Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus)

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

(Song by Don Moen)

I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.

Two separate hymns I grew up singing in church describe what it means to commit to obedience to Christ who saves us and sets us free to love like He loves us.  The lyrics come from scriptures of men and women who committed their lives to obedience to our Lord.  We gratefully call Jesus Savior for what He did for us; but we cross over the line from human to the supernatural when we call Him Lord of our lives.  All that is within us now desires to listen for His voice above all other voices clamoring for our attention and follow what HE says for us to be and do.

Paul is committed to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of all He thinks, says, and does—no matter what.  Paul believed, truly believed, as He wrote the inspired words of God’s Holy Spirit: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,^[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, ESV

In Paul’s heart, mind, and deep within his soul; Jesus is Savior and He is Lord of his life. 

Paul will trust and obey God’s Voice of direction and guidance.

Acts 21, The Message

Tyre and Caesarea

^1-4 And so, with the tearful good-byes behind us, we were on our way. We made a straight run to Cos, the next day reached Rhodes, and then Patara. There we found a ship going direct to Phoenicia, got on board, and set sail. Cyprus came into view on our left, but was soon out of sight as we kept on course for Syria, and eventually docked in the port of Tyre. While the cargo was being unloaded, we looked up the local disciples and stayed with them seven days. Their message to Paul, from insight given by the Spirit, was “Don’t go to Jerusalem.”

^5-6 When our time was up, they escorted us out of the city to the docks. Everyone came along—men, women, children. They made a farewell party of the occasion! We all kneeled together on the beach and prayed. Then, after another round of saying good-bye, we climbed on board the ship while they drifted back to their homes.

^7-9 A short run from Tyre to Ptolemais completed the voyage. We greeted our Christian friends there and stayed with them a day. In the morning we went on to Caesarea and stayed with Philip the Evangelist, one of “the Seven.” Philip had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

^10-11 After several days of visiting, a prophet from Judea by the name of Agabus came down to see us. He went right up to Paul, took Paul’s belt, and, in a dramatic gesture, tied himself up, hands and feet. He said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: The Jews in Jerusalem are going to tie up the man who owns this belt just like this and hand him over to godless unbelievers.”

^12-13 When we heard that, we and everyone there that day begged Paul not to be stubborn and persist in going to Jerusalem. But Paul wouldn’t budge: “Why all this hysteria? Why do you insist on making a scene and making it even harder for me? You’re looking at this backward. The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience. Can’t you see that?”

¹⁴ We saw that we weren’t making even a dent in his resolve, and gave up. “It’s in God’s hands now,” we said. “Master, you handle it.”

^15-16 It wasn’t long before we had our luggage together and were on our way to Jerusalem. Some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and took us to the home of Mnason, who received us warmly as his guests. A native of Cyprus, he had been among the earliest disciples.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

By Paul’s example of trust and obedience to God; all those around him finally admitted that “It’s in God’s hands” and prayed; “Master, you handle it.”  Was this giving up?  Or resolve in trusting and obeying the God who knows all and is in all?

We pray, listen, and obey.  God works!  It is we who make life more complicated than necessary!

All conditions of the political climate in Jerusalem, verified by a prophet, pointed to danger for Paul with possible beatings, bound in chains and thrown into jail.  But Paul knew whom He had believed and knew God was able to accomplish HIS purpose through Paul—even if Paul was jailed for preaching Jesus.  Remember, all the great letters (now called epistles) to the churches that we rely on today for salvation, wisdom, clarity, and direction were written as Paul was sitting incarcerated, imprisoned in chains by those who did not believe. 

But prison did not stop Paul from getting the Message of Jesus out to the world.  In fact, anyone who visited Paul and his friends in prison would hear singing and rejoicing the Name of the Lord of his life before seeing him.  Paul received EVERY opportunity given to him to speak the words of Jesus boldly and clearly so that others might be saved and made whole, restored and forgiven, ready to tell others of salvation! 

Still need proof of Paul’s confidence in Jesus?  Paul writes often to his friends and asks them to pray very specifically for him while he sits in jail and for themselves who are free to tell of Jesus:

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:2-6, NLT

Paul would be the first to tell all who believe—don’t be like Paul—be like Jesus who Paul believed and obeyed! Paul shared that he wanted “to know Christ” and “to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…” (3:10-11). Time and time again, Paul shared from his own experience what it was to follow and become like Jesus.  

Paul didn’t just believe certain things in his head. He didn’t just say “these things are true.” He structured his thoughts, actions, and passions around Jesus. He took steps that Jesus took (even – or especially – the ones that hurt).

This means we have two very important things to prayerfully consider:

First, are you becoming more like Jesus, like Paul was?

Do we actively find ways to walk in Jesus’ footsteps?

It is easy to find some other ideal in this life to chase after. It’s not hard to read our Bible and go to church without actually changing.

Do the things you learn translate to active steps of obedience to the One we call Lord?

Second, who are you following right now?

Lord,

You are Savior to me. Thank you for forgiving me of all my sins.  You are Lord of my life. Thank you for delighting in all the details of our lives.  I love to tell you everything and then listen for your direction.  You never change in your love, mercy, and grace. Why would I trust and obey anyone else?  You are God.  I am not.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Admit it—it’s hard to say goodbye.  It’s hard to leave people who love you and the work God has called you to be and do in a certain place for a period of time.  But it is harder still not to obey God who wants us to be all He created us to be and do for His glory.  We understand more clearly in these moments of Spirit-led change of direction when God says, “to obey is better than sacrifice.”

“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
    your burnt offerings and sacrifices
    or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
    and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22

To stay where we know people who appreciate our sacrifices of service to them is enticing—and comfortable.  To stay in a place where we learned what to do and when to do it with people we love dearly and would continue to sacrifice our lives in service to them seems best.  When God calls us to another place, it’s daunting without knowing what lies ahead, but we must obey.  To say goodbye, fully trusting God for the outcomes, in obedience to His leading, is greater than staying.  To please God greatly—is our highest praise to Him! 

But it’s hard to say goodbye….

Acts 20, The Message

On to Jerusalem

^17-21 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the leaders of the congregation. When they arrived, he said, “You know that from day one of my arrival in Asia I was with you totally—laying my life on the line, serving the Master no matter what, putting up with no end of scheming by Jews who wanted to do me in. I didn’t skimp or trim in any way. Every truth and encouragement that could have made a difference to you, you got. I taught you out in public and I taught you in your homes, urging Jews and Greeks alike to a radical life-change before God and an equally radical trust in our Master Jesus.

^22-24 “But there is another urgency before me now. I feel compelled to go to Jerusalem. I’m completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won’t be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.

