Acts 18 - 10.26.23

Scripture

Acts‬ ‭18‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV

“When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 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.”

Observation

Every Sabbath in Corinth, Paul would try to teach to the Jewish people in the synagogue that Jesus was the Messiah. However, a lot of the people opposed his teachings. They would even insult him. You think that would discourage Paul?..ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Paul pretty much shook it off, and went on to the next town to continue to preach the gospel message.

Application

We may not have the power to change people’s hearts, (only God can). All we can do is be obedient to continue to preach the Good News about Jesus.

Paul knew this sentiment. If anyone knew that it is God who has the power to soften and change people’s hearts, it would definitely be Paul. Paul both literally and figuratively has seen the light. He has seen the truth! And now Paul is making that decision to be fully obedient to Jesus, no matter what the costs. He knew that his life following Jesus would face opposition. But Paul didn’t shy away from the mission Jesus had given him. Paul was willing to take on this challenge and share the Good News about Jesus everywhere he went!

So as I go out today and find opportunities to share with others about Jesus, I shouldn’t let the fear of rejection or the fear of looking dumb get in my way. At the end of the day, Jesus has entrusted me, He has entrusted we as believers, with a very important mission. And that mission is:

“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”-‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, give me the courage today to be like Paul, and speak boldly and confidently about Jesus. Help open up doors and opportunities to tell others about the love You have for them. I pray against the fears and doubts of being rejected and ridiculed. Instead, may I take heart knowing that You are with me. May I find motivation and peace knowing that my heart should be about being fully obedient to You and pleasing You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi‬

Acts 17 - 10.25.23

Scripture

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.

Observation

This story is repeated throughout the book of Acts. Paul goes to a new city to preach the Good News. At each stop, he spends days or weeks preaching about Jesus. Eventually, at each stop riots and threats of violence erupt and he is driven out. But fortunately, God’s word does not return empty. The persecution he faced had a purpose. Through the chasing of Paul from city to city, the Good News was spread throughout the world.

Application

Paul knew he was called to spread the gospel. He obediently walked in that calling in spite of all circumstances. He was threatened, and beaten, and jailed. I have to think that there were times when he wanted to give up, times when he cried out, “Where are you God? I thought you told me to preach to these people and yet again I am being forced to run.” But he seemed to understand that his job was to trust God and walk in what he was called to do. It was his job to trust that God had a purpose.

Can we trust God enough to believe that He is in control in spite of the circumstances that we are experiencing?

Prayer

God, thank you the reminder today that you are in control. I think this is an ongoing, lifelong learning process. Help me to remember to run to you first and always. Help me to remember the times you have worked in my life. Help me to remember that things won’t always make sense to me, but it is my job to trust that you have a plan and a purpose and to obey.

- Debbie Dunn 

Acts 16 - 10.24.23

Scripture

Acts‬ ‭16:22-40‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 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. 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. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 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. When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” 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.” The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 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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Observation

Paul and Silas had just been beaten and severely flogged wrongfully, yet they responded in faith, with joy and worship. Even through a difficult circumstance, they remembered that God was good and never lost faith.

How we respond to difficult circumstances is what will determine our joy. Joy was not based on circumstances for these men. Their joy was found in the Lord.

Application

Give your difficult situation over to Jesus and experience peace and joy as a result.

A whole household was saved because of Paul and Silas’ surrender and obedience to the Lord. They refused to allow their circumstances to determine and define their joy. They knew Who their ultimate protector and redeemer was and put their hope in God, instead of men. Also, they ended up encouraging more brothers and sisters in the faith after being released from prison.

What difficult situation are you facing today that you need to give over to the Lord in prayer and worship? If you are in a good place right now, who can you think of to encourage in the Lord through their difficult circumstance? What has the Lord brought you through and comforted you with in the past that can be a comfort and encouragement to another person?

Remember, after Paul and Silas were released from prison, “they went to Lydia’s house to meet with the brothers and sisters and encourage them.” (Verse 40)

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for Your goodness. Thank You that no matter what we face, we can be encouraged that You are ultimately in control of the situation and therefore need not fear for our future. I pray that You would restore our joy in You as we respond to difficult situations in prayer and worship. I also pray that as we draw comfort from You, we would be able to comfort others going through hard times. Your Word says that You are the Father of compassion, the God of ALL comfort and we would be able to comfort those with the same comfort we have received from You. (2 Cor. 1:3-4) Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi