Ok – so…….. not being a big water fan, this chapter freaks me out a bit! I’ve been out in the ocean on a boat and have decided that I like land better. But if you want a great boating “adventure”, this ride makes those who landed on Gilligan’s Island look like wimps!
As Paul prayed for God to give him the opportunity to preach in Rome, he might have done well to be a bit more specific on HOW he was gonna’ get there. I’m guessin’ that in chains and on a crazy boat ride would not have been his first choice. But that was certainly God’s agenda!
“We” (1) – Paul & Luke – are being shipped to Rome. And the first part of the trip is going ok, even allowing Paul some special freedoms. But the trip was taking too long and now it was September/October (“after the Fast”). Since there were no compasses and they navigated by stars, overcast sailing was very dangerous. Sailing in September to November was really very dangerous and all sailing ended from November to February. Paul had already experienced three shipwrecks (2 Cor. 11:25) and so Paul warns them of the impending disaster & losses. Although Julius respected Paul, he went with the advice of the pilot/owner – not good.
You guessed it, they sailed into a hurricane force storm. Now I live in Texas and experienced Hurricane Ike and never want to do that again – and I was 50 miles inland! Since you can’t fight wind in a sailboat, 1st day was a dog fight, 2nd day tossed cargo overboard, 3rd day toss tackle overboard, many days and they begin to lose hope.
Then ya’ gotta’ love verse 21: “men, you should have taken my advice…” It’s the classic “I told you so!” But take note that Paul doesn’t dwell on it but instead tells them to take courage and that only the ship (their security) will be lost. Paul shares God’s word to him and even though as professional sailors they wouldn’t listen, now desperate they will!
Ok, this scary boat ride has now gone on for 2 weeks and some of them were thinking of bailing into the lifeboats. Paul again warns them that unless they stay with the ship they “cannot be saved.” So they cut the lifeboats (again destroying their security). He tells them to eat up, you’re gonna’ need the strength and then they tossed the rest of the food (final security). The next morning the ship runs ashore and is destroyed and ALL 276 of the passengers swim & ride planks to shore and are saved! WOW – what a ride!~
SO WHAT?
*Paul’s position as a prisoner didn’t keep him from preaching the truth. He could have made excuses but he didn’t. Regardless of what we do for a living or where we are, God wants us to share His truth.
*I’m guessing that every one of us has been given wisdom by someone, rejected it for a preferred choice and paid the price – sometimes small, sometimes big. What decisions are coming up in your life that you need to seek godly counsel on? Check out the wisdom in Proverbs 15:22, 16:1,3,9 and then let’s follow it!
*What false securities do you have in your life? In this chapter it was the boat, the food and the wisdom of the sailors. What is it for you & me? Finances? Talents? Abilities? Knowledge? You can be sure that God will destroy anything that we put our trust in that pulls us from trusting in Him! Let’s ask forgiveness and help from the Lord in these areas!
*Finally, it is in times of crisis and challenge that reveal the qualities of true leaders. How do you respond when things get tough? Ask your family, they know!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 114 - Acts 25: Paul’s Trial Before Festus & Appeal to Caesar
Defense #4 – Festus took over for Felix and was kinda’ stuck.
He knew Paul innocent, but to release him would anger leaders and provoke a riot among the Jews. Wanting to keep peace, both Felix and Festus sought cooperation from Jewish leaders. Felix just left Paul in prison two years. Festus inherits this problem and suggests going to Jerusalem for trial – a place he knew would be “unfair” but would please Jewish leaders. This left Paul no choice but to appeal to Caesar, which caused a new problem. Festus was required to send a report with Paul detailing charges against him but the charges were not worthy of trial (religious or theological). So………..Festus needed help, so he consulted Agrippa and Agrippa agreed to hear from Paul!
Festus turns Paul’s hearing into an occasion to honor Agrippa (pomp) – i.e. butter him up! Paul was not legally bound to appear before them but what a great witnessing opportunity! So in chapter 26, Paul will give his 5th defense!
SO WHAT?
*When are you most tempted to compromise the truth to please others? Lets heed the words in Galatians 1:10 and put God first!
*Ever been guilty of “buttering up” your parents, your boss, etc… to get what you want? Yeah – me too! How about a better alternative: Lets pray and then trust God for His will and then be content in every situation! (Philippians 4:12)
He knew Paul innocent, but to release him would anger leaders and provoke a riot among the Jews. Wanting to keep peace, both Felix and Festus sought cooperation from Jewish leaders. Felix just left Paul in prison two years. Festus inherits this problem and suggests going to Jerusalem for trial – a place he knew would be “unfair” but would please Jewish leaders. This left Paul no choice but to appeal to Caesar, which caused a new problem. Festus was required to send a report with Paul detailing charges against him but the charges were not worthy of trial (religious or theological). So………..Festus needed help, so he consulted Agrippa and Agrippa agreed to hear from Paul!