^25-27 “And so this is good-bye. You’re not going to see me again, nor I you, you whom I have gone among for so long proclaiming the news of God’s inaugurated kingdom. I’ve done my best for you, given you my all, held back nothing of God’s will for you.

²⁸ “Now it’s up to you. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God’s people they are—to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for.

^29-31 “I know that as soon as I’m gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.

³² “Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.

^33-35 “I’ve never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. In everything I’ve done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’”

^36-38 Then Paul went down on his knees, all of them kneeling with him, and prayed. And then a river of tears. Much clinging to Paul, not wanting to let him go. They knew they would never see him again—he had told them quite plainly. The pain cut deep. Then, bravely, they walked him down to the ship.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

HARD TO SAY GOODBYE

As we read, we hear the committed heart and God-given wisdom of Paul as he says his goodbyes to those he loves and serves:

• Paul loves the people with whom he worked alongside. 
• Paul did ministry with people not to people. 
• Paul did whatever it took to preach Jesus as Messiah, our Savior and Lord.
• Paul “went the streets” to preach as well in the meeting places where scriptures were read and discussed. 
• He went to homes to encourage people in their faith and trust in the Master, Jesus.
• Paul told the story of Jesus and related the teachings of Jesus so we would know how to live our lives. 

Even though at first read, one might say that Paul was boastful to tell all he had done along with telling of the suffering he endured, but when you read between the lines—it’s all about Jesus who Paul has totally given his life to serve.  Paul will write letters back to the churches with great encouragement with assurance that following Jesus with all that is in them is worth it all;

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”1 Corinthians 1:26-31, NIV

“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, NIV

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3

All Paul’s letters to the churches of only boasting of Christ who lives in us. Remember these words were written while sitting in jail for preaching Jesus!  For Paul–It’s all about Jesus!

Are we all about Jesus?  Pause to pray and reflect.  Who we are reflects what we do every day.  Paul’s advice to those who believe Jesus and want to be like Him is this:

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:1-2, MSG

Lord,

Thank you for the way you transform our lives when we give ourselves to you. Thank you for saving us then teaching us how to follow you.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit inspired words to guide us into all truth—You!

In Jesus Name, Amen 

An encourager is born and matured from their own suffering and sacrifice. They have more empathy for others who are discouraged and in pain because they know and have experienced pain.  But an encourager’s pain, sadness over disappointing responses from those loved, circumstances beyond their making, do not overtake them.  An encourager is one who has given all to be all that pleases the Lord.  An encourager is at peace because of the peace given as a gift from their Savior and Lord—Jesus.  The best and most trusted agent of encouragement that truly helps others is one who believes and is fully committed to Jesus.

Paul has become an encourager to all who believe and to all who have yet to believe in Jesus.  His life is Jesus.  His actions result from the prompting of God’s Holy Spirit.  Paul has indeed “shared in the sufferings” of his Savior and Lord and now helps others be lifted up from their pain in Jesus Name. (See Philippians 3:10-11)

Acts 20, The Message

Macedonia and Greece

^1-2 With things back to normal, Paul called the disciples together and encouraged them to keep up the good work in Ephesus. Then, saying his good-byes, he left for Macedonia. Traveling through the country, passing from one gathering to another, he gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope.

^2-4 Then he came to Greece and stayed on for three months. Just as he was about to sail for Syria, the Jews cooked up a plot against him. So he went the other way, by land back through Macedonia, and gave them the slip. His companions for the journey were Sopater, son of Pyrrhus, from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus, both Thessalonians; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and the two from western Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

^5-6 They went on ahead and waited for us in Troas. Meanwhile, we stayed in Philippi for Passover Week, and then set sail. Within five days we were again in Troas and stayed a week.

^7-9 We met on Sunday to worship and celebrate the Master’s Supper. Paul addressed the congregation. Our plan was to leave first thing in the morning, but Paul talked on, way past midnight. We were meeting in a well-lighted upper room. A young man named Eutychus was sitting in an open window. As Paul went on and on, Eutychus fell sound asleep and toppled out the third-story window. When they picked him up, he was dead.

^10-12 Paul went down, stretched himself on him, and hugged him hard. “No more crying,” he said. “There’s life in him yet.” Then Paul got up and served the Master’s Supper. And went on telling stories of the faith until dawn! On that note, they left—Paul going one way, the congregation another, leading the boy off alive, and full of life themselves.

^13-16 In the meantime, the rest of us had gone on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we planned to pick up Paul. Paul wanted to walk there, and so had made these arrangements earlier. Things went according to plan: We met him in Assos, took him on board, and sailed to Mitylene. The next day we put in opposite Chios, Samos a day later, and then Miletus. Paul had decided to bypass Ephesus so that he wouldn’t be held up in Asia province. He was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost, if at all possible.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Paul strengthened and encouraged those who were believers. He traveled to several recently planted churches and spent time with Christians there. Paul, knowing that he would never be back at Ephesus again, was careful to explain that his sacrificial love for the Ephesians was like Jesus’ love for the church.  His later letters burst with his love for all believers.  He seeks to build up whoever needs encouragement with the love of Jesus that lives deeply within his heart, mind, and soul. 

Max Lucado, an encourager, writes;

True Christianity is more than just going to church on Sundays. It’s a genuine love for other people—a sacrificial love.

Who wants to live with yesterday’s rubble? Who wants to hoard the trash of the past? You don’t, do you?

Or do you?

Not in your house, mind you, but in your heart? Not the junk of papers and boxes, but the remnants of anger and hurt. Do you pack-rat pain? Amass offenses? Record slights?

A tour of your heart might be telling. A pile of rejections stockpiled in one corner. Accumulated insults filling another. Images of unkind people lining the wall, littering the floor.

No one can blame you. Innocence takers, promise breakers, wound makers—you’ve had your share. Yet doesn’t it make sense to get rid of their trash? Want to give every day a chance? Jesus says: Give the grace you’ve been given.  (Lucado, Encouraging Word Bible)

Paul writes; “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11“

PAUSE TO PRAY BEFORE RESPONDING TODAY:

Let us perform an inventory of our caregiving and encouragement actions both locally and globally. Who gets our help?

Who do we notice first? What is our first thought about them?  Love and encouragement or judgement with guilt-producing “advice”?

What does it take for us to agree to meet someone’s need?

Ask God what He thinks our response of encouragement should be.   

Give something extra today—there are many unmet needs around us. 

TAKE ACTION!  Take 5 minutes to write an encouraging note! 

Pray first: Ask God who needs your encouragement.  He will answer this prayer!

The New Testament letters from Paul, Peter and others show us how to encourage others through writing:

• Tell them that you thank God for them and their fellowship in the gospel.
• Identify one or two traits that give evidence of God’s grace in their lives.  (“I see Jesus in you when you_____.”)
• Share a biblical truth or promise that speaks to their present situation.
• Show how they contribute to your life and the church.

