Prepared for You

Prepared for You

Acts 18: ⁹ One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. ¹⁰ For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” ¹¹ So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

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“But I’m not a pastor” I said to the group. They were asking me to speak to a group of people in the country we were in at the time. One person said to me “I walked twenty miles to hear you speak.” I was thoroughly intimidated by those words. I spoke and many gave their life to CHRIST.

• There have been times when I was afraid to speak.
• There have been times when I felt overwhelmed by the crowd.
• There have been times when I saw a large crowd that I had to speak to and got nervous.

Paul had faced turmoil in many cities. One night the LORD spoke to him saying “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” This was a relief to Paul, so he stayed longer.

• GOD wants me to hear HIM say “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD wants me to hear HIM say “Keep on speaking.”
• GOD wants me to hear HIM say “Do not be silent.”

Sometimes GOD’s plan can seem quite intimidating, especially when I have tried and seemed to fail over and over. BUT GOD says different. HE sends me to places where there are plenty of hungry people willing to listen to HIS word. I will keep on speaking, thanks to the LORD’s encouragement.

• Are you stuck?
• Are you too scared or intimidated to speak about JESUS?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to open your heart and your mouth so you can speak about HIM today?

Suit Yourself

Suit Yourself

Acts 18: ⁵ When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. ⁶ But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

⁷ Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. ⁸ Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.

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Trying hard to understand, my questions seemed resistant. Well, they “were” hesitant and resistant. A wise person was trying to give me advice and because I could not see the full picture, the advice seemed unactionable to me. After a couple of tries, he said “suit yourself” and left. Everything the he warned me about happened and it was too late to change my decision.

• There have been times when I could not “hear” good advice.
• There have been times when I could not “understand” someone else’s wisdom.
• There have been times when I could not “see” the obstacles in the road ahead so I went with my plans despite being warned.

Tired of the opposition, Paul told the Jews, “Your blood be on your own heads!” He was trying to convince them that JESUS was and is the Messiah. They became abusive and Paul had to move on to those who could hear.

• GOD wants me to listen to HIS advice with immediacy like a child.
• GOD wants me to provide HIS message to those who can hear.
• GOD allows me to move on when someone is not accepting HIS love.

“Suit yourself” is supposedly a term meaning “I tried to give you advice and you would not listen, so you will die and when they bury you, they will put on a suit for the casket.” GOD’s message is finite. We have all of our mortal lives to believe that we need JESUS for salvation.

This belief gives me the desire to tell others about the wonderful gift of love. When a person cannot hear, it makes me want to serve them, teach them and show them GOD cares. But there comes a time when GOD says “move on” meaning this person will not listen. I am saddened when I am told to move on but grateful GOD may send someone else to convince the person.

• Are you trying to convince a person to give all aspects of their lives to JESUS?
• Do you feel exhausted trying to convince a person to be led by GOD?
• Will you listen to GOD and move on if the person is abusive and is not accepting about the great news of JESUS’ salvation today?

Exiled and Evacuated

Exiled and Evacuated

Acts 18: After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. ² There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, ³ and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. ⁴ Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

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After the devastation of the hurricane, all that was left of some neighborhoods was a memory. Homes were washed away as the levies broke and floods ensued. Later I went to assist in the repair. It would take over a decade to provide shelter for those who lost their homes.

• I have seen cities that have been torn up.
• I have seen cities that have been devastated.
• I have met people who lost everything they had, with no means to recover.

Paul met Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth. They were exiled because Claudius was tired of the squabbles the Jews were making over JESUS. Claudius exiled all the Jews, prominent and lesser known. They were now homeless. Paul went to help them.

• GOD wants me to help the homeless.
• GOD wants me to help repair the devastation.
• GOD wants me to help those who have been exiled, left out and forgotten.

Any help is welcome when people lose everything. I mean even a cup of water feels great when no water is available. GOD sees my efforts when I assist people in need. While it can sometimes be overwhelming, GOD wants me to serve one person at a time with what I can contribute. Even if it is a smile, GOD can bless the recipient. I am glad to serve.

• Are you willing to serve those who lost everything?
• Are you shielded from seeing the homeless by giving to a gathering who gives to an organization who may give to the homeless?
• Will you directly help those who are in need today?

Strange Accounting

Strange Accounting

Acts 17: ²⁹ “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. ³⁰ In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. ³¹ For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

³² When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” ³³ At that, Paul left the Council. ³⁴ Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.

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Since the plane landed later than I expected, I figured I would make up the time. I sped through the state trying to reach my destination. I got pulled over and was given a ticket. I sped off and reached my meeting with a prominent figure of the state.