Festus turns Paul’s hearing into an occasion to honor Agrippa (pomp) – i.e. butter him up! Paul was not legally bound to appear before them but what a great witnessing opportunity! So in chapter 26, Paul will give his 5th defense!
SO WHAT?
*When are you most tempted to compromise the truth to please others? Lets heed the words in Galatians 1:10 and put God first!
*Ever been guilty of “buttering up” your parents, your boss, etc… to get what you want? Yeah – me too! How about a better alternative: Lets pray and then trust God for His will and then be content in every situation! (Philippians 4:12)
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 113 - Acts 24: Paul Accused of Sedition
Defense #3 - Ananias shows up with his lawyer, butters up Felix and basically accuses Paul of “sedition” (good SAT word). I.E. – resisting authorities, disruption & overthrow of government.
Paul then gives his defense by reminding Felix of his years as a just judge, expecting a just verdict himself. Basically he says they made up stories and can’t prove the charges they’re making now (i. e. prove it). He admits being a believer in Jesus but that it doesn’t go against the law & the prophets. And oh yeah, the resurrection being true, I said that one too.
Felix dismisses Paul and tells him he’ll decide his case later when Lysias comes. In the meantime, Felix keeps going to see Paul until he is convicted by Paul’s message of righteousness, self-control & judgment. Why so convicted? Because he had taken another man’s wife and this was getting personal!
The chapter concludes with a combination of Paul’s integrity (wouldn’t offer a bribe) and Felix’s lack of integrity (leaving Paul in prison because wanted favor with the Jews).
SO WHAT?
*If you tell people today that Jesus is the ONLY way, most likely you’ll be called intolerant. Fact is, Jesus IS the only way and you’re just repeating His message (John 14:6). If there were other ways, then Jesus’ suffering & death was a waste. Remember, God’s Word divides truth from error and all of us have to choose. Likewise, the Holy Spirit’s job is to “convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” Pray that we and those we have influence on will turn from self to God for forgiveness of sin!
*When are you most tempted to compromise your integrity? Character take years to build up and only seconds to tear down. Pray to God that we will not fall into temptation!
Paul then gives his defense by reminding Felix of his years as a just judge, expecting a just verdict himself. Basically he says they made up stories and can’t prove the charges they’re making now (i. e. prove it). He admits being a believer in Jesus but that it doesn’t go against the law & the prophets. And oh yeah, the resurrection being true, I said that one too.
Felix dismisses Paul and tells him he’ll decide his case later when Lysias comes. In the meantime, Felix keeps going to see Paul until he is convicted by Paul’s message of righteousness, self-control & judgment. Why so convicted? Because he had taken another man’s wife and this was getting personal!
The chapter concludes with a combination of Paul’s integrity (wouldn’t offer a bribe) and Felix’s lack of integrity (leaving Paul in prison because wanted favor with the Jews).
SO WHAT?
*If you tell people today that Jesus is the ONLY way, most likely you’ll be called intolerant. Fact is, Jesus IS the only way and you’re just repeating His message (John 14:6). If there were other ways, then Jesus’ suffering & death was a waste. Remember, God’s Word divides truth from error and all of us have to choose. Likewise, the Holy Spirit’s job is to “convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” Pray that we and those we have influence on will turn from self to God for forgiveness of sin!
*When are you most tempted to compromise your integrity? Character take years to build up and only seconds to tear down. Pray to God that we will not fall into temptation!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 112 - Acts 23: Paul’s Second Defense & The Providence of God
As much as Paul’s first defense (ch 22) caused a tiff, his second one here begins another plot on his life!
Paul had a clear conscience that he had done God’s work (implying they had not) and so he looked the Sanhedrin (like our Supreme Court) straight in the eye and told them so! The High Priest is Ananias – not the Ananias of chapter 5, he’s dead, and not the Ananias of chapter 9 either – so keep your Ananias’ straight! Anyway, he doesn’t like this so he orders Paul struck by one of his soldiers. And not some slap in the face, but literally a vicious blow! This also was against the law so Paul calls him on it: "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!"
Paul then finds out that it’s the high priest he is speaking to and humbly admits that he out of line and shouldn’t have spoken that way (5).