Ian Hamilton rightly affirms; “Encouragers have Christ-like sight and a Christ-like heart. They are not blind to the sins and weaknesses of fellow Christians, but they recognize that “love builds up. . .. Encouragers are often our great High Priest’s means of ministering his divine sympathy to our bruised and lacerated souls.”

“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thess. 5:11).   

By investing five minutes per day for five days per week, it is possible to personally encourage through handwritten notes more than 250 people every year! It is also possible that God will use our example to foster a culture of encouragement throughout our churches!

Encouragement is something we all need to keep us motivated, loved, and feeling confident in ourselves and what we do. It’s something that is important for our mental and overall health and it truly can give us just the same amount of joy to give it to others as it is to receive it.

Because God created us and knows this about our personalities, he has provided countless verses in the Bible to not only encourage us but also to teach us the importance of lifting up those around us. Imagine how your community could change for the better with a little more encouragement between neighbors instead of community message boards filled with complaints. Or how strong your team at work could become if each person talked up their teammates’ work instead of their own accomplishments in order to get ahead. What a world that could be!

Here are a few encouragement verses to get us started:

Hebrews 10:24-25, Psalm 31:24, Psalm 121:1-2, Romans 15:2, John 16:33, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Romans 8:31, Romans 15:5, Psalm 90:17, Romans 1:11-12, 2 Corinthians 1:5, 1 Timothy 4:12 , 2 Corinthians 4:16, Isaiah 40:31, Joshua 1:9, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 2 Timothy 1:7,  John 14:27, Philippians 1:6,  John 15:13, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Proverbs 18:10, Galatians 6:2,

Lord,

May we be encouragers of your love, mercy, and grace.  You have given us all the help we need to be encouragers!  May we extend the grace give to us to others.  May we always point the way to you because of you living in us.  May our lives reflect your glory and goodness.  Help us to live so that others are drawn to your love growing generously in us.  May we be generous with our praise for you and our encouragement of others!

In Jesus Name, Amen

In the old west shows we used to watch on tv as kids; we would learn that when a new preacher came to town speaking against the vices of the deplorable habits of drinking to excess, sexual exploits, and other harmful entertainment; it slowed the economy of the local saloon.  When people listened and took heed to the advice it changed their behaviors and spending habits which was bad for business!  Soon, a riot prompted by local saloon owners would ensue.  The new preacher was doomed to be either run out of town on a rail or “tarred and feathered.” 

JUST SO YOU KNOW—

Riding the rail (also called being “run out of town on a rail”) was a punishment most prevalent in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries in which an offender was made to straddle a fence rail held on the shoulders of two or more bearers.

Tar and Feathering:  Tar and feathering is a form of public torture in which a victim is slathered in hot tar and then covered in feathers to humiliate them. Tarring and feathering was usually used as a form of vigilante justice and became a favorite of early American patriots in their protests against British taxation.  Also used as the west was pioneered to expose and punish outsiders not worthy of being a part of the community for all kinds of reasons.

But, after all, making money from people with bad habits is just good business, right?  Just ask Demetrius.

Acts 19, The Message

The Goddess Artemis

^21-22 After all this had reached its peak, Paul decided it was time to move on to Macedonia and Achaia provinces, and from there to Jerusalem. “Then,” he said, “I’m off to Rome. I’ve got to see Rome!” He sent two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, on to Macedonia and then stayed for a while and wrapped things up in Asia.

^23-26 But before he got away, a huge ruckus occurred over what was now being referred to as “the Way.” A certain silversmith, Demetrius, conducted a brisk trade in the manufacture of shrines to the goddess Artemis, employing a number of artisans in his business. He rounded up his workers and others similarly employed and said, “Men, you well know that we have a good thing going here—and you’ve seen how Paul has barged in and discredited what we’re doing by telling people that there’s no such thing as a god made with hands. A lot of people are going along with him, not only here in Ephesus but all through Asia province.

²⁷ “Not only is our little business in danger of falling apart, but the temple of our famous goddess Artemis will certainly end up a pile of rubble as her glorious reputation fades to nothing. And this is no mere local matter—the whole world worships our Artemis!”

^28-31 That set them off in a frenzy. They ran into the street yelling, “Great Artemis of the Ephesians! Great Artemis of the Ephesians!” They put the whole city in an uproar, stampeding into the stadium, and grabbing two of Paul’s associates on the way, the Macedonians Gaius and Aristarchus. Paul wanted to go in, too, but the disciples wouldn’t let him. Prominent religious leaders in the city who had become friendly to Paul concurred: “By no means go near that mob!”

^32-34 Some were yelling one thing, some another. Most of them had no idea what was going on or why they were there. As the Jews pushed Alexander to the front to try to gain control, different factions clamored to get him on their side. But he brushed them off and quieted the mob with an impressive sweep of his arms. But the moment he opened his mouth and they knew he was a Jew, they shouted him down: “Great Artemis of the Ephesians! Great Artemis of the Ephesians!”—on and on and on, for over two hours.

^35-37 Finally, the town clerk got the mob quieted down and said, “Fellow citizens, is there anyone anywhere who doesn’t know that our dear city Ephesus is protector of glorious Artemis and her sacred stone image that fell straight out of heaven? Since this is beyond contradiction, you had better get hold of yourselves. This is conduct unworthy of Artemis. These men you’ve dragged in here have done nothing to harm either our temple or our goddess.

^38-41 “So if Demetrius and his guild of artisans have a complaint, they can take it to court and make all the accusations they want. If anything else is bothering you, bring it to the regularly scheduled town meeting and let it be settled there. There is no excuse for what’s happened today. We’re putting our city in serious danger. Rome, remember, does not look kindly on rioters.” With that, he sent them home.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

RIOT IN EPHESUS

In Paul’s days of preaching Jesus, Son of the One and Only Living God, philosophers and city leaders would debate until their opinions and beliefs were heard by the people watching as truth.  When disagreements and debates were inclusive to unbelievers; fiery anger rose quickly to the surface and the people would be enticed to riot against those offensive to their cherished culture of worshipping many gods, especially Artemis. 

Preaching Jesus would many times lead you to a public forum where people would gather in great numbers at the local colosseum where “offenders” would be met with public humiliation and certain death.  Igniting crowds were tools used to incite a riot. 

MOB MENTALITY

A riotous crowd was consulted by Pilate when deciding Jesus’ fate, remember?  Riotous crowds never make good decisions.

As Daniel was “thrown to the lions” in his day, Paul, his associates, along with other devout believers in Jesus, were threatened with much the same course of action.  It was common for believers in Jesus to be led to the center of the floor of this public place while people gathered in the stands to watch as wild animals were let loose to eat believers alive.  They were blood hungry as they cheered “this show of humiliation.”

