Category: Good Life Journal

1 Pet 2

Scripture:

[9]But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Observation:

We are a chosen race – The Lord chose us; He hand picked us!

..a royal priesthood – As true Christians we are royalty along with Jesus. With the Holy Spirit we are sovereign over Satan and the evil in this world. We are royalty and as His priesthood we have work to do; there are actions to take.

..a holy nation -We are holy and worthy because of His grace

..people for his own possession – We belong to God and nothing can change that

..may proclaim the excellencies of him – This is our action; to glorify him in all we do.

Before the grace of our salvation we were stuck in darkness. The light we are now in is wonderful at all times. The light is so so good we grieve for those stuck in the darkness.

Application:

It brings joy to my heart knowing that I was chosen personally by the Lord. He loves me and hand picked me!  He had mercy on me in my weakest, darkest hours and gave the gift of salvation when I certainly didn’t deserve it. I never get tired of hearing that or thinking about it.

He brought me into the light and now it’s hard to understand how other hearts can still be so hardened that they can’t see the light. He gave me my salvation for free. I didn’t have to earn it. But it doesn’t stop there. As part of his holy nation and being in his royal priesthood, I need to proclaim the excellencies of him, I need to glorify him in all I do.

Prayer:

Lord I love you. Thank you for my salvation. Thank you for grafting me into your holy priesthood. Thank you for filling me with your Spirit to fight off the evil in this world. Lord, I pray I glorify you in all I do. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen.

Journal 1 Pet 1 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while (if necessary) your have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” 1 Pet 1:3-7

 

Observation: “Refiner’s fire; my heart’s one desire, is to be holy, set apart for You, my Master.” (Vineyard Music) — Affliction, and grievous trials: these are not associated with the victorious life teachings, but according to the Word right here are necessary for genuine Faith.

 

Analysis: Affliction.  Grievous trials.  Hurt, pain of the heart; crushing the spirit: Every Christian has a bite of this apple.

 

Most of the time it was my own fault, sometimes it was others or issues beyond my control and influence (cp. Ps 35).  What is difficult to grasp is that it is all God’s Hand — not a Hand of anger or punishment, but a loving, faithful Hand — used to form me into the vessel He wants me to be.

 

Take my divorce as an example: I was devastated, crushed, for a number of reasons but including that I let God down; I brought dishonor to His Name; that I was obviously disobedient in some way and deficient in my Walk—and then how I let my wife at the time down, my children,  all the embarrassment publicly, and the start over aspect of my adult life.

 

But what it did was to point me back to my Christian roots.  God used that horrendous situation in a redemptive way.  5 years later, he provided me with a wonderful wife and more; growing in godliness together.

 

There are still hurts and regrets that pop up in the darkest night even 25 years later.  But what I have EXPERIENCED is His unfailing faithfulness in his promises.

 

I did not go through anything unique, not even for Believers.  I found the Bible, to use a cliché, full of sinners just like me — and the promise of a faithful God.

 

Prayer: Lord, you are faithful to provide a way to redeem me, faithful to care for me, faithful to gather all my tears.  You are faithful to hear my cry, my confession, the depths of my soul in the dark of night.  And you are faithful to take me under your wings and set me on high.

Thank you for saving me.

Bring revival,

AMEN

Journal Ps 35-36 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life!  Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me!  Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away!  Let their way be dark and slippery…Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it!…

 

(verse 11) Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me things I do not know.  They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft (grieving).

 

But I, when they were sick—I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.  I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother…I bowed down in mourning.”  Excerpts from Ps 35:4-14

 

Observation:  Part of being a healthy Christian is to be open before the Lord about what is going on inside my head…and my heart…out loud.  After all, He knows it anyway…

 

Analysis:  I contend that Psalms and the Psalmist is the example of how a believer is modeled for me to imitate.

 

Here’s James: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working… (James 5:16)

 

Did the Psalmist have sinful thoughts and statements going on?  Yeah, but there is an argument that in prayer, these shouldn’t be stifled.  The popular thought of “Let it all out, get it off your chest…” is a biblical one first—only there is a caveat at the end: “Nevertheless, despite all the grumbling, complaining I am doing, I will trust in You; I will lay these at the foot of the Cross; I will NOT be anxious for I know You and Your purposes;

 

I will praise You in my afflictions…specifically and forever.