On my way back, I continued my speeding and was pulled over again. I explained I had just left the prominent figure. Because of this person, I was forgiven by not receiving a ticket. I drove slower.

• There have been times when I did not care about receiving penalties.
• There have been times when I consciously sinned because I had a “good” reason.
• There have been times when I finally realized I needed to change because I hit rock bottom.

Paul explained to the highly educated audience that worshipping idols made from gold, silver or stone, was worthless. GOD is a divine being and we are HIS offspring, Paul explained. He then spoke about the resurrection which raised their interest. Some believed.

• GOD wants me to believe in the resurrection of JESUS.
• GOD wants me to believe that JESUS will judge me with justice.
• GOD wants me to believe I deserve eternal punishment but JESUS holds the decision to forgive or not.

Forgiveness for sin belongs to JESUS. HE uses some very strange accounting. HE forgives me for all my sins as long as I believe HE can and will forgive them. HE then places the HOLY SPIRIT in me so I can repent from repeating the same mistakes over and over. Even if I do repeat a sin, HE forgive that.

BUT the FATHER does not forgive those who do no believe in the HOLY SPIRIT or JESUS who sends HIM. This one sin is not overlooked and will be remembered for all eternity. I am grateful JESUS gave HIS life for me and has raised from the dead to forgive me.

• Are you continually doing whatever pleases you without thinking of consequence?
• Are you making excuses for what you do by finding other humans that will justify your behavior?
• Will you give your life to JESUS and allow HIM to forgive you so you can be given purpose and eternal life today?

Seeker Help

Seeker Help

Acts 17: ²⁴ “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ²⁶ From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

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“Ready or not here I come” I exclaimed. We were playing Hide and Go Seek, and I was the person seeking. I saw a pair of legs behind some bushes. I quietly caught the hider. Now I had some help. This was a fun day!

• I enjoyed looking for the hidden.
• I enjoyed seeking those who needed to be found.
• I enjoyed finding those who were hidden and getting some help to find others.

Paul explained that GOD does not live in manmade buildings, nor does HE need humans to ‘do’ anything for HIM. HE gives everyone life, breath and everything. HE did all of this so humans would seek HIM and perhaps reach out to HIM and find HIM. GOD is always easy to find.

• GOD wants me to be thankful for everything HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for the life HE breaths through me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for JESUS who died for me and is alive providing salvation to those who believe in HIM.

When I complain that someone is not doing their part or are not serving enough, I may not be showing GOD enough appreciation. I mean, when I am thankful, praise comes from my lips. I realize how futile my service really is when I try to serve GOD who needs nothing from me or any human.

GOD is complete. I am thankful that HE takes care of everything. My belief in JESUS makes me complete. Since I am thankful for being complete I seek others who have a sense of emptiness only JESUS can fill. I am grateful GOD allows me to seek HIS sheep.

• What are you thankful for?
• Are you seeking inner peace through certain foods, rituals or buildings?
• Will you seek the Living GOD who provides everything you need to seek others who need HIM?

Just in Case

Just in Case

Acts 17: ²² Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. ²³ For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

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Picking up the penny made me excited. I would have “good luck” all day, according to the saying. I searched for more loose change and found more! I was having good luck. I started looking for “lucky” implements like shirts, clovers and team apparel. I even started reading horoscopes, just in case.

• At one point in my life I believed in luck.
• At one point in my life I believed in “the universe.”
• At one point in my life I believed in placing my hope in fortune cookies or winning the lottery.

Paul saw an altar amongst many altars to other gods. This one had an inscription “to an unknown god.” The people built this altar, just in case they missed a god. Paul knew this was his chance to speak about the one and only true GOD.

• GOD wants me to believe HE is completely what I need.
• GOD wants me to know HE does not need additions to HIS power.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE holds the universe in HIS hand and there are no random events.

What seems to be random to me is organized by GOD. HE knows all, sees all and is everywhere. The “bad” things that happen is due to free will, given by GOD. When I choose not to believe in GOD’s SON JESUS, who saved me, bad things happen.

JESUS wants and deserves total belief in HIM. I mean, HE forgives me when I panic and try to do things on my own, but loves when I put my trust in HIM. I am grateful HE has made the unknown, known by giving me the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Where are you placing your hope?
• Do you seek random events or try to play the odds or try to control your life?
• Will you let go of your “just in case” thinking and allow GOD to direct your path through JESUS who saved you?