THE ISSUE

Demetrius and his silversmiths were promoting idolatry and immorality in order to make a living, while Paul was declaring the true God and pointing people to cleansing and purity through the free grace of God. 

The silversmiths were really more concerned about their jobs and their income than they were about Artemis and her temple, but they were wise enough not to make this known. Paul taught the truth daily and sent out his converts to witness to the lost people in the city. More and more converts meant fewer and fewer potential customers for Demetrius.

RESOLUTION—FOR NOW

Throughout the Book of Acts, Luke clearly shows that the persecution of the Christian church was incited by the unbelieving Jews and not by the Romans. If anything, Paul used his Roman citizenship to protect himself, his friends, and the local assemblies.

FACT:  Ephesus is gone, and so is the worldwide worship of Artemis of the Ephesians. The city and the temple are gone, and the silversmiths’ guild is gone. Ephesus is a place visited primarily by archaeologists and people on Holy Land tours. Yet the gospel of God’s grace and the church of Jesus Christ are still here.

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. –Jesus, Matthew 16:16-18, NLT

PAUSE TO PRAYERFULLY REFLECT

Do we really believe what God says about His Son really real?

Who do we say Jesus is today?  Who do we worship?  Who do we think about most?

Are we led by the crowd or by the Living Christ?

Our response will be reflected in our behaviors. 

Lord,

Hallowed is Your Name.  Holy and great are you, Lord.  May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in every detail of our lives.  You are God, the One and Only living God!  Give us this day all you know we will need to please you in all we think, say, and do in Your Name.  Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Lead us not into temptations to follow the voices of the world but help us to hear and follow your voice alone.  Deliver us from evil and evil’s schemes to distract and deceive us.  We need your help and you give it.  You are God and we are not.  To you be the glory, honor, and praise forever and ever!

In Jesus Name, Amen

I loved going to the Oklahoma State Fair each year in early fall.  The heat of summer was ending as the air became cool and refreshing.  I loved the exhibits, fried food, and giveaways.  However, the Midway filled with carneys and barkers who tried to lure us in to games of chance—mostly with no chance of winning unless they decided to let you win—was eerily scary.  As a child my parents taught me how to navigate the Midway to get to the other side of greater things to see and do.

Come to find out, I’m not the only one who felt this way!  Max Lucado speaks of his own experience at the Texas State Fair;

“A gauntlet of barkers—each taking his turn. Dad had warned me about them. He knew the way of the midway. I can’t recall his exact instructions, but I remember the impact. I stuck next to him, my little hand lost in his big one. And every time I heard the voices, I turned to his face. He gave either protection or permission. A roll of the eyes meant “Move on.” He smelled a huckster. A smile and a nod said, “Go on—no harm here.”

My father helped me handle the voices.”

Why tell you this as we continue our journey with Paul through the province of Asia?  Paul taught the importance of God’s Holy Spirit of discernment to guide us to all truth.  Without calling on God to guide us through the “midway” of life, we will suffer harder times of navigating this world filled with a plethora of voices vying for our attention.  God, our Father in heaven, stands ready to help us handle the voices when we seek his face by praying in Jesus Name for discernment and wisdom.  Jesus promised!  “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” –Jesus, John 16:13 

Acts 19, The Message

19 ^1-2 Now, it happened that while Apollos was away in Corinth, Paul made his way down through the mountains, came to Ephesus, and happened on some disciples there. The first thing he said was, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?”

“We’ve never even heard of that—a Holy Spirit? God within us?”

³ “How were you baptized, then?” asked Paul.

“In John’s baptism.”

⁴ “That explains it,” said Paul. “John preached a baptism of radical life-change so that people would be ready to receive the One coming after him, who turned out to be Jesus. If you’ve been baptized in John’s baptism, you’re ready now for the real thing, for Jesus.”

^5-7 And they were. As soon as they heard of it, they were baptized in the name of the Master Jesus. Paul put his hands on their heads and the Holy Spirit entered them. From that moment on, they were praising God in tongues and talking about God’s actions. Altogether there were about twelve people there that day.

^8-10 Paul then went straight to the meeting place. He had the run of the place for three months, doing his best to make the things of the kingdom of God real and convincing to them. But then resistance began to form as some of them began spreading evil rumors through the congregation about the Christian way of life. So Paul left, taking the disciples with him, and set up shop in the school of Tyrannus, holding class there daily. He did this for two years, giving everyone in the province of Asia, Jews as well as Greeks, ample opportunity to hear the Message of the Master.

Witches Came out of the Woodwork

^11-12 God did powerful things through Paul, things quite out of the ordinary. The word got around and people started taking pieces of clothing—handkerchiefs and scarves and the like—that had touched Paul’s skin and then touching the sick with them. The touch did it—they were healed and whole.

^13-16 Some itinerant Jewish exorcists who happened to be in town at the time tried their hand at what they assumed to be Paul’s “game.” They pronounced the name of the Master Jesus over victims of evil spirits, saying, “I command you by the Jesus preached by Paul!” The seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were trying to do this on a man when the evil spirit talked back: “I know Jesus and I’ve heard of Paul, but who are you?” Then the possessed man went berserk—jumped the exorcists, beat them up, and tore off their clothes. Naked and bloody, they got away as best they could.

^17-20 It was soon news all over Ephesus among both Jews and Greeks. The realization spread that God was in and behind this. Curiosity about Paul developed into reverence for the Master Jesus. Many of those who thus believed stepped out into the light and made a clean break with their secret sorceries. All kinds of witches and warlocks came out of the woodwork with their books of spells and incantations and made a huge bonfire of them. Someone estimated their worth at fifty thousand silver coins. In such ways it became evident that the Word of the Master was now sovereign and prevailed in Ephesus.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

A little knowledge is dangerous.  The folks in Ephesus only had half the story.  They didn’t know about Jesus, so Paul the rest of the story!  (Read the book of Ephesians for what he taught the church!)  On Paul’s third missionary journey he corrected doctrinal misunderstandings that had been creeping into the churches. Here is a sample:

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:6-10, NIV

The power to change comes from God. Magical formulas and magic words cannot secure this power. Christ conquered evil. So we are more than conquerors by His power working in us by God’s Holy Spirit!  It is Jesus who overcomes the enemy God who tempts us with distraction and deception through the voices of his demons who hover around us.  Satan is a liar and can be a loud one, at that!  He can also appear as an angel of light, who lures us in by telling us what he has for us is what we deserve.  Yikes!   This is why we pray daily for the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit to show us truth.

