Leaders

Acts 22:23-23:5

English Standard Version (ESV)

²³ And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, ²⁴ the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. ²⁵ But when they had stretched him out for the whips,^[a] Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” ²⁶ When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” ²⁷ So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” ²⁸ The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” ²⁹ So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.

Paul Before the Council

³⁰ But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

23 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” ² And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. ³ Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” ⁴ Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God's high priest?” ⁵ And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+22%3A23-23%3A5&version=ESV)

Paul was about to be killed by the mob of people and now was going to be interrogated by flogging to find out why he was stirring the crowd.  That doesn’t make much sense to me!  Why not interview the crowd?  Probably because the crowd didn’t even know why they were against him!  I found it interesting that even though the ones who were going to be interrogating him backed down, he must have remained bound because verse 30 begins, “The next day . . .” . 

As Paul is being questioned by the Jewish council he makes a remark, similar to one of Jesus in Matthew 23:27 where He uses the metaphor of whitewashed tombs to describe the scribes and the Pharisees.  He did not realize this was directly insulting the High Priest.  How often do we insult our leaders, directly or indirectly?  This is something that is so easily done as we fail to recognize that there is  no leader placed in office without the approval of our Heavenly Father.  Although they may treat us poorly, we must still respect that God has a plan for their leadership.  That is really difficult when you think of some leaders that have persecuted Jews and Christians.  However, God uses them to bring glory to Him.  We must learn to acknowledge their role.  Paul knew this but did not know that he was speaking to the High Pries.  This could have been for a couple of reason, he had not been in Jerusalem for many years and there was not television or photography of this man.  It could have also been because of his poor vision.  All we know is that Paul stated that he did not know the man.  I don’t see an act of apology but rather a demonstration that Paul knew the scriptures and what it said in regards to how to treat our leaders.

As we seek Him today, may we remember to thank Him for our leaders and ask Him to guide and direct them in order that our Heavenly Father can be glorified.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheial

Loving the Lord Your God

Leviticus 18 English Standard Version (ESV)

Unlawful Sexual Relations

18 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ² “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, I am the Lord your God. ³ You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. ⁴ You shall follow my rules^[a] and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the Lord your God. ⁵ You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.

⁶ “None of you shall approach any one of his close relatives to uncover nakedness. I am the Lord. ⁷ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, which is the nakedness of your mother; she is your mother, you shall not uncover her nakedness. ⁸ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife; it is your father's nakedness. ⁹ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, your father's daughter or your mother's daughter, whether brought up in the family or in another home. ¹⁰ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son's daughter or of your daughter's daughter, for their nakedness is your own nakedness. ¹¹ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife's daughter, brought up in your father's family, since she is your sister. ¹² You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister; she is your father's relative. ¹³ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister, for she is your mother's relative. ¹⁴ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother, that is, you shall not approach his wife; she is your aunt. ¹⁵ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law; she is your son's wife, you shall not uncover her nakedness. ¹⁶ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife; it is your brother's nakedness. ¹⁷ You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and of her daughter, and you shall not take her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter to uncover her nakedness; they are relatives; it is depravity. ¹⁸ And you shall not take a woman as a rival wife to her sister, uncovering her nakedness while her sister is still alive.

¹⁹ “You shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness while she is in her menstrual uncleanness. ²⁰ And you shall not lie sexually with your neighbor's wife and so make yourself unclean with her. ²¹ You shall not give any of your children to offer them^[b] to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. ²² You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. ²³ And you shall not lie with any animal and so make yourself unclean with it, neither shall any woman give herself to an animal to lie with it: it is perversion.

²⁴ “Do not make yourselves unclean by any of these things, for by all these the nations I am driving out before you have become unclean, ²⁵ and the land became unclean, so that I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. ²⁶ But you shall keep my statutes and my rules and do none of these abominations, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you ²⁷ (for the people of the land, who were before you, did all of these abominations, so that the land became unclean), ²⁸ lest the land vomit you out when you make it unclean, as it vomited out the nation that was before you. ²⁹ For everyone who does any of these abominations, the persons who do them shall be cut off from among their people. ³⁰ So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.”