 

I look at the Psalmist: Complaining before God with some very specific responses reserved for specific people.  Then, a set of appropriate responses, heartfelt, and demonstrative: Sackcloth, fasting until they got sick; praying until they passed out with sleep; grieving as if he was grieving for family, and mourns.

 

This is not my response.  When I “get it off my chest”, I smile, I say to myself “Whew!  I feel much better…”; I don’t think next, “Ok, where’s the closet that I put my sackcloth in?  Did it come back from the cleaners yet?  Oh, phooey…”

 

The point I must remember is that I CAN empty my heart of all my issues, anxiousness, concerns…anger, grumbling, complaints…even retaliation-type thoughts, etc.  God is good about listening and we are confident he will keep his own council and objectives: “That’s good, son, get it all out.  That’s a good fellow…. now, let’s get back on track: How do you think I want you to react?  What do you think you ought to do that will make me proud?  What have I taught you?”

 

I can’t short-circuit the process.  The process is a necessity for maturity.

 

Prayer: Father, while I want to race to maturity, I can’t on my own.  There are some things that you have ordained to mature me.

Afflictions are one—the refining fire that drives out the impurities of my soul.  Confession, thorough confession is another—that comes with practice because scraping the scales off my hard heart is difficult work.

Nevertheless, my heart is directed to you and you alone, O God of my soul.

Bring revival,

AMEN

Journal Ps 33 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.  He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord…

 

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.  The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations…

 

For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.  Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you…”  Ps 33:4-5; 10-11; 21-22

 

Observation: The musings of the Psalmist is enlightening—he touches on significant distinctions about God’s character and purposes that tend to be read over and ignored.

 

That pesky tendency to “cherry pick” scripture power sound bites strikes again…

 

Analysis: Sometimes there is too much to write about journaling the Reading Plan.  I must learn to take better notes…

 

I am beginning to read in terms of God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility more often.  It is difficult but enlightening.

 

I see the supremacy of God’s Word and the character description of his Faithfulness; loving righteousness and justice and how the earth can be seen as a testament of His steadfast love.

 

And then, after these character clarifiers, the Lord:

• Brings the counsel (plans, agreements) of the nations to nothing;
• Frustrates the plans of the peoples,

all for this: The Lord’s counsel stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.

 

Do I really believe this, so that this “belief” enters all my thoughts, my plans, my objectives?  Do I look at the current political situation and have confidence in God’s steadfast love to me?  Or how about having confidence in God’s steadfast love ABOUT me?

 

It is clear that the Psalmist recognized that God is Sovereign, his Ways are not malleable, they don’t change with the winds.  Because of his Omniscience, all things work together for good, for it is not just foreseen, all has been planned and KNOWN from before time.

 

Faithful are His ways; Righteous are His ways; Just are His ways—all covered by His steadfast love, not just for people, his clay creations, but for Himself.

 

The Triune God is the only person that does not have a sinful ego.  I have an ego because it came with being made in his Image and then spoiled and twisted because Adam thought (through deception, but make no mistake, Adam was responsible for succumbing) he could be God’s equal and committed treachery against God by blatantly ignoring His instruction.

 

This description of Original Sin is not something to forget.  It is why Grace is so amazing: Man broke the Command; Man deserves punishment; God is Just, He cannot overlook; God created an atonement; the Son was the payment that covered the cost of Justice that I richly deserved.

 

To readers: I really do think this way.  I have reminders (like this Journal) to remind me how important the Gospel is to remember.  If I don’t remember, I start to think that I don’t need the Gospel and I begin to revert to thinking like Adam.  Again.

 

Prayer:  Father, I appreciate that the Gospel narrative doesn’t freeze me; it sets me free.  Through it I know (in the limited way of all clay) what lengths You went to in redeeming Man and Creation.

I am humbled…and puzzled.  All praise belongs to you, O Triune Mystery.

Bring revival,

AMEN

Scripture

 

Psalm 30

V 3 “… You restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.”

V 7 “By Your favor, O LORD, You made my mountain stand strong.”

