Acts Twenty-Five

As the trial proceeds, even the judge is having a difficult time finding any plausible reason to condemn Paul. He has now gone through two governors and a King. Still, there are no formal charges brought against him. Sometimes justice and vindication require patience.

Paul seems willing here to allow the battle to be the Lord's. He is submitting to both His protection and His timing. This is not just a valuable lesson to read about - it's valuable to apply. God is just and caring. He is always near through every situation.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Twenty-Four

There is a prayer I learned a few years ago that came to mind as I was reading this chapter today.

"Lord, give me the wisdom to know what is right,
the courage to do what is right,
Even when it's hard."

I would imagine Paul whispering something to this effect as his imprisonment goes from days to months to years. I could see where offering Governor Felix a bribe would be a logical solution to this problem. But knowing in hindsight that this would have been a trap, we can see the dangers of such a move.

When life seems to bring few options, taking the time to ask for wisdom is vital. The book of James tells us to ask, and God will give it to all without finding fault. For Paul, the wise move is to wait it out. It is easy, when we face times like this one, to try to take matters into our own hands. The truth is, God will let us. The reality is, without His blessing, things can get much worse.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Twenty-Three

If you have not been keeping up with the last few chapters, I would encourage you to take some time and do so. How Paul has arrived to this point actually begins in chapter 20. What I find interesting is Paul's willingness to accept the uncertainty of this situation. He is only certain that this is going to be a dangerous chapter in his life. Knowing that God is his protector, Paul stays the course of preaching the Good News. This high profile court case will only give him greater exposure as he finishes his race.

One thing we know about uncertainty is:
IT'S UNCERTAIN!!!
At least to us it is. God knows and He cares.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Twenty-Two

Paul is able to use his story once again to reflect the great power of God. He is fully aware of his past and yet does not allow that to dictate or restrict his future. If anything he uses it as a catalyst for positive life-change. Our stories are much the same. They are to be used as stepping stones and not barricades. They should liberate us and not shackle us.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Twenty-One

The Spirit warned Paul about what would happen in Jerusalem. And though this was a warning of awareness and not avoidance, there is a great lesson to learn. All pain should not be avoided. Sometimes in the trial and the pain we develop the strength necessary to complete the journey. If we are never tested as to how strong we are then we will never experience growth.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Twenty

"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
-----Acts 20:22-24

Resolve in the face of uncertainty is necessary if one wishes to survive very long. Because our future is uncertain to ourselves we must have hope and faith that tomorrow brings great blessings. We must also be prepared to face incredible challenges. I love the words of Paul here as he continues to stay on focus in declaring that he only wishes to finish the race by telling others about the Good News.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Nineteen

This two year chapter in Paul's life was actually much longer than what we read in verse 10. Head back to chapter 16 and read verses 6 and 7. I'll wait for you to get back....waiting....still waiting.... Have you considered a speed reading class?...you back?... Great, here we go. It had seemed that God had closed the door for Paul in Asia three chapters ago. Paul seemed to really want to spread the Good News to those people and yet God's time table was different.

Sometimes, God allows detours in our lives because He knows that we aren't as prepared as we think. As we take a deeper look at what factors changed for Paul, verse 9 sheds some light. As Paul takes his team with him from Ephesus, his influence is multiplied in Asia.

Waiting when we really want to do something that could make a difference can be frustrating. What we have to keep in mind is that when it comes to matters with God, His timing is all that desists. He is preparing you today to do something amazing tomorrow.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Eighteen

Paul seems to be committed to the cause. So far he has experienced court, prison, stoning, and running as if he were a fugitive. And though it may not have seemed like it on the outside, he was in need of some encouragement. In verse nine, the gentle word came from the Almighty. God's reassurance that Paul had been called to do something amazing had come at a great time. In the conflict with the Jews, Paul had taken a hit to the heart. Just as God spoke to Paul, He speaks to us when we are discouraged by the storms of life. He has promised us via Jesus that we will never be left alone in the field. He speaks truth into our hearts because He IS ALWAYS NEAR.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Seventeen

"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."
-----Acts 17:32

Paul's discussion in Athens is relevant for our lives. As he speaks about God and the story of Jesus, his words fall on a mixed crowd. So many times in life we wish that conversion would be immediate. But anyone that has invested in the life of another knows, it is a process. Paul received criticism, curiosity and praise. The same applies for us in our attempts to help people see Jesus in us. What is important to remember is that it is God who saves not man. We are given the opportunity to plant seeds and reflect love. God is the one that ultimately brings people to Him.

