Archive for the ‘Personal’ Category
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions […]
Read More...“…Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: ”It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the […]
Read More...As a dad, I’ve occasionally had to tell my kids that the ache they were feeling in their legs was because of growing pains. And I remember being told the same thing by my parents when I was a kid. The thing about growing pains is that you never get […]
Read More...The book of Acts has always read like a great adventure story to me. There’s the explosive beginning, rich character development, surprising plot twists, and epic journeys. And just when it seems the narrative should reach its crest, it continues to swell. This book unfolds an infant faith that starts […]
Read More...“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 28:30-31 This final line in the book of Acts might seem a little […]
Read More...“Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, […]
Read More...“…I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.” Acts 26:19 I’ve heard it said that good ideas are easier to find than sand on a beach. If you talk to a visionary, a leader, or a dreamer, it’s likely that you won’t be able to keep track of all […]
Read More...“If I’ve committed a crime and deserve death, name the day. I can face it. But if there’s nothing to their accusations—and you know there isn’t—nobody can force me to go along with their nonsense. We’ve fooled around here long enough. I appeal to Caesar.” Acts 25:11 Some Christians seem […]
Read More...“You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges […]
Read More...“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11 Paul found himself mired in a massive storm that was threatening to take him out. He had been rejected by the Jewish […]
Read More...In Acts 21 there is a strange sequence of events that can make us wonder if Paul isn’t paying attention to the word of the Lord. He is repeatedly met with opposition from his friends who are prophesying (correctly) that he will find nothing but heartache and pain if he […]
Read More...“After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 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, and because he was a tentmaker as […]
Read More...Last night I heard someone say that Jesus was often called the Good Shepherd, but never was called the Good Leader. Of course, He didn’t shy away from leadership. Jesus understood and made it clear that He was Master and Lord. But still, He primarily chose to call Himself a […]
Read More...The book of Acts has always read like a great adventure story to me. There’s the explosive beginning, rich character development, surprising plot twists, and epic journeys. And just when it seems the narrative should reach its crest, it continues to swell. This book unfolds an infant faith that starts […]
Read More...Have you ever read the story in Exodus 4 about God almost killing Moses until his wife circumcised their son? This is what it says: At a lodging place on the way the LORD met him and sought to put him to death. Then Zipporah took a flint and cut […]
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