 

Psalm 31

V 3 “… for Your name’s sake you lead me and guide me…”

V 7 “…. Into your hand I commit my spirit…”

V 15 “… my times are in Your hand…”

 

Psalm 32

V 10 “… but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.”

 

Observation

 

David describes a variety of circumstances.

Sometimes he’s in the “pit”.

Sometimes he’s on the “mountain”.

 

Regardless of circumstances in his life, he remains surrendered to the Lord.

He also remains trusting in the lord, which is different.

I can surrender to someone or something I don’t trust.

 

Why would I surrender AND trust?

“For HIS Name’s sake!”

 

What happens when I surrender and trust?

“Steadfast Love Surrounds Us!”

 

How amazing!

How inspiring is this posture of my heart and mind and self?

It inspired some of the final words of Jesus, Himself, on the cross, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit”.

 

Application

 

David’s faith was a different kind of faith from what we often see today.

David’s faith in God was not dependent on how his life happened to be going at the time.

 

Is my faith in who God is, or my trust in what God is doing ever dependent on the circumstances of my life?

I certainly hope not.

Circumstantial faith is a shaky, fragile faith.

Why? Because circumstances are shaky & fragile.

They change all the time.

 

I must trust that if life is “good”, it can be good “for His name”.

Likewise, if things are “bad”, it can be bad “for His name”.

I must “give thanks in all circumstances”, as Paul would say so many years later from jail.

 

Why? Because God can be glorified in the pit of or on the mountain!

And like so many couples promise on their wedding day … “rich or poor” … “sick or healthy” … etc.

“Steadfast love” should surround us and abound in us, regardless.

 

I can’t allow life’s circumstances to determine if I will “commit my spirit into His hand”.

Jesus did this in the midst of the worst possible circumstance.

And when I do this, I can trust that “my time is in his hand”, as well.

 

In this way, I can live “surrounded by steadfast love” AND “for His name’s sake”!

I can’t think of any better way to live than that!

 

Prayer

 

God thank you for your word, for your truth.

Lead me into fresh ways to trust you and surrender to you any element of my life I’m trying to lead myself.

Show me where I’m not living for your name.

Help me not to live for life’s circumstances.

Help me rest in your steadfast love.

Amen

 

Scripture –

Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.

Observation –

The Lord provides light where there is darkness.  The Lord is savior to all who have faith in Him.  The Lord is our strength and fortress to provide shelter.  The Psalmist ask the rhetorical question who shall I fear.

Application –

As in the ancient Near East when the Psalms were written, the Lord has to be my light in an increasingly dark world.  The light of the Lord must be out and present, not hidden, so the Word can illuminate my path of which I am to follow.  I can look s to no name other than Jesus, by which we can be saved.  The Bible says in Romans 10:9; because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. I need to fear God as that is the beginning of wisdom.  God, our creator, sustainer and redeemer is who I shall fear not man or any construct of man.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word and wisdom in the Psalm 27 that is so applicable for me today.  Let you be my light I follow for strength and salvation to glorify you.

Journal Ps 24-26 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “For your name’s sake, O Lord—pardon my guilt, for it is great.” Ps 25:11

 

Observation:  Why was Jesus hung on a Cross?  For His name’s sake…

 

Analysis: In the call to “accept Jesus”, it is not often that the reason offered is because the Creator should/must be honored.  Shucks, it isn’t even a byline of reason most times.

 

I wonder if that is the reason for Jesus’ instruction to the disciples to “go and preach the Kingdom?”

 

Redemption is ALL of the Trinitarian God’s decision; the Plan was his before time began; the Process was His invention; the Execution of the Plan and Process was all His; and the Results, the complete Results are all His.

 

There isn’t anything that He hadn’t known from before the command, “Let there be light.”

 

Why?  His primary goal and objective – that His Name is glorified.

 

The Psalmist, by some supernatural intuition, knew this: “For Your Name and your name alone, O God, pardon my overwhelming, tremendous, and bottomless guilt.”

 

Do I get some benefit from being pardoned of my Guilt before God the Judge?  Yes.  But why did Jesus willingly go to the Cross?  First and foremost—to honor His Father.