What happens next is totally God! It reads that “Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." Ingenious! Paul gets them bickering among themselves and the focus is off him! Where did this come from? I believe this is an example of the power Jesus promises believers in Mark 13:9-11: “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” God will help us when our faith is being tested! We see here God’s “providence”: “pro” = “beforehand”, “video” = “to see.” Therefore, providence is God seeing beforehand and that is exactly what happens! We also see in verse 11, that God is near during these times too!
Well, all of this ticks off the Jews and more than 40 of them take an oath not to eat until they kill Paul! And yes, they’re gonna’ go hungry for a while! As they devise a plot to kill Paul, his little nephew overhears it, tells the commander, and an alternate plan is made, saving Paul’s life! Paul is sent to Governor Felix and placed under guard.
SO WHAT?
*We see in this chapter that speaking the truth can make others angry as well as cause division. Paul was sorry for HOW he spoke to the high priest but not about WHAT he spoke, because it was truth. We too must be careful to speak the truth in love.
*Ever been fearful of sharing your faith because you’re not sure what questions you may be cornered with? Go head and share anyway, the Lord promises that He will give you the words to say!
*Finally, I am ever amazed how God uses YOUNG PEOPLE to do AMAZING things for Him! It’s one of the reasons I work with students! God used Paul’s nephew to go before a commander and give him news that saved Paul’s life! Ever think, “I’m just a teen, God can’t use me”? If you’re a young person, God can AND wants to use YOU! And if you’re not as young, well, God wants to use you too! It’s not our ability He wants but our AVAILABILITY!
Paul had a clear conscience that he had done God’s work (implying they had not) and so he looked the Sanhedrin (like our Supreme Court) straight in the eye and told them so! The High Priest is Ananias – not the Ananias of chapter 5, he’s dead, and not the Ananias of chapter 9 either – so keep your Ananias’ straight! Anyway, he doesn’t like this so he orders Paul struck by one of his soldiers. And not some slap in the face, but literally a vicious blow! This also was against the law so Paul calls him on it: "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!"
Paul then finds out that it’s the high priest he is speaking to and humbly admits that he out of line and shouldn’t have spoken that way (5).
What happens next is totally God! It reads that “Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." Ingenious! Paul gets them bickering among themselves and the focus is off him! Where did this come from? I believe this is an example of the power Jesus promises believers in Mark 13:9-11: “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” God will help us when our faith is being tested! We see here God’s “providence”: “pro” = “beforehand”, “video” = “to see.” Therefore, providence is God seeing beforehand and that is exactly what happens! We also see in verse 11, that God is near during these times too!
Well, all of this ticks off the Jews and more than 40 of them take an oath not to eat until they kill Paul! And yes, they’re gonna’ go hungry for a while! As they devise a plot to kill Paul, his little nephew overhears it, tells the commander, and an alternate plan is made, saving Paul’s life! Paul is sent to Governor Felix and placed under guard.
SO WHAT?
*We see in this chapter that speaking the truth can make others angry as well as cause division. Paul was sorry for HOW he spoke to the high priest but not about WHAT he spoke, because it was truth. We too must be careful to speak the truth in love.
*Ever been fearful of sharing your faith because you’re not sure what questions you may be cornered with? Go head and share anyway, the Lord promises that He will give you the words to say!
*Finally, I am ever amazed how God uses YOUNG PEOPLE to do AMAZING things for Him! It’s one of the reasons I work with students! God used Paul’s nephew to go before a commander and give him news that saved Paul’s life! Ever think, “I’m just a teen, God can’t use me”? If you’re a young person, God can AND wants to use YOU! And if you’re not as young, well, God wants to use you too! It’s not our ability He wants but our AVAILABILITY!
Monday, June 4, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 111 - Acts 22: Paul’s First Defense
After pleading to give his defense in chapter 21, Paul now gets the opportunity here. This will be the first of 6 defenses He gives (22:30-23:10, 24:10-21, 25:1-12, 26:1-29, 28:17-29).
In giving his defense, Paul recounts the events of his conversion on the Damascus road – how he himself was persecuting Christians but God totally changed him around. He ends this first defense with these words: “Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.' " Yeah – this was too much for the crowd to handle! Teaching that Gentiles could be saved without being circumcised was seen as blasphemy to them! So they threw a fit and as they were getting ready to flog him, he asks them if they should be flogging a Roman citizen!? Oops – Roman citizens were exempt from such brutal punishment and Paul here exerts his rights as a Roman. Unlike those who use bribes to get their citizenship (28), Paul was born a Roman citizen and when they found this out, they were alarmed and made sure not to harm him, as it was unlawful to punish a Roman citizen until they were proven guilty.
