” and in naval-gazing. I would get so introspective that it would render me unwilling and unable to move forward. I have also had times when besetting sins have clouded over my vision and have kept me from moving forward. In every case, it wasn’t until I chose to start moving forward in a deliberate manner that I actually would begin to break free of those things that hinder and entangle me. My faith expressed by my actions is what begins to set me free. I don’t necessarily feel like it, but it is essential that I make that choice. It is by faith that I act; that I do something and start moving once again.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced the “paralysis of analysis”? What was that like for you, and how did you break free of it? What steps of faith has G0d spoken to you about, and what actions do you need to do, as a result?
Prayer: Father, it is amazing to look back through history to the many people who expressed their step of faith by their actions done. Help me to embrace and follow through with the actions that You have for me to do. Amen.
One time, I heard a speaker say that when you see a “therefore” at the beginning of a verse, you should ask what it’s there for. In this verse, the writer of Hebrews is making a transition from giving many examples of the “great crowd of witnesses” that have gone before to the encouragement of the reader to take action steps and to live out their faith. In looking at the examples of the faithful who went before, the writer states that “by faith” each person was moved to some action. In the verse above, the reader (or listener) is encouraged to show their faith through the actions of one’s life. They are told to throw off the negative and to run with perseverance the race set before us. These are actions that are called for.
There have been times in my journey when I was stuck in the “paralysis of analysis” and in naval-gazing. I would get so introspective that it would render me unwilling and unable to move forward. I have also had times when besetting sins have clouded over my vision and have kept me from moving forward. In every case, it wasn’t until I chose to start moving forward in a deliberate manner that I actually would begin to break free of those things that hinder and entangle me. My faith expressed by my actions is what begins to set me free. I don’t necessarily feel like it, but it is essential that I make that choice. It is by faith that I act; that I do something and start moving once again.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced the “paralysis of analysis”? What was that like for you, and how did you break free of it? What steps of faith has G0d spoken to you about, and what actions do you need to do, as a result?
Prayer: Father, it is amazing to look back through history to the many people who expressed their step of faith by their actions done. Help me to embrace and follow through with the actions that You have for me to do. Amen.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
January 12, 2012 - Acts 21:40
“Having received the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were silent, he said to them in Aramaic...” Acts 21:40
In Jerusalem, Paul had been taken by the crowd of Jews out of the temple and was being severely beaten. It was at this time that Roman soldiers arrived and took possession of Paul. As they were about to enter the Roman barracks, Paul, in Greek, asked the commander if he would allow Paul to speak to the crowd. The commander, startled that this man spoke Greek, allowed Paul to speak. Paul raised his hands to settle the crowd down, and when he began to speak to them in Aramaic, the crowd began to listen intently. Paul, then, began to tell his story. Can you imagine having been beaten almost to death and then having the boldness to stand before those who just beat you and tell them about Jesus and how you met Him? Paul was sold out to Jesus, and willing to die for his Lord.
I find that there are times when I wimp out in sharing the Good News of Jesus to those around me that may not know Him. Whether I am not prepared to share or I chicken out for fear of rejection, I, at times, back off from telling these people about Jesus. It was a risk telling them my story of how I came to know and follow Jesus. Yet, whenever I have told it, people usually respond positively and don’t get too upset. Several times, it led to deeper discussions and questions. I am working on being sold out to Jesus in my life and not just in my words. If I say that I am all in with Jesus, then my actions need to confirm the truth of those words.
Questions to consider: What does being sold out mean to you? Where are you in terms of being sold out to Jesus? If you desire to be sold out, what actions could you take? What could be your first step?
Prayer: Father, may my actions conform to my words, as with Paul, and may I have a renewed boldness to share Your Good News. Amen.
In Jerusalem, Paul had been taken by the crowd of Jews out of the temple and was being severely beaten. It was at this time that Roman soldiers arrived and took possession of Paul. As they were about to enter the Roman barracks, Paul, in Greek, asked the commander if he would allow Paul to speak to the crowd. The commander, startled that this man spoke Greek, allowed Paul to speak. Paul raised his hands to settle the crowd down, and when he began to speak to them in Aramaic, the crowd began to listen intently. Paul, then, began to tell his story. Can you imagine having been beaten almost to death and then having the boldness to stand before those who just beat you and tell them about Jesus and how you met Him? Paul was sold out to Jesus, and willing to die for his Lord.
I find that there are times when I wimp out in sharing the Good News of Jesus to those around me that may not know Him. Whether I am not prepared to share or I chicken out for fear of rejection, I, at times, back off from telling these people about Jesus. It was a risk telling them my story of how I came to know and follow Jesus. Yet, whenever I have told it, people usually respond positively and don’t get too upset. Several times, it led to deeper discussions and questions. I am working on being sold out to Jesus in my life and not just in my words. If I say that I am all in with Jesus, then my actions need to confirm the truth of those words.
Questions to consider: What does being sold out mean to you? Where are you in terms of being sold out to Jesus? If you desire to be sold out, what actions could you take? What could be your first step?
Prayer: Father, may my actions conform to my words, as with Paul, and may I have a renewed boldness to share Your Good News. Amen.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
January 5, 2012 - Acts 21:35-36
“When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, ‘Away with him!’” Acts 21:35-36.
Before the soldiers arrived to rescue him, Paul was being beaten severely by the crowd of Jews. Upon the soldiers’ arrival, the crowd stopped beating Paul and drew back. The commander and his soldiers took Paul into custody, binding him with two chains and inquiring who this man was. The crowd reacted with various answers concerning Paul’s identity and they grew angrier. Finally, the crowd became so violent that the soldiers had to create a barrier between Paul and the crowd by lifting Paul up and carrying him away. The crowd shouted as the soldiers left with Paul, yelling, “Take him away!” This crowd was definitely not on Paul’s side. In fact, they not only rejected Paul; they wanted him dead.
I cannot recall a time when I experienced a crowd of people who wanted me killed, yet I know some people who have experienced that kind of traumatic encounter. The rejection of the people is so final, passionate, and can be devastating. I remember some times when a view or a stand that I took was not popular, and I stood out as different and was ostracized. It felt like personal rejection. That was emotionally rough enough, but was certainly not near the point of death. Rejection can be a powerful thing, and the fear of being rejected can cause us to choose to act in a compromising manner. Paul stands out as a shining example of one who never compromised his beliefs to ease the rejection he may have felt from a surrounding crowd.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced a time when it was you against a crowd of people? If so, what was that like for you? How do you handle yourself when you perceived that you are being rejected?
Prayer: Father, help me to see Paul as a shining example of someone who took a firm stand on his convictions in the face of such harsh rejection. Give me strength to stand firm when I experience rejection for my beliefs. Amen.
Before the soldiers arrived to rescue him, Paul was being beaten severely by the crowd of Jews. Upon the soldiers’ arrival, the crowd stopped beating Paul and drew back. The commander and his soldiers took Paul into custody, binding him with two chains and inquiring who this man was. The crowd reacted with various answers concerning Paul’s identity and they grew angrier. Finally, the crowd became so violent that the soldiers had to create a barrier between Paul and the crowd by lifting Paul up and carrying him away. The crowd shouted as the soldiers left with Paul, yelling, “Take him away!” This crowd was definitely not on Paul’s side. In fact, they not only rejected Paul; they wanted him dead.
I cannot recall a time when I experienced a crowd of people who wanted me killed, yet I know some people who have experienced that kind of traumatic encounter. The rejection of the people is so final, passionate, and can be devastating. I remember some times when a view or a stand that I took was not popular, and I stood out as different and was ostracized. It felt like personal rejection. That was emotionally rough enough, but was certainly not near the point of death. Rejection can be a powerful thing, and the fear of being rejected can cause us to choose to act in a compromising manner. Paul stands out as a shining example of one who never compromised his beliefs to ease the rejection he may have felt from a surrounding crowd.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced a time when it was you against a crowd of people? If so, what was that like for you? How do you handle yourself when you perceived that you are being rejected?
Prayer: Father, help me to see Paul as a shining example of someone who took a firm stand on his convictions in the face of such harsh rejection. Give me strength to stand firm when I experience rejection for my beliefs. Amen.
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