Something Beautiful...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 50:26-46 / NT - Acts 27:1-12

"The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs." - Acts 27:3

When the time comes to purchase a car, I am often directed toward the looks and comfort of the vehicle. While these are certainly important factors, there are so many other parts that are just as significant. As all these details are uniquely organized, a dependable form of transportation is the result. A designer planned all the parts to come together to produce something beautiful.

When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, he stated in chapter 8, verse 28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This statement has been a wonderful comfort and encouragement for God's people. But, how does the Designer organize "all things"? I suggest that the above passage is one of those moments when God brought people into Paul's time of hardship to produce something beautiful.

Do you often question the events in your life that are troubling? Have you doubted the passage in Romans 8 on occasion? Well, step back and consider the small but significant parts or "things" that God brings together to provide a blessing. Remember that the Heavenly Designer is always at work in your life, using a wide variety of "things" to produce something beautiful.

Think about this:  "There are no days when God's fountain does not flow." ~ Richard Owen Roberts

Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 51:1-18 / NT - Acts 27:13-44

Freely Give...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 50:1-25 / NT - Acts 26:12-32

"I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’" -- Acts 26:17-18

Do we fully appreciate the whole package of the gospel? Is the salvation story fully presented in our witness? Rather than a dozen roses, we are given a radiant bouquet of various flowers. God has given us an abundance of blessings in Jesus, and as we have freely received, we should freely give.

Paul never short changed those to whom he spoke. He gave them the whole story without missing a beat. Salvation brings light, deliverance, forgiveness and a heavenly home for all who believe. God's servants have been sent to open eyes so they might see and receive such a beautiful gift.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:9, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” As you bring the gospel story to others, remember that you are bringing the most beautiful bouquet of spiritual blessings that anyone has ever received. Be a blessing to someone today my friend.

Think about this: "Euangelion (which we call gospel) is a Greek word, and signifies good, merry, glad, and joyful tydings, that makes a mans heart glad, and makes him sing, dance, and leap for joy." ~ William Tyndale

Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 50:26-46 / NT - Acts 27:1-12

Show Them the Way...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 49:28-39 / NT - Acts 25:13-26:11

"Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges." - Acts 25:19-20

I've been using a computer on a daily basis for almost thirty years.  As time has passed, I have become reasonably skilled in using this great tool. Occasionally, I am called upon to explain  the  features  of  some  Bible  software  to a newbie. The results are often quite frustrating. They  don't  understand  the  basics and it takes great patience to show them the way.

This Bible reading provides a similar revelation of the unbeliever's mind toward the Gospel. After all was explained, Festus was at a loss. He understood Paul's claim that Jesus was alive, but he failed to see the significance. In the end, it all seemed to be religious "mumbo jumbo". Festus needed someone who would, with great patience show him the way.

Have you grown weary of that "someone" who just doesn't get it? Have you given the gospel to them time and again and they are still confused? Prayer is imperative, but patience is critical as well. The gospel may seem so simple to you, after knowing the Lord for many years. But the unbeliever needs someone who will take the time and patiently show them the way.

Think about this: "The object of witnessing is not to win an argument but disciples." ~ John Blanchard

Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 50:1-25 / NT - Acts 26:12-32

Time Waits for No Man...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 49:7-27 / NT - Acts 24:22-25:12

"As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”" - Acts 24:25

"Please get back to me when it's convenient". You have heard, or said this polite and considerate statement from time to time. When is it ever convenient to deal with uncomfortable situations? In most cases we just have to make the time to deal with matters and hope for the best. Time waits for no man.

Paul brought Felix the message of salvation and "judgment to come". As always, Paul was thorough and most convincing in his discourse. The pressure of conviction upon Felix became so great that he said, "That's enough for now!" God's Word will always bring truth to bear and then we are pressed for decision. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) There is no other convenient time because... Time waits for no man.

Have you put off the message of God's saving grace in Christ? Do you think there will be a more convenient time?  When God speaks to your heart, the time to respond is now, not later. Remember... Time waits for no man. 

Think about this: 
   "The Bible, which ranges over a period of four thousand years, records but one instance of a deathbed conversion—one that none may despair, and but one that none may presume." ~ William Guthrie

   "Hell is truth seen too late." ~ H. G. Adams

Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 49:28-39 / NT - Acts 25:13-26:11

Show Your Faith...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 49:1-6 / NT - Acts 24:1-21

"... I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man." -- Acts 24:14-16

How should belief affect one's life? Will simple confidence in the facts be enough? Is the ability to instruct others sufficient? Or should there be something much deeper that leads to a defined lifestyle?

Paul stated the defense of his faith. He spoke of his worship, belief and devotion to the Lord. But, the most significant statement is the way his belief defined his life. He took pains to have a clear conscience toward God and man.

How much does your belief motivate your daily walk my friend? Do others recognize a spiritual vitality in your heart by the significant integrity of your conduct? Take pains to not only know your faith, but also show your faith.

Think about this: "Man's practices are the best indexes of his principles." ~ Stephen Charnock

Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 49:7-27 / NT - Acts 24:22-25:12

Trust His Heart...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 48:18-47 / NT - Acts 23:12-35

"Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.”" -- Acts 23:16-17

When the Lord directs our steps, he carefully arranges the details. Paul was informed in verse 11, "... you must testify also in Rome.” but the way was not specified. An ambush, a nephew, and a wise tribune were all pieces of the puzzle to bring Paul to his destination. 

Have you ever wondered what details are at work to bring you to the next step in your journey for Jesus? Never minimize the importance of the small things in your life. When the Lord is in charge curious moments are often critical elements in fulfilling God's plan.

Take courage my friend and stay close to the Lord every day. Allow him to guide the events of your life and follow him each step of the way. While you may not be able to trace his hand... just trust his heart.

Think about this: "It is not our trust that keeps us, but the God in whom we trust who keeps us." ~ Oswald Chambers

Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 49:1-6 / NT - Acts 24:1-21

Take Courage!

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 47:1-48:17 / NT - Acts 22:22-23:11

"The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”" - Acts 23:10-11

Of the 102 passengers that boarded the Mayflower in 1620, 37 were members of the separatist Leiden congregation seeking freedom of worship in the new world. They were willing to take a most dangerous journey for the hope of religious freedom. For those believers, seeking and serving God freely was worth any sacrifice, so they chose to set sail and... Take courage!

Paul was faced with opposition and persecution time and again. There were times when his very life was endangered. Yet, the Lord was always faithful to come along side to encourage him as needed. Paul knew that God had much for him to accomplish and the path would not be easy, but he pressed on with the Lord's message ringing in his heart... Take Courage!

The Lord has a purpose and plan for every believer, but it may not be easy. Paul wrote Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12... "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted".  Your path may be difficult at times but the Lord will stand near to encourage you. The Pilgrims found freedom and you will achieve God's task if you will just press on and... Take Courage! 

Think about this: "Only he who can say, 'The Lord is the strength of my life' can say, 'Of whom shall I be afraid?'" ~ Alexander MacLaren

Readings: OT Year 3 - Jeremiah 48:18-47 / NT - Acts 23:12-35