 

I tend to be myopic about the subject of forgiveness and redemption.  I lean to the effect that it is all about me and people like me—just people.  Would Jesus have gone to the Cross if I were the only person on the Planet?  Yeah, He would.  But not only that, He would have gone if there were nobody.  Jesus would have gone to the Cross to be obedient to His Father alone, with no other reward or objective.

 

It is the point of the scripture above: I live for, and to honor His Name and His Name alone.  Can I live like that?

 

Prayer:  Father, do I tend to think lesser thoughts because I am incapable of thinking higher thoughts?  Are you too great for me to think about?

Rubbish.  The more I think and consider You and Your ways, the more You share with me, and the foundations of Faith grow increasingly stronger and firmer.

Allow me to learn and see more of You, O God, my Redeemer.

AMEN.

 

Psa 23

Scripture:
[5] You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Observation:

Millions have undoubtedly been comforted by the verses in Psalm 23.

A person could camp out in Psalm 23 for hours. For now though, I focus on the fact that my Lord loves me enough, not to remove all my enemies, but to provide me a feast in their presence.

Application:

When David says the Lord prepares a table – it is a feast. The Lord prepares a feast for me. Way more than I need or deserve.

God never said I would not have enemies trying to destroy me. He never said Satan would not try to entice me with lies of who I am, what I need, or what I want. In fact He said I would have troubles. He prepares for me this feast right in front of my enemies. As I sit at this overflowing feast of what the Lord offers, Satan prowls around like a lion ready to devour.

The feast comes in many forms including my spiritual gifting, His Word, the Holy Spirit, and pure joy knowing how much He loves me and that I will spend eternity with him.

Right here. Right in front of Satan and his minions, I’m feasting. As I glorify Him and praise Him even in the storms, He gives me exactly what I need, when I need it. In fact, He gives me abundantly more, as a feast with my cup overflowing, in the presence of my enemies.

Not only does He give me a feast in the presence of Satan’s destruction and lies, the Lord is proud of me. Even as I am being attacked by my enemies and may be making plenty of mistakes as I navigate this life’s trials, He anoints my head with oils – he is delighted with me and even rejoices over me with singing!

The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph 3:17, NIV)

Prayer:

Lord I love you. Thank you for blessing me with the feast you have set for me in this troubled world. With Satan lurking to destroy, I have the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit living in me. I have nothing to fear and more than I need. Thank You for the joy and comfort I get from knowing You delight in me and rejoice in me with singing.

Above all, thank You for the gift of salvation and the knowledge of how the story ends and that I will spend eternity with You.

I pray I use my gifts within Your will and glorify you in all I do.

In Jesus’ holy name I pray, amen.

Journal Ps 19-21 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Who can discern his errors?

 

Declare me innocent from hidden faults.  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me!  Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of transgression.

 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”  Ps 19:12-14

 

Observation:  Self-reflection is a necessary function of a Believer.  The Psalmist is good to reveal what self-examination is all about…

 

Analysis: “Examine yourself!!  To see whether you are in the faith…” Paul writes in 2 Cor 13:5.

 

These are not the statements of doubt they might sound like; something that is against Faith or being Faithful.  These are the FAITHFUL statements of men that are PURSUING God with FERVENCY: “How am I doing, O Holy Spirit?  Am I walking in Your ways?  Do I fool myself into thinking everything is fine and dandy when actually I am not paying attention to Your whisper?”

 

I know that I stick my fingers in my ears (spiritually speaking) and go, “La la la…” many times in the day, caught up in my own ways, serving myself and my ego in crying that I am not getting what I want, etc.  It might not be big things, but small things—but whatever the size, it is coming before worshipping God—they are the Idols of my Heart.

 

I look at what the Psalmist writes:

• Can I discern my own errors?  If it were up to my discernment, there is no one cooler than me.  That is why I need the Holy Spirit.  1 for HS, Zero for me.
• What about hidden faults?  Am I asking for clarity from Jesus to reveal those “hidden faults?”  As I mature in Christ, it is not increased boldness that is the key marker, it is being more aware of (deeper and hidden) Sin and the need for Grace in confession and repentance.
• Presumptuous (arrogant, insolent) sin: Those sins that I look over in myself, claiming Grace of Forgiveness, but not having a heart broken that I am committing these arrogant, insolent sins under the Blood.