Today, I will choose love with the people I encounter.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Sixteen

Influence is vital for a leader. If he/she has little influence with those around them, they will have a difficult time mobilizing and motivating those people. Paul and Silas show towards the end of this chapter a great way that leaders build influence.

As God provides a cell shattering earthquake, Paul and Silas stay when it would be understood if they ran. This literally saved the physical life of one guard and and the spiritual life of his family. They stood their ground in such a difficult situation. Because of this their story reached a larger sphere of influence.

People are watching to see how you interact with them and those around you. Being aware of this can be a catalyst in your development as not only a leader but a follower of Christ.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Fifteen

"Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them,
but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord."
-----Acts 15:37-40

There was a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas as to who will journey with them in their work. So sharp that the decision will be to have them go their separate ways. I find two observations: 1. The disagreement did not hinder them from continuing on with spreading the Good News. So many times we will allow conflict to stop our journey. 2. This conflict between Paul and Mark does not last their entire lives. Later in Paul's life he asks for Mark by name to be sent to him. God has a beautiful power to restore friendships when the relationship seems to be severed.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Fourteen

^"Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.
But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe."
-----Acts 14:19-20

Paul was attacked and dragged outside the city. They stone him to the point that they thought he was dead and no longer a threat to their way of life. However, as history will reveal, he didn't die. But that is not what I find to be most interesting here. After he came to and the disciples are gathered around him, he went back into the city.

Sometimes trials will come our way as we proclaim the goodness of Jesus. What matters is what we do after we are pushed down.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Thirteen

"But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium."
-----Acts 13:50-51

I find the response of Paul and Barnabas to be interesting. They just walk away from the trouble. They decide that instead of wasting more time in a fight with people that clearly don't want them there, they should just continue on with their journey. I think this is practical insight for today. You don't have to return every attack from those who wish to do you harm. Sometimes the best thing to do is walk away and leave it be.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Twelve

Peter must have thought this moment was to surreal to believe. One minute he is sitting in between two soldiers awaiting trial. The next he is embracing those that were praying for his deliverance. There is no way to deny that God was working when it seemed that all hope was lost. Playing the role of hero, God has consistently proven His ability to be in control of all situations from the beginning of time. In this chapter we see yet another example of His great ability.

Take some time today and identify times in your life when God came to your rescue. Then thank Him for His great love and protection.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Eleven

Some notes that I thought about ripping off as my own that came from Life Application Bible Notes:

Notes for 11:20,21

It was in Antioch that Christianity was launched on its worldwide mission and where the believers aggressively preached to the Gentiles (non-Jews who did not worship God). Philip had preached in Samaria, but the Samaritans were part Jewish (Acts 8:5); Peter preached to Cornelius, but he already worshiped God (Acts 10:2). Believers who were scattered after the outbreak of persecution in Jerusalem spread the gospel to other Jews in the lands they fled to (Acts 11:19). At this time, the believers began actively sharing the Good News with Gentiles.

Notes for 11:22

With the exception of Jerusalem, Antioch of Syria played a more important role in the early church than any other city. After Rome and Alexandria, Antioch was the largest city in the Roman world. In Antioch, the first Gentile church was founded, and there the believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). Antioch was a key city both to Rome and to the early church.

Acts Ten

This is a very significant chapter. As God reveals to Peter that the message of Jesus is not only for those of Jewish heritage. Because of this we are brought into a new beautiful hope. Before, as we can clearly see by Peter's words, Jews and Gentiles were in social conflict. The Jews believed the Gentiles to be unclean and Gentiles didn't like them for it. It took an act of God to bring the two societies together.

God's compassion for humanity is indescribable. As a perfect Father, He has made possible a way to have a relationship with Him forever to all who believe. I think we, as His children, need to stop and evaluate the way we see the people in our world. Not just in our churches, our neighborhoods or our friends. But those that are polar opposites of us. Those that have differing views and different social status. Other people exist and we have been brought into this great story at such a time as this to declare the love of our Creator to the world we experience.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Nine

Saul's conversion is significant to me because God will use anyone to proclaim the "Good News". Even Saul, even you, even me. A constant tool of the enemy to keep us inactive is convincing us that our past has in some way negated us from making a difference. Add this prodding with our own guilt and we have the possibility to sit on the side lines for a long time.