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+18&version=ESV)

This past week it was passed down by the Supreme Court in this United States of America that all 50 states must abide by the law to allow for the marriage of people of the same sex.  I was of the opinion that I did not want to get into this debate with anyone and would not post my thoughts on Facebook.  But today, as I was looking for another scripture I found the verses, which I have enlarged, underlined in my Bible.  It seemed to me that I was supposed to write on this issue in the most loving and thoughtful way that I could. 

Some may argue that this is Old Testament law and we live in the New Testament times now so this law does not apply to us.  I have posted the entire chapter for your review.  As you read it or reread it, take note, much of what is said, the majority of people would agree that it is spot on, such as,  it is wrong for us to uncover ourselves with close relative in a sexual relation, or that we should not have sexual relations with animals.  Yet many will take the verses I have underlined in my Bible and argue that it was Old Testament Law.  They will say we are not under the old covenant and anything is lawful for the Christian.  They may also argue that there are many laws in the Old Testament that no longer apply and may even point out that Jesus even rebuked the Old Testament Laws and may quote Jesus saying, ³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A38-39&version=ESV)  Have you ever read Matthew 5 in its entirety?  Jesus is quite clear in His speaking as He instructs those us on how we should conduct our lives.  Again in Matthew you find the law as Jesus tells us, ³⁷ And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the great and first commandment. ³⁹ And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ⁴⁰ On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Some of my dearest friends believe the ruling in the courts was the right and just thing to do.  They believe it is the best thing for the United States of America.  After all, we are to love our neighbors; which surely means that we should love diversity and love people, no matter their lifestyle.  They say sin is sin and their sin is just more visible than yours or mine.  I cannot argue that point, sin is sin and we are all sinners.  However, if I truly love my neighbor do I want them to go down the path of destruction as pointed out in Leviticus?  When God says, “I am the LORD” do you think maybe He is taking a stance that will not be moved?  If it was wrong for the Jewish people, is it not wrong for all people?
Now, lets look at what Jesus said was the greatest commandment of all, “³⁷ And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the great and first commandment.”  May I ask, do we sometimes go so far as loving and accepting our neighbor,  that we forget about the first commandment?  Are we truly showing our love to our Father in Heaven when we blatantly turn from His instructions?  How do you feel as a parent when your child does this to you?  Yes, you still love them but it hurts deeply.  I for one never wanted to make my dad angry and I certainly do not want to make my Father in Heaven angry. 
I have a deep concern for our country and my neighbors in this country.  I see a slippery slope on a downhill decent and it can become quite scary.  But one thing I do know is that God is beside me holding out His hand to help me down.  He can destroy; we can read about it many times.  He can bring people back into His fold, something else we have read many times.  I do not know what He has in store for the United States of America but I pray that He will work in such a way that we can someday, as a nation, come back to Him.  My friends may be right, this might be a good thing for America if it brings us back to our Heavenly Father.
I want the light of Christ to shine through me.  I do not want to be looked at as intolerant or a hater, yet I want to please my Father more than man.  I have to think of the people in Charleston, South Carolina who welcomed a stranger into their Bible study only to be killed by him an hour later.  Their families of these victims demonstrated loving their neighbor as themselves as they forgave him for the horrible crime, and cried out for God’s mercy on his soul.  That is, truly loving your neighbor.  They demonstrated to the world how strong Christians are when they have their faith imbedded in the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is also a demonstration of how much they love the Lord their God!
If we truly love God and we truly love our neighbor, we will listen to God and will have great concern for our neighbor who defiles our God and His ways.  We will cry out to God just as the victim families in Charleston,  “have mercy on their souls”.   As you seek Him, take time to consider, His ways and what He tells us in His word then go out and Love Him first and your neighbor as yourself.
Seeking Him with all my heart,
Sheila

Some Will Reject

Acts 21:40-22:22

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴⁰ And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language,^[a] saying:

22 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”

² And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language,^[b] they became even more quiet. And he said:

³ “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel^[c] according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. ⁴ I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, ⁵ as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

⁶ “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. ⁷ And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ ⁸ And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ ⁹ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand^[d] the voice of the one who was speaking to me. ¹⁰ And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ ¹¹ And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

¹² “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, ¹³ came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. ¹⁴ And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; ¹⁵ for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. ¹⁶ And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

¹⁷ “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance ¹⁸ and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ ¹⁹ And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. ²⁰ And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ ²¹ And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

²² Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.”