 

Justification vs. Sanctification; God’s Sovereignty vs. Human Responsibility: These mess folk’s brains up.  The first parts are all of God’s sovereign decision.  Objectively, the Trinitarian God did the work to Justify the World (Creation).  Man’s responsibility? To be aware of that Work (the Gospel) and to have hope and faith in it.

 

The other subjective responsibility of Man: To PURSUE the Trinitarian God all my days.

 

My whole head is sick: (Is 1:5— “…Why will you continue to rebel?  The whole head is sick and the whole heart faint.”  My thoughts corrupt: “…together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” (Ps 53:3)

 

These are the statements of God towards Israel, by extension the Church (c. the first few chapters of Revelation to verify).  That is why preaching the Gospel to the face in the mirror, continually, constantly; savoring every fact, every nuance; discovering anew the depth of Christ’s work on the Cross for my behalf is the most important skill to DAILY cultivate from Day One to End of my Days.

 

Prayer:  Oh, Lord: At the end of my days may I have been found to serve your purpose in this generation, in whatever degree I can.

Bring revival,

AMEN

Journal Acts 28 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: (Paul speaking to the Jewish leadership at Rome): “When they had examined me, they (King Agrippa and Festus at Jerusalem–Acts 26:1) wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.  But, because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar (though I had no charge to bring against my nation).

 

For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope for Israel that I am wearing this chain.

 

And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.  But we desire to hear from you what your views are—for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”  Acts 28:18-22

 

Observation:  The hope that is within me … the reason I live and breathe and have my being.

 

Analysis: It is amazing to see what God does.  Of course, the observation of amazing often happens looking backwards; it may not seem so terribly amazing at the time it occurs.

 

Remember this?  “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  And (Saul) said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  But rise and enter the city—you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9: 4-6) And then: Ananias.  Ananias is a disciple, a prophet, and receives a word from the Lord, that he doesn’t quite cotton to: “Lord, isn’t this the guy who is killing and imprisoning the church?  Are you sure mercy is a good thing here?”  And Jesus says, “Yes, but…

 

“Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel…” (Acts 9:15)

 

Only Ananias had a clue of the amazing things that God had in store (according to the biblical text) at the moment.

 

So, the suffering and toil and hardship, even to the point of death a few times, Paul persevered, held on, kept going, persistent—just following the path that the Holy Spirit was laying out (visible or invisible) until Paul got to Rome.

 

I think Paul is really a heroic figure, someone to imitate—but I have to be real: he didn’t get there all in an instant.  If I sift through the biblical text, I can come up with about 20 years (maybe more) after Damascus until Rome.  What did he do until Rome?

 

Probably developed and majored on the stuff he wrote to Timothy and Titus; studied, spoke to the brothers and sisters in the local church, encouraging them to pursue Jesus in the fear of God; serve one another and do not be discouraged; thought about and spoke to himself daily about the Gospel.

 

If I want to be bold to strangers, I need to learn to be bold in my family and then the Local Church.

 

Prayer:  Father, my boldness in my family and the Church needs to be more than saying grace at the dinner table in public.  Am I ready to chat about the “hope that is within me?”  anywhere, but especially with my wife?  My children?

It is astounding the minutes of the day, especially with my spouse, that I don’t speak of you at all.  Shame on me.

Strengthen my heart,

AMEN

Journal Acts 27 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “…Paul advised them, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss—not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.”  But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. (Acts 27:9b-11)

 

…all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.  Since they have been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss.  Yet I now urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.  For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar.  And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.”  So, take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told—but we must run aground on some island…” (Acts 27:20b-26)

 

And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under the pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.”  Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go. (Acts 27:30-32)

 

Observation:  What does “walking in the Spirit” look like?  It is broader in appearance and definition than what most folks may think of…

 

Analysis:  Have I ever inserted my name where Paul’s is?  Have I ever imagined doing it?

 

Sure, I have and why not?  This is the kind of stuff to be prepared for in the Holy Spirit.

 

But have any thoughts come like this, urges to speak of “something” that I wonder if the Holy Spirit is whispering to do?