Jesus will not be diminished. Jesus has already won the war with Satan!  But until Jesus returns for His own, daily skirmishes will be fought with our real enemy who never tires in distracting us from all that is God. 

Jesus is our overcomer so we, as believers, can be overcomers with Him!  HE is our distinctive voice in our noisy world. We do not have to walk the midway of barking voices alone if we keep our hand in His and our eyes on His face.  And when He speaks: “Listen to Him.”

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.” 1 John 4:4-5

“We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” 1 John 4:6

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20, NIV

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12 

“…and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”  Matthew 17:5

Lord,

Thank you for saving my soul and making me whole. Thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who guides us to what is true and right. Help all who believe to hear Your Voice above all other voices with humble, obedient hearts today and always.  I’m yours.  I’m listening.

In Jesus Name, Amen

GOD’S PLAN: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

JESUS’ OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S PLAN: “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. 

When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6-11

JESUS COMMAND TO ALL WHO BELIEVE: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

BELIEVERS’ RESPONSE: “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  2 Corinthians 5:16-21

THE ACTS OF GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT: “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” –Jesus Matthew 16:18, NLT It all began with Peter but did not stop with him.  Jesus taught him to teach others who would teach others…!  And then there was Paul…

So, given God’s plan to save us, Jesus’ teaching and training of the original disciples, led by God’s Holy Spirit; the work of “going and making disciples” is multiplied in and through new believers in Jesus from town to town, city to city—just as He said. 

The ministry of reconciling (reconnecting people to God through Jesus) formed groups of believers (churches) who also would “go and make disciples” causing exponential growth in ways that the powers of hell cannot and will not conquer.  Troubles, disagreements, sacrifices, beatings and jailtime for preaching Jesus will occur, but the apostles and disciples know that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

“I am with you always, until the end of the age.”—Jesus, Matthew 28:20

Acts 18, The Message

Ephesus

¹⁸ Paul stayed a while longer in Corinth, but then it was time to take leave of his friends. Saying his good-byes, he sailed for Syria, Priscilla and Aquila with him. Before boarding the ship in the harbor town of Cenchrea, he had his head shaved as part of a vow he had taken.

^19-21 They landed in Ephesus, where Priscilla and Aquila got off and stayed. Paul left the ship briefly to go to the meeting place and preach to the Jews. They wanted him to stay longer, but he said he couldn’t. But after saying good-bye, he promised, “I’ll be back, God willing.”

^21-22 From Ephesus he sailed to Caesarea. He greeted the church there, and then went on to Antioch, completing the journey.

²³ After spending a considerable time with the Antioch Christians, Paul set off again for Galatia and Phrygia, retracing his old tracks, one town after another, putting fresh heart into the disciples.

^24-26 A man named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was a Jew, born in Alexandria, Egypt, and a terrific speaker, eloquent and powerful in his preaching of the Scriptures. He was well-educated in the way of the Master and fiery in his enthusiasm. Apollos was accurate in everything he taught about Jesus up to a point, but he only went as far as the baptism of John. He preached with power in the meeting place. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and told him the rest of the story.

^27-28 When Apollos decided to go on to Achaia province, his Ephesian friends gave their blessing and wrote a letter of recommendation for him, urging the disciples there to welcome him with open arms. The welcome paid off: Apollos turned out to be a great help to those who had become believers through God’s immense generosity. He was particularly effective in public debate with the Jews as he brought out proof after convincing proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was in fact God’s Messiah.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

How awesome for the well-educated Apollos, gifted in preaching, to listen to those who know even more about Jesus!  He knows and can only preach what he has learned but is open to know more about Jesus!  Because of his open heart and mind toward Aquila and Priscilla, the ministry of reconciliation (reconnecting to God through Jesus) is now preached to even more people who need to know Jesus.  Apollos is wise to listen and learn.  It is wise to have mentors in the know about Jesus! 

How would we respond?  When someone takes time because they care enough to correct us with truth, do we willingly listen?  Are we helping or hurting the cause of Christ?

“Apollos turned out to be a great help…”  Because of his mentors and his willingness to listen with understanding; Apollos grew in faith and knowledge of Jesus.  “Apollos turned out to be a great help to those who had become believers through God’s immense generosity.”  God paved the way, Apollos obediently followed. 

God gifted Apollos with great speaking and debating abilities.  Apollos used his gifts for God’s glory which caused many to believe that wouldn’t normally accept the message.  “He was particularly effective in public debate with the Jews as he brought out proof after convincing proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was in fact God’s Messiah.”

Making disciples is the work the Holy Spirit does in each one of us.  Certain gifts are given to believers by God at just the right time to help others know Him and believe that Jesus died and rose again for them, too.  These gifts are not to call attention to us but used in the ministry of reconciliation and growth from the inside out.  Paul explains this to the church in Ephesus:

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:11-16, NLT (Read the whole chapter for what it means to acquire the unity of the Holy Spirit working in and through us!)

Oh, church friends, it is good to revisit the acts and subsequent letters of the original apostles who pioneered “going and making disciples”, taking to a work or art and heart, led by God’s Holy Spirit. 

If we truly want to know what Jesus, the rock of our salvation, wants from His church, the Body of Christ; we must study and take to heart the truth that exudes from the hearts of His passionate, loving, sold-out, committed, and confident apostles with whom the work Jesus began.

Lord,

Wow.  Thank you for those who went before us!  We are amazed by your deep love for us.  We are grateful for your gracious generosity and patience with us as we learn and grow in our own faith and in your work.  Lead us to more like you, dear Jesus.  Give us your wisdom to say the right words at the right time in the right, loving way, so others will know you, too.  Make me a disciple who makes disciples in your Name for Your glory.

In Jesus Name, Amen

There was this time in our lives when God called us to leave ministry positions in one place to join another ministry in another state for “such a time as this”.  This ministry on the outside looked right and good, flourishing with numbers of believers, but we would learn very soon that it was rotten at the core.  We didn’t know that, of course, until a few days of working alongside the leaders. 

When led by God but faced with what you didn’t expect and realizing it would be a hard road to follow, your first thought is to quit and question.  “Did I miss what God was calling me to do?”  “Did I totally misunderstand what God was saying to me about the work to be done here?”  Those are the exact questions I asked in the first two weeks of arriving.  I immediately saw the challenge ahead of me and trembled.  But I also saw the people in need of growing in their walk with God. 

God called me to help people to not just believe in Jesus but to follow in His ways, allowing their lives to be transformed by Him. We left two good salaries to do this because of our faith in God who led us.  Even though our income of cut in half, God provided.  Randy would be a “tentmaker” as a teacher in a new Bible college forming in the area as well as fill in as a sub teacher so we could pay our bills.  God provided.  Our income was doable and we trusted God all they way.  He did not let us down.  He protected us and provided for us. 

It was rough from day one as God used His gifts graciously given to me in the work to fulfill the mission of discipleship for this church.  From the beginning, I was met with underground opposition with quiet intimidating comments, made only to me in isolated hallways by small minded men who wanted to retain their position and power.  I had dealt with troublesome people before in God’s church but never to this degree.  One of my mentors even called it, “spiritual abuse.” 

I rose each day to be at work early to pray for God to guide me.  I studied His Word for His plan, assurance, and guidance for the next steps I should take for that day.  But I was accused of spending too much time in the Word and should get to the tasks at hand—listening to what the leaders wanted me to be and do for them.  At one point, I was told, “You were hired to make us look good, so do that.” 

I knew God called and sent there, but I asked often, how can your work be done, Lord, given this opposition?  How could I keep doing what you called me to do with “my hands tied behind my back” by those who had hired me?  How can I rise above the man, second in charge, who works overtime to discredit me with attempts to stop everything we’re trying to accomplish, Lord?  This man formed an alliance with another man who was third in charge who watched every move I made.  He would then falsely “tattle” with accusations of my work to the pastor in charge. Yeah, that was fun—not!

But our Lord heard my frantic prayers.  He upheld my strength by His power that is greater and gave me a peace that truly was His gift to me.  God proceeded to do a work in and through me to help others see Jesus, really see Him in all His glory as they learned to imitate Christ, developing the mind of Christ, so they could learn to walk in His ways.  To God be the glory!  I witnessed God working in and through many people.  No regrets. 

Unknown to me, the pastor’s plan all along was to hire me for only one year or less because that’s all their budget could afford.  Their budget was kept hidden from view, so no one really knew.  What I did know was God led me to build a discipleship program from infant to adults and train leaders as quickly as possible.  Somehow, I knew in my heart that I didn’t have much time.

The pastor who began this church hired me to, as he said, “do discipleship because we suck at it”.  He soon realized that his plan was working.  He began talking to volunteers to take my place in various ways.  Then he called me into his office after nine months of hard labor to let me go. What surprised him was my reaction.  I was the most relieved person on the planet!  I walked out praising Jesus and thanking Him for releasing me and moving me on.  I had no regrets!  I had done my best to follow what God told me to do and I grew through the challenge!  We were now jobless and had to move, but didn’t matter!  I knew God was leading and in control!  Why worry?  Several miracles of provision followed in the next 24-36 hours.   

Randy and I survived physically, although it took its toll on my heath.  We survived mentally and emotionally because we learned that most of the people saw the Truth.  In fact, we are still friends today after all these years.  Most of all, we grew spiritually because of the challenging circumstances which taught me that God is always in control and turns bad to good for those who believe as He turns ashes into beauty for His glory! Jesus is still King of kings and Lord of lords, and that obeying the Holy Spirit is the best way to live.  We also realized internally Paul’s words to the growing church in Ephesus;

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

When you really believe these words, grudges with those who “sin against you” fall away when you forgive “for they know not what they are doing.” Don’t wait for an apology you will probably never receive.  Forgive and pray for your enemies that they will know Jesus and follow Him, too.  Go where God leads for as long as He tells you.  Don’t quit until God tells you to it is finished.  “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

–Paul to the Philippian church, Philippians 1:6

So, as Paul jumps from the “frying pan” of Athens in the “fire” of convincing the Corinthians about Jesus, we get it.  Most of what God calls us to be and do will include circumstances beyond our abilities to resolve; that’s why we trust HIM to complete the work—His work!  What we learn from what Paul learned and lived is: Where God guides, He provides the ways and means to accomplish HIS mission in and through us.  Always. 

The place will change but the ministry is the same.  Jesus died to save us, set us free from our sins and then rose again to give us hope for living forever—all because God so loved us.

Acts 18, The Message

Corinth

18 ^1-4 After Athens, Paul went to Corinth. That is where he discovered Aquila, a Jew born in Pontus, and his wife, Priscilla. They had just arrived from Italy, part of the general expulsion of Jews from Rome ordered by Claudius. Paul moved in with them, and they worked together at their common trade of tentmaking. But every Sabbath he was at the meeting place, doing his best to convince both Jews and Greeks about Jesus.

^5-6 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was able to give all his time to preaching and teaching, doing everything he could to persuade the Jews that Jesus was in fact God’s Messiah. But no such luck. All they did was argue contentiously and contradict him at every turn. Totally exasperated, Paul had finally had it with them and gave it up as a bad job. “Have it your way, then,” he said. “You’ve made your bed; now lie in it. From now on I’m spending my time with the other nations.”

^7-8 He walked out and went to the home of Titius Justus, a God-fearing man who lived right next to the Jews’ meeting place. But Paul’s efforts with the Jews weren’t a total loss, for Crispus, the meeting-place president, put his trust in the Master. His entire family believed with him.

^8-11 In the course of listening to Paul, a great many Corinthians believed and were baptized. One night the Master spoke to Paul in a dream: “Keep it up, and don’t let anyone intimidate or silence you. No matter what happens, I’m with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in this city.” That was all he needed to stick it out. He stayed another year and a half, faithfully teaching the Word of God to the Corinthians.

^12-13 But when Gallio was governor of Achaia province, the Jews got up a campaign against Paul, hauled him into court, and filed charges: “This man is seducing people into acts of worship that are illegal.”

^14-16 Just as Paul was about to defend himself, Gallio interrupted and said to the Jews, “If this was a matter of criminal conduct, I would gladly hear you out. But it sounds to me like one more Jewish squabble, another of your endless hairsplitting quarrels over religion. Take care of it on your own time. I can’t be bothered with this nonsense,” and he cleared them out of the courtroom.

¹⁷ Now the street rabble turned on Sosthenes, the new meeting-place president, and beat him up in plain sight of the court. Gallio didn’t raise a finger. He could not have cared less.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Where God guides—God provides.  God provided new friends for Paul in Corinth, a place of idolatry with great evil paraded in the streets.  Aquila and Priscilla provided Paul with a place to live with an income in tentmaking.

Paul fell to discouragement but God gave him the encouragement needed: “Keep it up, and don’t let anyone intimidate or silence you. No matter what happens, I’m with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in this city.”  This isn’t the first time God has said this for those who listen to Him and obey His call—and it won’t be the last!  He still does!

PAUSE TO PRAY

When has God stepped in to encourage you at your lowest? 

What did He say?  What did He do?  As we reflect, thank God for all He has done, is doing, and will do throughout our lives of serving Him.  It is our humble, grateful hearts that He hears as He provides all that we need.

Our response:  Trust God.