Philosophically Speaking

Philosophically Speaking

Acts 17: ¹⁶ While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸ A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹ Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰ You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” ²¹ (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

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Having bought into the philosophy, I immersed myself deeply. I spoke day and night about the views and opinions that mattered most for the group. I found myself leaving my family to bow down to the group’s symbols. Work had become my god and prominent figures had become my idols.

• It was easy for me to fall into a philosophical hole.
• It was easy for me to follow a group that seemed to reward me.
• It was easy for me to become something that satisfied my need for pleasure, affirmation and assurance.

Paul faced a difficult group of philosophers in Athens. They followed prominent figures like Epicurus or aligned with stoic beliefs. Fighting against hedonistic, mental rating, knowledge seeking people would be a challenge. They laughed at Paul because he spoke about JESUS saying he was a babbler. But Paul spoke anyway.

• GOD wants me to speak about HIS SON anyway.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS way as the only philosophy.
• GOD wants me to value HIS word as the thing I need to worship.

So many human philosophies come and go. BUT GOD remains the same. HE wants me to value HIS love for humanity by telling people JESUS died for my sins and is now alive. I can place my trust in HIM to provide and protect. I am grateful for JESUS, in whom I place my trust.

• Are you fighting for a certain philosophy that comes from humans?
• Do you doubt certain aspects you hear about GOD?
• Will you seek GOD and learn about HIM so you will have an everlasting purpose?

Escorted

Escorted

Acts 17: ¹³ But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. ¹⁴ The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. ¹⁵ Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

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“Put your stuff in boxes” they told me in a cold tone. “Oh, and here is a reward you won for being a great team member. We will be your escort out of the building. You will give me your access badge at the entrance.” I was being escorted out of the building after a job elimination.

• I have been escorted out during tense situations.
• I have been escorted out when I did not need protection.
• I have been escorted out without being able to send a message back to those who encouraged me.

Paul was escorted out of the city because the Jews from another city had arrived and stirred up trouble for him. Paul was speaking about JESUS and many began to believe. The believers had to escort Paul out of the city so he would not be harmed. They took a message of good will back to Silas and Timothy.

• GOD wants me to protect those who are being harmed.
• GOD wants me to bring messages of encouragement to others.
• GOD wants me to calm the crowd by speaking peace about JESUS.

Being an escort can mean something bad or good. GOD wants me to be a protector and an encourager. When I walk by someone’s side, HE wants me to watch over that person and be ready to keep them from harms way. I am glad GOD sends HIS protection for me.

• Are you being harassed?
• Are people trying to harm you because of your relationship with GOD?
• Will you ask GOD to provide a reliable escort out of the harmful situation today?

Noble Character

Noble Character

Acts 17: ¹⁰ As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. ¹¹ Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. ¹² As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

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“We checked your references and what you said was true” the hiring manager told me. Although I had told them the truth and they were excited to have me on board, they wanted to make sure I really had performed the things I claimed to do.

• Many times I have had background checks.
• Many times I have had my actions questioned.
• Many times I have had to prove what I was saying was true.

Paul and Silas spoke to the Berean Jews, who were of more noble character than those at Thessalonica. While they were excited about what Paul and Silas preached, they check the Scriptures every day to see if what they spoke was true. This resulted in many people believing in JESUS as their Savior.

• GOD wants me to speak the truth about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to receive the message from HIS messengers with eagerness.
• GOD wants me to check the Scriptures to be sure the messenger is telling the truth.

Noble character means living by the truth. When someone claims to speak about JESUS, they should not mind if someone says “wait a minute… let me check the Scriptures to see if what you are saying is true.

GOD wants me to validate what I am saying by using the Scriptures, avoiding twisting the meaning to make it say something that gives me personal gain. I am glad GOD gave the scriptures so I can speak the truth.

• Are you mad because someone checked up on what you are saying?
• Did you speak the truth?
• Will you be excited about what you hear about JESUS and check the Scriptures for yourself to make sure the messenger is speaking the truth?

Blamed

Blamed

Acts 17: ⁵ But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. ⁶ But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, ⁷ and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” ⁸ When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. ⁹ Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

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Confused by the questions I asked “What is going on?” A group of people were stirring up anger at work and were not thinking rationally, rather they were acting with strong emotion. They wanted to vent their frustrations and decided to take them out on me.

• There have been times when I have been blamed.
• There have been times when I have been deemed guilty by association.
• There have been times when I have been confused because people were angry with me because I supported someone else.

Jason and other believers were dragged before the city officials by angry Jews. The angry mob did not believe JESUS was and is King of kings and Lord of lords. They made Jason and the believers post bond. They were blamed in public.

• GOD knows when people blame me because of my relationship with HIM.
• GOD expects me to be persecuted because of my relationship with JESUS.
• GOD understands my confusion when I am blamed and gives me peace beyond all understanding.

Being blamed or persecuted is never fun. No one wants to be the recipient of persecution, especially from an angry mob. BUT GOD knows this will happen to those who truly believe in the LORD.

JESUS said “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for MY sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” I do not like the blame but I endure it by looking forward to GOD’s reward.

• Are you being blamed?
• Are you being persecuted because of your relationship with JESUS.
• Will you hold onto the peace, provided by the HOLY SPIRIT, that surpasses all understanding today?

Reasoning

Reasoning

Acts 17: When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. ² As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, ³ explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. ⁴ Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

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“This doesn’t make sense” I said. I was struggling to understand the concept and was stuck on a couple of minor details. When someone explained the concepts, without using technical terms, I understood what was being taught. I understood the reason we were doing what we were doing.

• There are times when I don’t understand.
• There are times when I get stuck on minor concepts.
• There are times when I need someone to explain some things I get stuck on.

Paul reasoned with the people about JESUS for three weeks. He pointed out that the Messiah is JESUS, who had to suffer and rise from the dead. After appealing to their logic, many people believed. Paul was able to explain JESUS well enough that people sought HIM.

• GOD wants me to logically believe in HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS love for me.
• GOD wants me to be able to explain who JESUS is.

Talking about JESUS can be an emotional subject. I mean HE is pure love and showed me compassion. But there is a logical side to GOD. HE created humans with free will to choose HIM or not. It took me a while to grasp the logic behind HIS creation.

While I don’t fully understand everything GOD does, HE supplies me with faith to hop over the gaps in knowledge. Faith is logical and I reason to believe in JESUS.

• Are you reasoning GOD out of your life?
• Do you look at things logically without seeing GOD in everything?
• Will you use your reasoning to understand GOD’s love for you as you seek a better understanding by reading about JESUS in HIS word?

In the Light

In the Light

Acts 16: ³⁵ When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” ³⁶ The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”

³⁷ But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”

³⁸ The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. ³⁹ They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. ⁴⁰ After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

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“You won’t tell will you?’ I asked remorsefully. I had done something wrong and I did not want anyone to know I had made a mistake. I thought it would be easier to have the mistake hidden rather than facing up to the situation.

• There have been times when I wanted to cover up my mistakes.
• There have been times when I did not want to admit I did something wrong.
• There have been times when I tried to smooth over a situation with the “good” I was doing so the mistake could be overlooked.

The magistrates realized they had made a mistake and sent to have Paul and Silas released. But Paul and Silas saw through their sneaky attempt to conceal their mistake. To make matters worse, they mentioned their citizenship, implying the magistrates had overstepped their authority and could do it again to anyone.

• GOD wants me to act in the light.
• GOD wants me to take the sting out of the mistake by admitting it early.
• GOD wants me to tell people about my mistakes so they will not surface as a much larger problem.

Hidden sin is difficult to carry around. I mean, when I hide sin, then pretending nothing happened becomes more and more difficult. Eventually I look over my shoulder so much that I second guess if GOD loves me or not. BUT GOD wants something different.

GOD wants me to have confidence in my relationship with HIM. HE wants me to openly tell people about my sin so the sin becomes powerless. When someone says to me “You did this” or “You did that” I can say, “Yep, everyone knows I made that mistake.” I am grateful GOD gives me second and third and many other chances because HE gives me grace.

• Have you made a mistake?
• Do you feel like hiding your mistakes?
• Will you ask GOD for the strength to admit your mistakes?

Brightened House

Brightened House

Acts 16: ²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. ³⁴ The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

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“Do you know where the candles are?” a family member asked. I searched and found several candles and stands that were given to us as a gift. Placing the lit candles around the house brightened the darkness. I felt at ease as the storm raged and the power outage persisted.

• There have been times when I was in the dark.
• There have been times when I worried about the safety of my family because of the storms.
• There have been times when I benefited from the gift someone gave our household.

The jailer knew something was different about Paul and Silas. While they were singing, an earthquake shook the doors and chains off the prisoners. The jailer asked “What must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas gave the answer “Believe in the LORD JESUS and you will be saved – you and your household.”

• GOD wants me to know HE cares for me.
• GOD wants me to know HE cares about those who are in my household.
• GOD wants me to know HE cares about my neighbors, my coworkers, and the people I see when I walk around.

JESUS wants to include entire households in HIS plan of salvation. HE may enlighten one so everyone in the household can believe in HIS saving power. HE fills people with joy when the household is saved. I am grateful GOD wants me and my family to believe.

• Is your household in darkness?
• Do you think GOD has left you and your family?
• Will you seek JESUS as your Savior so you and your household will be saved today?

Amazing Praise

Amazing Praise

Acts 16: ²² The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. ²³ After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. ²⁴ When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. ²⁷ The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

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Worried about the situation, I missed many hours of sleep. What would the future bring? Would the problem come up again? Would the people who caused the problem get away with their hatred? All of these questions popped in my mind and I could not answer one of them.

• There were times when I got worried.
• There were times when people caused problems for me.
• There were times when the situation seemed like there was no way out.

Paul and Silas received a horrible beating for speaking about JESUS. After being jailed, they began to sing praises to GOD. This comforted the prisoners around them. Paul and Silas had no idea what would come next. GOD shook the jail with an earthquake and opened all the doors and their chains. Their praise enabled them to desire no harm to come to the jailer.

• GOD loves when I use praise instead of worry.
• GOD loves when I use praise as a weapon against fear, doubt and worry.
• GOD loves when I use praise in situations that seem hopeless to me.

Praise has some amazing effects that I do not understand. I mean it seems like “I” should have all the solutions or should rely on other humans to provide answers. GOD loves when I simply praise HIM without expectations. This shows HIM that I know HE has the situation under control.

When I am scared, worried, angry, frustrated, blamed or persecuted, the HOLY SPIRIT enables me to praise GOD. I am grateful GOD provides relief through praise.

• Are you going through something?
• Is someone harming you because of your relationship with JESUS?
• Will you sing praises to GOD without expectations, knowing HE went though persecution just like you?

Cared For

Cared For

Acts 16: ¹⁶ Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. ¹⁷ She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” ¹⁸ She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

¹⁹ When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. ²⁰ They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar ²¹ by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

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One of my employees was out sick. I called to check in on her to see how she was doing. I mean it was the right thing to do, being her boss. I did this for several of my employees. When I left the company, I lost touch with most of the people.

• There were times when I did the right thing because of my role.
• There were times when I cared for people because of my role.
• There were times when I watched out for people because of my role.

A woman kept following Paul and the disciples. She said the truth about them, stating they were men of the Most High GOD. While this was true, more than likely she did it in a mocking or annoying way.

Paul commanded the spirit to come out of her and she was immediately freed. Her bosses did not like her new freedom. They only cared that she could make them money.

• GOD wants me to care for people beyond what they can do for me.
• GOD wants me to care about people even when they cannot return any favors.
• GOD wants me to care for people, wishing them the best.

Caring for people means going beyond what they can do for me. I mean when I care about the person, I do not need anything from them. GOD wants me to express HIS love regardless of any reciprocation. I am glad HE loves me.

• Do you have people working for you that you only keep in touch with because or your working relationship?
• Do you have a lot of acquaintances?
• Will you allow GOD to speak through you by caring for more people today?

Persuasion

Persuasion

Acts 16: ¹¹ From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. ¹² From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.

¹³ On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. ¹⁴ One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. ¹⁵ When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

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“Want to go to the lab?” was the question posed to me by one of the higher-ups. “Of course” I said, knowing I had a pile of work to do. I was a bit stressed out knowing I had deadlines to meet and this day would only decrease the time I had to do it. But this guy was very persuasive.

• There were times when I was persuaded to follow someone.
• There were times when I decided to follow someone even though it meant a sacrifice.
• There were times when I told others about following a person.

Paul and others arrived at another city. They met with people and told them about JESUS. Lydia was persuaded to believe in JESUS. She then told her entire household and they were baptized. She then persuaded the disciples to stay with her and her family.

• GOD wants me to simply tell people about my relationship with JESUS.
• GOD wants me to believe that HE will stir the hearts of many.
• GOD wants me to be persuaded enough to tell my family, friends and neighbors about HIM.

Being influenced or persuaded by GOD is wonderful. I mean when HE convinces me to follow HIS ways, I feel excited. HE guides me to people and enables me to share my excitement of HIM. I am grateful HE persuaded me to reach others for HIM.

• Are you trying to persuade people for your own purpose?
• Do you seek opportunities to influence people for your own gain?
• Will you allow GOD to persuade you to follow HIM to where HE leads you today?