 

There are three instances to identify here:

1. A thought leading to a perception, and speaking confidently about it;
2. That same confidence leading to a proclamation;
3. That same proclamation leading to a judgment/evaluation of particular consequences.

 

These are relevant descriptions of the “spoken” gifts of the Spirit: Word of Knowledge (1 Cor 12:8), Prophecy (1 Cor 12:10 and 1 Cor 13:2), and of Wisdom (again 1 Cor 12:8).  Is this important to know about?  Are these important in themselves?  Yes, and yes, for these are gifts of Grace by the Lord Jesus—the Toolbox.

 

I have succeeded in overcoming fear to do this stuff—but I have failed way more than I have succeeded.  My failure then and now is based in fear—always have, maybe always will.

Why, though?  Why is that?  I was told once (for me) that it was because I feared man more than I feared God.  I guess that holds water because I quickly think (given an opportunity like these), “What would it look like?  Will I be ridiculed?  What if I fail?”

 

Before this situation, Paul spent about 17 years being specifically discipled and forming the Gospel (as we know it) in the presence of others—he was not set off alone to figure things out for himself.  Daily he met with others, not just scholarly work, but how to live the Way.

 

No man is an island—and that is certainly NOT found in being a successful Christian.

 

Prayer:  Father, being transparent is somehow sorrowful.  I don’t get to present myself as a hero or some such; I leave my warts exposed for all to see.  It can be discouraging.

But, if I am not transparent with folks, then I cannot celebrate Your Grace in the Gospel.  You call for that transparency so I can grow in Grace, for you to find pleasure in my stated dependency upon You, that I would become softer and softer clay for Your Hands to mold.

You are my Rock, and my Deliverer.  Change me daily, O Holy Spirit.

AMEN

Scripture

 

V 1 So (King) Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”

 

V 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”

V 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am – except for these chains.”

 

Observation

 

Paul has finally made it to Rome, just not how he wanted or anticipated.

Paul made it to Rome because other leaders didn’t know what to do with him or how to handle him.

So, he gave his defense for his actions to King Agrippa.

Paul’s defense for his actions included his testimony about Jesus.

Paul couldn’t defend himself without ultimately defending the Gospel.

Agrippa recognized this.

After hearing Paul’s defense of himself, Agrippa’s first expressed thoughts are, “You want me to be a Christian?!”

Paul let’s Agrippa know that it isn’t just the king he is concerned about …. It’s everyone.

 

Application

 

Be careful what your dreams are.

God may just bring them about much differently than you anticipated.

Paul longed to share the Gospel in Rome.

God sent him there … via arrest, shipwreck, & in chains!

If Paul had simply traveled to Rome as he traveled to so many other places, I doubt he would have gotten a personal appearance one on one with the King!

 

Paul longed for Rome.

God longed for Agrippa.

I long for personal experiences.

God longs for the person.

I long for destinations.

God longs for destinies.

 

Even if my desires don’t come about as I wanted them to,

When I understand God’s perspective of my circumstances,

then I can leverage and appreciate every opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus.

When I am in a tough spot (Paul was pleading for his life before the King),

I still must have Jesus at the front of our mind and actions.

 

Paul could not help but defend his actions without defending the Gospel.

Is the Gospel always the defense for my actions?

If someone asks me why I’m doing what I’m doing, can I defend my actions with the gospel? …

Are my words more biography or more testimony?

Love of self or love of Jesus?

 

When my plans for my life don’t come about as I want, when things aren’t Going the way I think they should,

When my life seems detoured or interrupted, I need to remember …

If my purpose is to love people with the love of Christ, there’s no such thing as an interruption.

 

Prayer

 

Father God, thank you for your Word.

Thank you for the example of people like Paul, who when given the chance to plea for his life, pleaded for you, and for others to know you.

Give me courage.

Give confidence.

Give me wisdom.

Give me eyes to see the people you put around me to love with your love.

Amen.

Acts 25:18-19 – When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.  Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.

Observation –

The Governor of the province, Festus, is explaining to King Agrippa why Paul came before the tribunal.  Festus could find no wrong or evil in Paul’s actions even when he thought there may be prior to hearing the case.  The charges against Paul are for belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection that Paul boldly preaches.  Paul, led by the Spirit, gives his defense and asks to go before Caesar as his means to bring the gospel to Rome.