The chapter ends with Paul being brought before the Sanhedrin in an unofficial meeting where Paul will give his second defense.
SO WHAT?
*Ever been accused of something that you know you were innocent of? How did you feel? How did you respond? Paul stuck to the facts. It’s easy to get sidetracked and emotional but we must remember to be both truthful and respectful.
*Speaking the Truth of the Gospel can cause tension because the Word of God divides truth from error and nobody likes to admit they’re wrong. We just need to make sure that as we speak God’s Words, we do it lovingly, so that the offense is with the message not the messenger!
In giving his defense, Paul recounts the events of his conversion on the Damascus road – how he himself was persecuting Christians but God totally changed him around. He ends this first defense with these words: “Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.' " Yeah – this was too much for the crowd to handle! Teaching that Gentiles could be saved without being circumcised was seen as blasphemy to them! So they threw a fit and as they were getting ready to flog him, he asks them if they should be flogging a Roman citizen!? Oops – Roman citizens were exempt from such brutal punishment and Paul here exerts his rights as a Roman. Unlike those who use bribes to get their citizenship (28), Paul was born a Roman citizen and when they found this out, they were alarmed and made sure not to harm him, as it was unlawful to punish a Roman citizen until they were proven guilty.
The chapter ends with Paul being brought before the Sanhedrin in an unofficial meeting where Paul will give his second defense.
SO WHAT?
*Ever been accused of something that you know you were innocent of? How did you feel? How did you respond? Paul stuck to the facts. It’s easy to get sidetracked and emotional but we must remember to be both truthful and respectful.
*Speaking the Truth of the Gospel can cause tension because the Word of God divides truth from error and nobody likes to admit they’re wrong. We just need to make sure that as we speak God’s Words, we do it lovingly, so that the offense is with the message not the messenger!
Friday, June 1, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 110 - Acts 21: Daily Counting the Cost of Living for Jesus
Verses 1-16 show us the courage that conviction brings to Paul:
- He left crying friends & family
- He didn’t depart from his plans/goal
- He continued on knowing trouble was ahead
- He continually prayed/trusted God
- He was willing not only to suffer but to die for Christ!
- Instead of others fears affecting Paul, Paul’s courage affected others!
Verses 17-40 mark another transition in Acts. His missionary journeys have come to an end and we read about the events that lead up to his arrest, where he would remain an “ambassador in chains” (Ephesians 6:20). Paul is welcomed by & gets to hang out with his church family & leaders in Jerusalem. They again express concern for his safety & so Paul submits to Jewish custom while at the same time not compromising truth. This is another example of “becoming all things to all people.”
Since his conversion on the Damascus road, Paul has ministered for Jesus freely, now he will be a prisoner - BUT take note that ministry did not end! Things seem to be going from bad to worse for Paul right now. In 27-30 this mob attacks him, in 31-36 he is arrested by the Romans and in the closing verses he pleads to give his defense – which will be in the next chapter.
SO WHAT?
*What convictions do you have deep down inside? How are those convictions expressed in courage?
*What tough things are you facing right now that you’re a bit fearful of? Cast those cares on Jesus because He cares for you! (1 Peter 5:7)
*What are you willing to do for the name of Jesus? Suffer? Die? Maybe, yet the far more difficult thing is to LIVE for Jesus! Chose the latter and God will control the rest.
- He left crying friends & family
- He didn’t depart from his plans/goal
- He continued on knowing trouble was ahead
- He continually prayed/trusted God
- He was willing not only to suffer but to die for Christ!
- Instead of others fears affecting Paul, Paul’s courage affected others!
Verses 17-40 mark another transition in Acts. His missionary journeys have come to an end and we read about the events that lead up to his arrest, where he would remain an “ambassador in chains” (Ephesians 6:20). Paul is welcomed by & gets to hang out with his church family & leaders in Jerusalem. They again express concern for his safety & so Paul submits to Jewish custom while at the same time not compromising truth. This is another example of “becoming all things to all people.”
Since his conversion on the Damascus road, Paul has ministered for Jesus freely, now he will be a prisoner - BUT take note that ministry did not end! Things seem to be going from bad to worse for Paul right now. In 27-30 this mob attacks him, in 31-36 he is arrested by the Romans and in the closing verses he pleads to give his defense – which will be in the next chapter.
SO WHAT?
*What convictions do you have deep down inside? How are those convictions expressed in courage?
*What tough things are you facing right now that you’re a bit fearful of? Cast those cares on Jesus because He cares for you! (1 Peter 5:7)
*What are you willing to do for the name of Jesus? Suffer? Die? Maybe, yet the far more difficult thing is to LIVE for Jesus! Chose the latter and God will control the rest.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 109 - Acts 20: Loving God & His People – To The Very End!
This chapter is one of the more emotional chapters recorded in the life of Paul. Love God, Love People – that was Paul’s life – a paraphrase of Matthew 22:37-39.
We see Paul’s love for believers as he over & over spent time with them, “speaking many words of encouragement.” Even late into the night he spent time loving them, helping them to know Jesus and even healing those who fell asleep as he spoke and fell out of third story windows – HA!
Then came his farewell to the Ephesian elders, those whom he had poured his life into. Paul humbly reminds them that he not only made the Jesus of the Bible known to people, but he lived out the call of Jesus before them as well. That often it was painful (tears) but that didn’t stop him from declaring “to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”
He continues to tell them that the Holy Spirit is leading him toward even harder times ahead. Paul’s reaction in verse 24 has become a life verse for me: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” Following this he basically tells them they won’t see him anymore, exhorts them to “keep watch…..be shepherds…..be on your guard” and then commits them to “God and the word of his grace.” Wowsa – no wonder they were bummed! As tears flowed, they took him to the ship, knowing they might not see him again!
SO WHAT?
*How does it show in our actions that you & I love God & His people? Do you look forward to church? Student Ministry? Service Projects? When you are around God’s people, do you lift them up or tear them down?
*How faithful are we to go to God’s Word to find our answers in life? Or is it easier to check Google? Or some blog? We must always remember that our words, our friend’s words, our leaders words, etc… are not living and active BUT GOD’S WORDS ARE! Let’s go to THE Book for our answers!
*Finally, are you ready to die? Paul’s words in verse 24 seem to indicate he was. None of us know when our time will be up – can’t prepare for that actual day. BUT we can live now in expectation of being with Jesus. I don’t’ know about you, but I’m living my entire life to someday be with Jesus. If somehow Jesus showed up today and gave me the choice of being with Him or staying here – Sorry Jean, Drew, Jessica and students, I love you – but if I’d be soooo outta’ here!!! For what it’s worth, I don’t believe I have much time left – could be totally wrong, but I keep having these dreams. Anyway, it’s causing me to not want to waste the time I have. How about you? Let’s live for Jesus like today is our last and share Him with someone!
We see Paul’s love for believers as he over & over spent time with them, “speaking many words of encouragement.” Even late into the night he spent time loving them, helping them to know Jesus and even healing those who fell asleep as he spoke and fell out of third story windows – HA!
Then came his farewell to the Ephesian elders, those whom he had poured his life into. Paul humbly reminds them that he not only made the Jesus of the Bible known to people, but he lived out the call of Jesus before them as well. That often it was painful (tears) but that didn’t stop him from declaring “to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”
He continues to tell them that the Holy Spirit is leading him toward even harder times ahead. Paul’s reaction in verse 24 has become a life verse for me: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” Following this he basically tells them they won’t see him anymore, exhorts them to “keep watch…..be shepherds…..be on your guard” and then commits them to “God and the word of his grace.” Wowsa – no wonder they were bummed! As tears flowed, they took him to the ship, knowing they might not see him again!
SO WHAT?
*How does it show in our actions that you & I love God & His people? Do you look forward to church? Student Ministry? Service Projects? When you are around God’s people, do you lift them up or tear them down?
*How faithful are we to go to God’s Word to find our answers in life? Or is it easier to check Google? Or some blog? We must always remember that our words, our friend’s words, our leaders words, etc… are not living and active BUT GOD’S WORDS ARE! Let’s go to THE Book for our answers!
*Finally, are you ready to die? Paul’s words in verse 24 seem to indicate he was. None of us know when our time will be up – can’t prepare for that actual day. BUT we can live now in expectation of being with Jesus. I don’t’ know about you, but I’m living my entire life to someday be with Jesus. If somehow Jesus showed up today and gave me the choice of being with Him or staying here – Sorry Jean, Drew, Jessica and students, I love you – but if I’d be soooo outta’ here!!! For what it’s worth, I don’t believe I have much time left – could be totally wrong, but I keep having these dreams. Anyway, it’s causing me to not want to waste the time I have. How about you? Let’s live for Jesus like today is our last and share Him with someone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)