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+21%3A40-22%3A22&version=ESV)

In this passage we see just how we should give our testimony.  Just like in the court of law, we should tell the truth and nothing but the truth.  We do not have to make it elaborate if it is not but we need to tell others about what Christ has done for us.  That is exactly what Paul did in this passage of scripture.  He told them where he had been, why he lived the way he did now, and the difference it made in his life.  He went from being a rebellious Jew toward the Way to become a strong member.  He went from killing to loving people.  He went from hunting the Christians to being a hunted Christian.  This testimony tells me that he saw and he believed making him a changed man.

Often time’s people do not want to tell others their testimony for various reasons.  I remember having to give my testimony in front of one church before I could be a member and I absolutely did not want to do it.  I felt like I was being judged for one thing and for another I was shy and did not want to speak in front of a crowd.  I have grown since that time and now enjoy speaking to crowds.  Another reason is because of the emotion that it evoked in me.  I am a fairly private person in that I do not like people to see me at my weakest moments.  I am a crier, so if I am the least bit emotional about something I may start to cry. 

Paul however was strong, poignant, and made his defense clear.  Yet, the people did not listen to him and once again began to curse him.  Are we sometimes afraid of this reaction?  No matter how much we believe in something, we cannot force anyone to believe what we believe.  God has given us all the ability to accept Him as our Savior but some refuse.

I have made it clear in my life that I believe in the One True God but I have had some that have rejected me because of this belief.  It is sad and heartbreaking but it is only my privilege to get to share with them, it is their decision to take it or leave it.

Today as you seek Him, take the time to share with someone your testimony.  Type it out and share it on this blog if you feel more comfortable doing that.  This blog travels the world and you could touch someone’s heart from miles away.  I urge you to not let another day pass without sharing with someone the love our Father in Heaven.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila

He is Able

Acts 21:31-39

English Standard Version (ESV)

³¹ And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. ³² He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. ³³ Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. ³⁴ Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. ³⁵ And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, ³⁶ for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”

³⁷ As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? ³⁸ Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” ³⁹ Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.”

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+21%3A31-39&version=ESV)

Riots are so ridiculous.  Most of the people at them don’t even know what the issue is about.  They all bring their own set of anger to the riot and words begin to fly.  This is what was happening in the passage for today.  There was so much confusion that the left hand didn’t know what the right hand was doing!  I believe God created this confusion for a reason.  On another note, I thought it was a little odd that they brought in the man that was beaten rather than those that were his attackers!

I found it interesting that about the time that Paul was close to safety he asked if he could speak once more.  Surprisingly enough,  they let him do so.   This was odd since they really didn’t want to cause more trouble.   This brings me to the question of the day.  When danger comes our way, do we face it with the love of Christ or do we run away from it?

Seek Him and know that He is worth every bit of ridicule and hurtfulness we might get from others.  He is able.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila

Guilty as Charged

Acts 21:17-30

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁷ When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. ¹⁸ On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. ¹⁹ After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. ²⁰ And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, ²¹ and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. ²² What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. ²³ Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; ²⁴ take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. ²⁵ But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled,^[a] and from sexual immorality.” ²⁶ Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.

²⁷ When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, ²⁸ crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” ²⁹ For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. ³⁰ Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+21%3A17-30&version=ESV)

I am guilty as charged, I have done just what these Jewish elders did, tried to fix it on my own.  Glorifying God in one breath, praising Him for His great works, and then trying to fix things and make them right.  At first I wondered why Paul went along with all of this.  Sending a letter to make sure the Gentiles knew to follow the minimal requirements of the Jewish law would not have been something Paul would have endorsed, yet, he went along with it all.  He would not have wanted to appear to be someone who was required to follow Jewish traditions in order to be protected.  Then it struck me that Paul knew this too would bring glory to God.  He knew these men needed to learn that God was in control and nothing they did would change that.  I would imagine Paul knew this would somehow result in his arrest and he was okay with that.

This is a lesson I need to learn, a lesson I long to understand.  That is why there are so many of my blogs pointing to God’s control.  God is in control and all that He does is for His glorification.  He loves His people and when they see the good that He does through whatever means both positive and negative, His will is accomplished.  It may not look like it at the time but He is working all things out for the good of His people.  Look up Romans 8:28 for a reference on that! As you seek Him today remember that God cares for you.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila

His Will

Acts 21:7-16

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers^[a] and stayed with them for one day. ⁸ On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. ⁹ He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. ¹⁰ While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹ And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews^[b] at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” ¹² When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

¹⁵ After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁶ And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+21%3A7-16&version=ESV)

I don’t know how many times that I have said how I am ready to do God’s will in my life only to find myself grumbling, complaining, weeping, because I am in situations where I am not satisfied.  It is very frustrating for me when I catch myself in this state of mind.  Even though I know it is God’s will and it is best for me, I still complain if it isn’t my way.  I know this world is not “all about me” and I know that God knows best.  I am convinced that He cares for His people yet I complain.

Paul was quite the opposite.  He knew evil was coming his way and he did not back down from it.  He faced it head on, knowing it would not be pleasant but also knowing that God had a plan.  I think that is amazing, to say the least!  How and why does someone walk straight in to danger?  By trusting in the Lord their God.  By demonstrating their faith in the God we serve.  By willingly laying down their life for the sake of Christ.  They do it to glorify God. 

This past week there was a tragedy at a church in America.  A man came in and shot people just because he hated their race.  It is reported that he almost did not do this horrible act because the people were so nice.  The reaction from the family members was one of great forgiveness and the concern for this young man’s soul.  The one who found the shooter gave all glory to God in the entire situation and she did so on National television.  Many attended the worship service following the tragedy and there were people from all over the United States who stood outside the doors of the church to hear the message.  Is God being glorified?  Was His will done?  Yes, but how we wish the tragedy would not have had to happen.  I have to wonder if those people would have been at Bible study had they known a shooter would be coming in the door?  Maybe some would say yes while others would have had doubt.  I believe that is why God does not always tell us the future or let us look into our lives in the future.  We would be afraid and possibly not even take the path that He wants us to go.  A path that leads to His glory.

Our purpose in this life is to glorify God.  Not in just the good times but in the bad times as well.  We need to realize that God has a plan and it will be fulfilled.  Seek Him and ask Him how you might be able to be a part of His perfect plan.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila

Saying Goodbye

Acts 20:36-21:6

English Standard Version (ESV)

³⁶ And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. ³⁷ And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, ³⁸ being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

21 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.^{[a] 2} And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. ³ When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. ⁴ And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. ⁵ When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed ⁶ and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A36-Acts+21%3A6&version=ESV)

Paul made many friends in his time of ministry.  In each place that he left, tears were shed as he departed. Those who listened to Paul’s admonishments along with his encouragements became quite fond of him.  They may have even depended on him to be their spiritual guide.  When he departed from them and told them he would not see them again, they became sorrowful. 

It was not just tears that were shed but also prayers were spoken as he departed.  This what struck me the most in the reading today is the way in which Paul departed.  In both instances the people accompanied him to his ship and they prayed before he departed.  When my husband and I go on a trip together or with our family, before we leave our hometown we pray.  No one is accompanying us, no one is sad that we are leaving, and no one will probably miss us while we are gone, but we pray as we depart.  We don’t know if we will be back so we pray and know our future is in the hands of God.  As  these individuals sent Paul off to continue on his journey to Jerusalem, they realized would likely no see him again, which drew them to the throne of grace where they would find comfort and strength.   What do you think they prayed about?  Did they pray for his safety, did they pray that God would send him back to them?  Maybe they thanked God for sending Paul to them and asked for wisdom and strength in his absence.  Whatever the case may have been, they prayed, and God’s will was done.