Application –

The Jewish leaders planned a second plot to kill Paul should he travel to Jerusalem for trial. The group levied many charges against Paul which were without warrant.  Paul faced death, persecution, false witness in his trial all for the sake of the gospel.  I must realize that the only reason Paul was before the tribunal was for teaching about Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection to life.  Like then, in our culture there is increasing hostility to the gospel and the word tells us to expect persecution.  I need to remain obedient, focused on sharing the Good News of Jesus as this is our mission and souls are at stake.  I must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to give me strength, courage to guide me with the right actions and words as a witness where I am called.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your love, grace and mercy you have for me.  Let your Spirit focus me to fulfill our mission to know you and make you known.  Give me strength, courage and boldness to clearly present your gospel to honor you.

Journal Acts 24 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla (who was Jewish), and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

 

And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgement, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present.  When I get an opportunity, I will summon you. (At the same time, he hoped that money would be given him by Paul)

 

So, he (Felix) sent for him often and conversed with him.  When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus.  (And) Desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.” Acts 24:24-27

 

Observation: Reasoning about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgement equals becoming alarmed.  When seeking to approach an unbeliever, even one who is familiar about Jesus and Christian doctrine, are these three subjects I talk about?  Am I even able to do any of these subjects’ justice?

 

Analysis:  Righteousness is a facet of the Gospel.

 

Self-Control is a facet of the Gospel.

 

The coming judgment is a facet of the Gospel.

 

Am I familiar with these enough to preach the Gospel to others?  How about preaching them to myself?  Can I do that?  If not, am I even motivated enough to pursue them?

 

If I can’t, it is a good bet that I don’t know about them in any capacity enough to talk about them to the face in the mirror.  And, more than likely, I avoid learning about them because I don’t want to hear.

 

I think this section is not so much about Felix and his response as it is about me.  My response is the same as Felix although I hide behind the mistaken identity like the Pharisee in the Temple: “O Lord, I am glad I am not like that tax-collector…”

 

“I am not that guy nor need that knowledge; I have been set free…”, is what I can think.  After redemption, after “salvation”, what more do I need to know?

 

If I don’t know what I need to know, when I speak to others about Jesus, what kind of converts, what kind of disciples am I making?

 

Prayer:  Lord, strengthen me according to your Word, according to your Will (the stuff I can find out about because of study), according to your Ways.

Change my life and help me, allow me, to engage with you, Holy Spirit, to fiercely and purposefully do so daily.  Keep this in front of mind moment by moment.

Bring revival, heal this land,

AMEN

Acts 23

Scripture:

[1] Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” [2] At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. [3] Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”

[11] 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.”

Observation:

Paul said and did what was right in the eyes of God regardless of the consequences or to whom he was talking. He was not intimidated by people or situations, knowing full well what was likely to happen to him as a result.

Jesus then gave him affirmation and encouragement to press on with strength.

Application:

We need to use Paul as an example. An example of fortitude; an example of standing strong for our Lord. I would say that the dangers to most of us are not as severe as they were for Paul, so there is really no excuse for not standing for what is right. Speak up. Speak the Truth of Jesus Christ.

How often are we confronted with situations where we need to make a stand for the Lord? A stand in our actions and our words? We are presented with situations every single day when we should not be silent.

As the church, we are the salt and the light – preserving the Lord’s Truth in this world, preventing the rot of Satan’s threat among us, and showing the world the Light of the Gospel.

This example of fortitude from the Apostle Paul should be a call to action. We cannot sit on the sidelines mourning the loss of Christian values in this country, thinking that it is some other Christian’s duty to speak up for the Lord and for our Christian values. We need to get off the sidelines and act. Whether it be in one-on-one or group situations, we need to speak up when we hear things that go against the will of the Lord.

There is no need to fear. The Holy Spirit will give us words and strength when we need it and the Lord will give us affirmation if we look and listen for it.

Prayer:

Lord, without You I am nothing. Without You I’m not good enough. Without You I’m not strong enough. Lord, give me the fortitude of Paul it these situations. Guide me with your Spirit and give me words when I need them. Let me not be silent when I see and hear things around me that are contrary to your will. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, amen.