Here is a little known secret. "God, knows all about your past."

He knows about it and still chooses you. People can abandon you, they can turn their backs on you and even hurl insults at you. But God, in His great love and compassion has rescued us for action. Saul's life will prove this over the rest of the pages of the New Testament.

God is good and we are blessed.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Eight

As the church is scattering from persecution the enemy may have thought that he was in the lead. All this did however is expand the boundaries of the message of Christ. Instead of just being in Jerusalem the "Good News" was now making it's way to Samaria and Etheopia. This only serves as the importance of such a vital message. Even as death is staring them in the face, their mouths could not stay silent.

"Father, help me have that kind of faith."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Seven

3 Thoughts:
v55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. v56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

As Stephen was being stoned for speaking the truth when it would have been more convenient to keep quite, he received his justification by seeing Jesus giving him a standing ovation. I believe when we stand up for Jesus, He does the same for us.

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

The mention of a young man named Saul is a precursor to a greater story that has yet to unfold.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.

As Stephen is breathing his last breath he is pleading for the forgiveness of his attackers. Love should be the language we speak over all others.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Six

Everyone has a place in the ministry of God. The Apostles were not able to do everything that was needed to meet the needs of the people. By choosing seven men that could take care of the daily distribution of food the Apostles could focus on other areas that needed their attention.

God has created us to be active in the things that He is doing. He has gifted us to make a difference. Do an inventory of your gifts and then find different areas to serve in. Listen to the beating of your heart to see where God may be leading you to make a difference. When you find it, give yourself passionately toward that area. Then watch and see the amazing things God will do in your life.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Five

The lives of the apostles are anything but safe. It makes me wonder just how safe our stories should be. We live in a land that is free. This freedom can lead to laziness or apathy because we see very little to stand up for. In essence we become people of convenience. God has placed eternity in our hearts and has rescued us to do something great.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Four

As Peter and John are taken into custody it is obvious that they are committed to speaking about the power of Jesus an any possible way. The members of the Sanhedrin wanted to keep them quiet but instead gave them a megaphone to proclaim the goodness of God. It would be easy to think that this would be the part of the movie where it would seem the enemy was attacking and would stop the growth at the early church before it could get global.

However, God had a different plan. The story of His love for us is the greatest story ever told. It has stood mans best attempts to be thwarted and still is as strong as ever. God is committed to His children and will continue to display His majesty to the world we live in. What we need to do is resemble His attributes and reflect His love to the people He sends us to.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts Three

Some notes from the Life Application Study Bible about verses 1-6

Notes for 3:1

The Jews observed three times of prayer — morning (9:00 a.m.), afternoon (3:00 p.m.), and evening (sunset). At these times devout Jews and Gentiles who believed in God often went to the temple to pray. Peter and John were going to the temple in the afternoon (3:00 p.m.)

Notes for 3:2

The gate called Beautiful was an entrance to the temple, not to the city. It was one of the favored entrances, and many people passed through it on their way to worship. The crippled man was begging where he would be seen by the most people.

3:2 Giving money to beggars was considered praiseworthy in the Jewish religion. So the beggar wisely placed himself where pious people might see him on their way to worship at the temple.

Notes for 3:5,6

The crippled man asked for money, but Peter gave him something much better — the use of his legs. We often ask God to solve a small problem, but he wants to give us a whole new life and help for all our problems. When we ask God for help, he may say, "I've got something even better for you." Ask God for what you want, but don't be surprised when he gives you what you really need.

Heart and Soul,

BAG

<><

Acts Two

"Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting."
-----Acts 2:2

Today, as I was talking to a friend about Acts chapter 2 and a word came back to my memory. VIOLENT. It's everything in this verse. Much of the time we tend to think of God in flannel board when He is more like IMAX. As I have been thinking this morning it is a beautiful thought that the wind would come so fierce as if it is attempting to get to it's destination with reckless abandon. The destination for the Spirit was the hearts of the believers and it seems to have wanted to get eagerly.