As you seek Him may you know that prayers to the Father bring comfort in times of stress, peace in times of chaos, and understanding in times of doubt.  Know that He is God and He cares for you.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila

 

Passing the Torch

Acts 20:25-35

English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁵ And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. ²⁶ Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, ²⁷ for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. ²⁸ Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God,^[a] which he obtained with his own blood.^{[b] 29} I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; ³⁰ and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. ³¹ Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. ³² And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. ³³ I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. ³⁴ You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. ³⁵ In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A25-35&version=ESV)

To me this passage is much like a dad passing the torch on to his children.  He assures them all that he has done everything to bring to them the Words of God.  Much like a dad saying, “I have raised you in the way that you should go and now it is time for you to begin that journey on your own.”  Paul was pushing them out of the nest and the proceeds to give them instructions on what might come to pass.

Notice in verse 28 he summons them to pay attention to themselves first.  I believe it is so easy for a pastor or a church leader to stop and point their finger at everyone else when the finger should be pointing at them.  If they become so distracted by the happenings of the church and forget about the Word of God.   These distraction and unnecessary drama cause them to not be able to care for the flock as God intended.  He urges them to “take care of the church”.  A pastor needs to care for his flock.  If he does not have the compassion to care for people then maybe the pastorate is not truly his calling.  Jesus shed His blood for the people of the church, now go out there and care for them for the sake of the cross of Jesus Christ.

If we are not careful in our churches today we find that the wolves that Paul warns of are here and prevalent  in the Church.  We have many false religions that have their roots in Christianity yet have somehow twisted the truth to be more about false prophets than of the One True God.  It seems like our society is becoming more and more a “me” society.  We care about no one but well-bing that we do about our relationship with God.  People tend to make God who they want Him to be without considering who He really is.  They take the Word of God and throw it out rather than picking it up and reading it.  They seek God through falsehood rather than through the truth.  Paul saw this coming and he warned the Church to be aware of those who come in and destroy.  Get them out, let God’s word stand firm.

Paul took nothing from the church and he is telling them to follow his example.  He did not do any of his work for the gain of society status or wealth but rather for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God.  More than likely we could probably all think of those in leadership who do not ask for money but rather serve knowing God will provide for their needs.  Yet there are some who look only at the money and do not consider the riches of God’s word.  How many television preachers do you see and hear who give great messages followed by urging you to support their ministry?  This type of ministry has turned people away from the Gospel and has given them a negative view about the blood of Christ. He is reminding the leaders that he did not ask for “things” and neither should they. Let us not water down the Gospel in order to make a few dollars rather let’s expand the Gospel message to those who could not afford to go to church otherwise.

As you seek Him today, examine your own lives.  Has it brought glory to God or has it made a lot of money? 

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila

By Faith

Acts 20:24

English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁴ But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A24&version=ESV)

How many of us can say this is our life verse?  It is so easy to say these words but to live them out is a totally different story.  Paul knew that when he went to Jerusalem he would likely be persecuted, beaten and imprisoned.  I am sure he had to be somewhat apprehensive about this.  Just as Jesus was apprehensive and asked the Father that if it were His will that His suffering might be removed, Matthew 26:39 ³⁹ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”   (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A39&version=ESV)
We wonder why we are in situations that we are in.  I asked God daily the same question, “Why?” with a pit in my stomach and an ache in my heart.  It is by faith that I ask but it is with lack of faith that I continue to ask.  I have no idea what Paul’s prayers were like, he might of prayed a similar prayer as Jesus.  I do believe that he had such confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ and his future with Him that Paul did not question the “why” of what was happening to him.  He had experienced Christ in a way that gave him no doubt that He was the Savior.  When Paul is first introduced in the Bible we see him approving the stoning of a saint, Stephen.  Paul knew that he had been forgiven for that and was willing to suffer the same for the sake of Christ.  He owed his life to Christ, as do we.  What is it for us to have to suffer a little on this earth due to our sin and the sin of the world?  God forgives our sins when we confess them to Him I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=Faithful+and+just&qs_version=ESV)
No one knew that truth more than Paul who experienced it firsthand.  We too can have the assurance that Christ died for us.  By faith we are saved and by faith we shall live.  As you seek Him today be sure to know that He cares for you.
Seeking Him with all my heart,
Sheila