Lord,

Thank you for the all the ways you have encouraged me in your work as a helper for others to know and follow you.  Guide me.  All my faith, hope, and trust is in You.  I love you back with all that is in me.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Have you ever visited a junkyard—a place where broken, old, and obsolete things end up to rust, decay, but not thrown away?

Is the junkyard in our own backyards?  Mentally, spiritually, as well as physically?

Paul has arrived in Athens, a place filled with statues of gods for all reasons and seasons.  This is the Athenian way of life.  Sold out to the One and Only God and His Son, Jesus who saved him, passionate Paul is sickened by this junkyard of idols.  But Paul is wise in the way he approaches the worshippers of this plethora of gods. 

Watch how Paul skillfully persuades the “stoic philosophers and intellectuals” of that day to listen to him.  He doesn’t beat them over the head with what he knows.  He doesn’t even begin with how he was changed by Jesus—yet.  Led by the Holy Spirit, he centers on their statue named the “unknown god” as a place to start.  This is a good teaching technique—begin with what they know then introduce them them to what they do not know.  Jesus used this technique often in his stories that related to what God wants us to know about Him.

Acts 17, The Message

Athens

¹⁶ The longer Paul waited in Athens for Silas and Timothy, the angrier he got—all those idols! The city was a junkyard of idols.

^17-18 He discussed it with the Jews and other like-minded people at their meeting place. And every day he went out on the streets and talked with anyone who happened along. He got to know some of the Epicurean and Stoic intellectuals pretty well through these conversations. Some of them dismissed him with sarcasm: “What a moron!” But others, listening to him go on about Jesus and the resurrection, were intrigued: “That’s a new slant on the gods. Tell us more.”

^19-21 These people got together and asked him to make a public presentation over at the Areopagus, where things were a little quieter. They said, “This is a new one on us. We’ve never heard anything quite like it. Where did you come up with this anyway? Explain it so we can understand.” Downtown Athens was a great place for gossip. There were always people hanging around, natives and tourists alike, waiting for the latest tidbit on most anything.

^22-23 So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. “It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I’m here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you’re dealing with.

^24-29 “The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn’t live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn’t take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don’t make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near. We live and move in him, can’t get away from him! One of your poets said it well: ‘We’re the God-created.’ Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it?

^30-31 “God overlooks it as long as you don’t know any better—but that time is past. The unknown is now known, and he’s calling for a radical life-change. He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And he has already appointed the judge, confirming him before everyone by raising him from the dead.”

^32-34 At the phrase “raising him from the dead,” the listeners split: Some laughed at him and walked off making jokes; others said, “Let’s do this again. We want to hear more.” But that was it for the day, and Paul left. There were still others, it turned out, who were convinced then and there, and stuck with Paul—among them Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Face it, we have our own junkyards of idols! I was recently convicted myself about all the things we have acquired over the years that take up our time and space.  I spent last week letting go of things I had worked to buy, be given, stored away, and rearranged many times.  We had acquired so much junk that I had to buy more places to store it! That’s crazy!

I shamed myself when I brought it all out into the open to see as I evaluated it’s importance in my life.  All this junk had occupied my time, focus, and space and even my peace! So, we cleaned out our own junkyard.  The useable good stuff went to a church that ministers to those in need, suffering calamities such as fires that destroyed their homes.  It was easy to let go of most of it, harder to let go of some stuff that brought back memories. However, when we finished (for now), we felt a peace that was missing.  It was good to let it all go and live with less management of stuff.

As I worked on this project; I thought and meditated, as I often do.  How much of this junk and its management got in the way or blocked my view of God at times?  Why was my focus on acquiring this stuff in the first place?  Did this stuff somehow and willingly become my idols?  Did I store this junk as assurance—because “I might need this someday”? Do I feel richer for having and storing this stuff? Ugh.

If we really want answers; we can look over the ledgers of our bank accounts.  Do our purchases reflect a junkyard of idols?  Do we purchase what we need or want?  Where does it go after the newness has worn off?  Do we purchase all kinds of things that have to be managed and cared for along with more storage spaces to accommodate them?  I thought of Jesus’ story about the grain farmer who had a bumper crop so he built bigger storage places for the harvest.  Jesus ended the story with; “But God said to him (the rich farmer), ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ –This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21)

If Paul or Jesus came to our home and walked around, would he observe “idols” of all kinds that get in the way of our focus on God our Creator who loved us so much He sent His Son to save us for eternity?  Or would he find a lot of junk in our lives that we don’t need but we idolize the possession of them?  The world tells us we need all the right stuff and we must feel a certain way about ourselves to have peace. But Jesus says peace is a gift given to us who believe and trust; “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:25-27, NIV 

God is the Provider of all we need.  We learn that Jesus is all we need. The rest we acquire is non-essential to our wellbeing, wholeness, spiritual health.  When we come to the end of ourselves and all we think we must have; we discover all the stuff of earth just gets in the way of our focus on God and His rich blessings He longs to pour out over us.  Paul writes, “…whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11, NIV

So, we learn it’s not just about the physical junk that lies around; but the mental and emotional junk we fill our minds with daily.  If we can’t hear God’s voice above the chatter of voices of this world, then maybe we need to clean out the closets of our minds!  Our minds can become so cluttered with the details of life that the clutter also becomes idols.  What we think about most is what we worship!  Paul warns; “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:18-21, NIV

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –Jesus, Matthew 6:19-21, NIV

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Stuff) –Jesus, Matthew 6

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” –Jesus, Matthew 6:25-34, NIV

Lord,

May we look inward before telling someone else how to be saved by you and live in your ways.  Give us wisdom in our witness—just like Paul!  Help us to rid ourselves of the idols of junk that robs our peace.  May the peace that you give rule our hearts!

In Jesus Name, Amen

Crime solving dramas with distinct plot formulas are my favorite shows to watch. I watch so many in fact, that the formula is quite apparent and predictable.  The opening of the show begins with a body who has died under suspicious circumstances.  The rest of the show then involves finding out the who, what, when, how, along with finding the perpetrator.  The victim is identified, relatives notified, the prep arrested.  Clean and neat—all in one hour! 

Ah, but real life doesn’t work like that, does it?  It’s not so cut and dried; obvious and neat.  I have friends who work as FBI agents and as police officers who investigate crime.  Real life is not solved in an hour or two.  Problems create circumstances beyond our control and challenge us with various methods of dealing with them.  We can hide from them, ignore that they exist, run away, fall behind, or we can move forward with God’s Holy Spirit leading the way with power and wisdom.

Paul is greatly filled with the Holy Spirit.  It is Jesus who saved him!  Paul wants to tell the world who He is and what He has done.  Paul is obsessively passionate about preaching as often as he can, to as many people who will hear, in as many places in the world he can go and tell the Truth of Jesus.  Paul is also put in danger as he faces many who oppose Jesus and want to kill this Messenger of Good News.  So, Paul, at times, goes undercover!  But he will emerge in another place to preach Jesus tirelessly and relentlessly!

This makes Paul’s later words to the Philippian church (and to us) be drenched with significant meaning;

^“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6, NIV

Whether undercover or preaching to a crowd, believing friends sent by God helped Paul at each place on the journey so he could be and do what God’s Holy Spirit led him to be and do.  Keep this in mind as we continue to read.  Imagine the scene by mentally putting ourselves there. Paul’s work will continue to build churches of believers in Jesus from the inside out and outside in—both Jews and non Jews—because Jesus is for everyone! The work is messy, painful, dangerous, and challenging.  Sometimes he has to go undercover to stay alive, but Paul and His friends keep going—with the power of God within, around, behind and in front of them because Paul confidently believes that “He (Jesus) who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Acts 17, The Message

Berea

^10-12 That night, under cover of darkness, their friends got Paul and Silas out of town as fast as they could. They sent them to Berea, where they again met with the Jewish community. They were treated a lot better there than in Thessalonica. The Jews received Paul’s message with enthusiasm and met with him daily, examining the Scriptures to see if they supported what he said. A lot of them became believers, including many Greeks who were prominent in the community, women and men of influence.

^13-15 But it wasn’t long before reports got back to the Thessalonian hard-line Jews that Paul was at it again, preaching the Word of God, this time in Berea. They lost no time responding, and created a mob scene there, too. With the help of his friends, Paul gave them the slip—caught a boat and put out to sea. Silas and Timothy stayed behind. The men who helped Paul escape got him as far as Athens and left him there. Paul sent word back with them to Silas and Timothy: “Come as quickly as you can!”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

No matter what, preach Jesus!

No matter what, gather friends who believe to help preach Jesus.

No matter what, we are all called by God to do our part to make sure that Jesus is preached so others will know who He is and what He has done to save us!

Paul knows he needs brothers and sisters to help him and readily accepts their help to “slip out of town” under cover of night which is becoming a way of life!  Paul’s former self, AKA Saul was not that way—Saul gave orders to kill believers and all those who resisted him.  Now, Paul’s new identify is in Christ.  We see that Paul is a different man with renewed thinking who now relies on the help of others who believe to do what God has called us all to do—preach Jesus!

Paul writes later; “Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.”  2 Corinthians 5.  Yes, Paul we see your sincerity and relentless tenaciousness in Truth telling! 

Paul includes all believers as messengers of Truth; “Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 

Read the complete passage from 2 Corinthians 5. 

Paul’s letters of care, correction and encouragement to the churches reveal Paul’s own life transformation in every word he writes.  Paul’s “one thing” is life is for others to know, believe and follow Jesus.

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:10-14, NIV

 Nothing else matters.  Whatever it takes, preach Jesus!  “Come quickly!”

Lord,

May we have the passion and love that Paul had to tell your story of salvation to others—no matter what—for this is a matter of life or death for our family and friends who live without you.  Teach us.  Give us your wisdom and words.  Show us your ways to tell others today.  Then give us boldness and confidence to obey.  Let your love in us and for the world lead the way!

In Jesus Name, Amen

Heavenly Father, God of all,

Thank you. Hallowed be Your Name.  May your Kingdom come, your will be done in all I think, say and do today. Great are you, Lord and greatly to be praised by all who believe and call on your holy name. 

Thank you for loving us so deeply and profoundly that you designed a plan to save us that was so perfect and perfectly laid out—from the beginning of creation.  You knew the time, place, and location.  You knew the humans you would have to work in, through and around.  You told the prophets to tell your people your plan with how it would be accomplished, with clues of who to look for, a Messiah, who would be sent to save us. Some listened. Some did not. 

Then you came, dear Jesus, born to a virgin who was devoted to you and your plan along with Joseph.  You knew they would be the best couple to accomplish this because of their love for you and for each other!

You grew as any Jewish boy would being the son of a carpenter who loved you; but you were also raised as the Son of God.  These are the thoughts that your earthly parents pondered.  You were perfect, the one without sin, the only one who could be the perfect Lamb without blemish sacrifice for our sins, indeed all the sins of the world.  You loved and taught others to follow you, seeking God first in all of life.  Then willingly and obediently you did exactly what you were sent to do.  You laid down your life for our life, taking the punishment we desire.

Yes, your love was demonstrated to the highest degree that day you gave your life to save all who believed then and all the lives to follow who would call on you and repent of sins.  You saved me.  With your act of obedience, I can now come to you freely, without a middleman priest to speak for me for you are the High Priest, dear Jesus, who died and rose again to give us entrance to heaven to the very throne of God!

Today is called Good Friday only for us because it was the day you suffered the greatest pain.  You had to suffer carrying the sins of the world to a cross and die a slow, excruciating death—after being mocked, beaten beyond recognition, and publicly humiliated!  The greater pain for you, Jesus was to lose communion with your Father until the debt of all our sins placed on your shoulders was paid in full by death.  We know, Father God, that you cannot be where sin is and that you turn your back on sin, not on us, but our sins that block us from you. 

But death did not win!  When you accomplished the mission, God resurrected you from death to life, scars and all!  Rising again, you gave all who believe our hope for eternal life—just like God said he would!

Jesus, you did indeed, paid it all.  All that was owed, all that is owed, and all that will be owed for generations to come.  I will contemplate these thoughts all day long as I go about my tasks in honor of all you have done for me—and for all who believe.

You are God, I am not.  What you did for me I cannot do for myself.  How you did it is beyond my thinking or imagining.  But why you did it brings me to my knees in deep gratitude.  Oh, how you love us. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus.  Thank you, Holy Spirit for leading me once again to the Truth of life everlasting.

In the quiet of this first hour of the day, I praise you.  I love you, Lord with all my heart, mind, and soul.  I think of all the other people you have put in my life along my journey here to love and I give thanks for them. I also think of all the people who have mocked, slandered, and were a challenge to me in life as I lived for you.  “Forgive them, for they know not what they are doing” is what you prayed for your enemies.  I will do the same as I repent of my own sins in your Name.

Thank you for saving me from a life that has no meaning without you. Thank you for daily filling me with the power of Your Holy Spirit.  Thank you for taking time to daily cleanse my heart, renew my mind, transform my behavior, refresh my soul with your new mercies, and restore the joy and peace of you in me and me in you.  Thank you for your loving care and correction with provision and protection. 

Thank you for being with us always.  We call on Your Name, and you always respond with help, wisdom and assurance.

There is no one like you, God of all creation. 

Thank you, Jesus. 

Thank you, Holy Spirit.

To you, Holy God, be the glory, honor, and praise always and forever!

In Jesus Name, Amen