What God has done for us is unmatched. What Jesus has done for us is unheard of. What the Spirit does for us is unparalleled. What a magnificent reality to be a child of the King.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Acts One

"For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
-----Acts 1:5

This promise from Jesus is one of the greatest gifts we can ever receive. Coupled with the promise of everlasting life in Heaven, the Holy Spirit serves as a guide through life. It's Jimminy to Pinochio. It's power are unmatched. Bringing peace, alerting when danger is near, challenging us to action, the Holy Spirit fulfills Jesus promise that He would be with us always. The choice we have each day to make is listening for the leadings of The Spirit. As it reveals to us a world that we could not imagine. Today, allow the Holy Spirit to work through decisions. Ask it for guidance and be tuned into what it is telling you.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Thirty - One

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD."
-----Psalms 31:24

Our assurance that God will come to the rescue or simply protect us from harm is one of the greatest truths about Christianity. Not treating God like a genie, but realizing that He is our help in times of distress helps us cope with the waves of life. Knowing this should have a dramatic effect on how we carry ourselves as bearing the mark of Christ. Our self-image should match our God-image. What does yours look like today?

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Thirty

David is celebrating God's deliverance with words of praise. So many times in life we ask for God's help when we are at the end of our rope. When He comes to the rescue, however, we forget where our help came from. It's like being pulled out of a fire from a firefighter, then telling the reporter that what matters isn't how you were rescued, just that you are safe. There is appreciation in the gratitude. I enjoy David's realism. He admits that there were tough times and still acknowledges that God is the one that brought Him through. God is good, all the time.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Twenty - Nine

David devoted 7 of the 11 verses in this Psalm to the power of God's voice. If just His voice has this much power imagine what the rest of Him can do? It it amazing just how powerful our God is. His ways are greater than our ways. His mind is greater than our minds. He alone is God.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Twenty - Eight

"Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts."
-----Psalms 28:3

Civility is necessary in the world if we all want to make progress both professionally and relationally. When hearts get involved in certain situations there is always the possibility for conflict. People can be irritating, inconvenient, messy, and just a plain pain in the butt. However, this does not mean that they do not have value.

It also does not necessarily mean that it is your duty to tell them what you think of them. (Have you ever noticed when a person claims that they 'just speak their mind' it is usually in defense of a harsh comment they made.) "Getting along" with others is something we teach kids in kindergarten. Being cordial is not the issue here, we can pretend that. The issue is much deeper.

Our danger is harboring malice in our hearts. Jesus said, "what comes out of the mouth, comes from the heart." What we must do is take a continual inventory of what emotions we are allowing to rest in the chambers of our hearts. Allow hate to build long enough and don't be surprised if that is how you view the world you live in. Allow love to build and watch just how fulfilled you feel as you are showing people glimpses of God. Love is God and God is love.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Twenty - Seven

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."
-----Psalms 27:14

David seemed to understand how to wait for God to make His move. Anointed king around 16 years old, he had to wait until he was about 30 to lead the nation. In the years between oil and governing, he was chased by Saul. He lived in caves and foreign lands. When the opportunity came to take control, he chose not to and was committed to seeing God open the necessary doors.

Waiting can seem to be one of the most difficult things we have to do. We are a society of impatient people. Our attention spans are short, we want the quick fix and the immediate gratification of what life has to offer. Sometimes however, the old cliche' rings true, "Good things come to those who wait." David at 16, would more than likely have been a horrible king. He had no experience leading men into battle and taking care of the needs of a nation. His interim time taught him some of the greatest lessons he could learn. Through his waiting time he earned the loyalty of an army, he gained insight on how to respect authority, (which was noticed by the people following him) and developed a perspective in how to lead a nation into one of it's most prosperous times in history.

Sometimes the waiting has a purpose.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Psalm Twenty - Six

David's admittance of living a 'blameless' life is different than claiming a 'sinless' one. This was a stumbling block for me when I first started reading God's word. In claiming that he has led a blameless life, David is saying that he has asked and received forgiveness for the sins that he has committed. He understood that there were consequences for the actions he chose to make. It is thought that this Psalm was written as his son Absalom was leading a rebellion and taking control of the City of David. The issue here is not perfection but righteousness. Because of Jesus we have been made right in God's sight. His blood has made an atonement for our sins. His promise has made possible for an incredible relationship with the Almighty. God is good.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><