Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+024

 

Acts 24     English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul Before Felix at Caesarea

¹ And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. ² And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, ³ in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. ⁴ But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. ⁵ For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. ⁶ He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. ⁸ By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”

⁹ The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

¹⁰ And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. ¹¹ You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, ¹² and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. ¹³ Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. ¹⁴ But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, ¹⁵ having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. ¹⁶ So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. ¹⁷ Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. ¹⁸ While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— ¹⁹ they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. ²⁰ Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, ²¹ other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

 

REFLECTION:

• The high priest Ananias brought some elders and a spokesman before the Roman governor Felix. Paul made a compelling defense and showed how weak the chief priest’s case against him was.  But Felix waffled, and refused to decide the case.  Paul was put under house arrest, and kept there for two years. Later Felix and his third wife heard Paul’s discourse on “righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment” (v25).  Felix was frightened and sent Paul away.  Only his hope that Paul would offer him a bribe moved Felix to talk with Paul from time to time.
• It seems this is a defeat for Paul. But in fact it was a success!  For Paul, and the Gospel, had a hearing.  We shouldn’t expect to be popular, or that the majority of folks will experience instant conversion.  But we must have a chance to be heard.
• Have you had an opportunity to share your story with someone? Did you have a hearing?  How was it received?  What did you learn from this experience? Pray on.
  • Lord, I pray that You draw ___________ to Yourself.
  • I ask you, Lord, to prevent Satan from blinding ___________ to the truth.
  • Holy Spirit, I ask you to convict ___________ of sin and the need for Christ’s redemption.
  • I ask that You send someone who will share the gospel with ___________.
  • Lord, I pray that ___________ will confess Jesus as Lord, grow in faith, and bear fruit for Your glory. Amen.

 

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world, shining in the darkness, but the darkness does not comprehend You. Foxes have dens, and birds have nests, but when You were in the world, You had nowhere to lay Your head. I look out into the world and see the righteous sighing and toiling in labor, yet suffering adversity, while the wicked enjoy wealth, comfort, and long life. Precious pearls are often cast in dark places, lilies grow amidst weeds, roses wither with thorns, and cypress trees decay alongside undergrowth. My Lord, I know that Your kingdom is not of this world, but in heaven; Your glory does not belong to the world, but to eternity. You have risen from the dead, conquered the enemy, ascended to the highest heaven, and now sit at the right hand of the everlasting God, as the Lord who will judge all the living and the dead. When we depart from this world, though our bodies may decay like those of the wicked, the time will come when we will be resurrected and transformed, and we will meet You with smiles in the glory of Your kingdom. My Lord, I desire to be like a lily in a secluded valley or a rose in a desert, growing amidst the weeds and thorns, proclaiming the good news of Your redemption! Even if the world turns away, I will rejoice, for I have Your presence with me. Even if I journey through muddy and dirty paths, I will soar like a bird in the splendid clouds, for You are with me. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Your Will Be Done – youtu.be/fgXE9Di1CUA

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+023

 

Acts 23     English Standard Version (ESV)

¹ 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.’”

⁶ Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” ⁷ And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. ⁸ For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. ⁹ Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” ¹⁰ And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

¹¹ The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

 

REFLECTION:

• In the court, Paul identified himself with the Pharisees, and claimed that the real issue before the court was belief in resurrection. It was His resurrection from the dead, that Jesus was proven “with power to be the Son of God” (Rom 1:4).
• However, an uproar broke out (v7). Paul wasn’t able to continue his defense. The dispute became so violent that Lysias, the commander, had Paul brought into the barracks (v10) for protective custody by the Roman authority. For the rest of Acts, Paul remain a prisoner of the Romans for more than four years.
• The situation must have seemed bleak to Paul. He had been warned over and over again that he would face dire troubles in Jerusalem. But in one of the darkest nights of his life, Jesus appeared to Paul and said “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (v11). As during other critical moments of Paul’s ministry and life, God gave him special reassurance through a vision.
• The protection of God the Father’s strong arms is always around us. Think about God’s hand in your life and ministry. Thank God for His mighty but unseen acts that keep you safe and secure as you walk through this life.

 

PRAYER:

My dear Lord Jesus, what a beautiful day it is today! The sky is crystal clear like a sapphire, a testament to the great power of our Heavenly Father. The sunlight is as pure as refined gold, revealing the abundant love of our Heavenly Father. All things are thriving, and time passes peacefully. My heart is filled with the joy of life. O Son of God, my Lord of life, I see year after year, how the earth of spring overcomes the harshness of winter and becomes full of vitality. How can I doubt Your resurrection? Day after day, though I may experience hardships and difficulties, my heart is at peace and my spirit is filled with joy. You are gradually taking shape in my life, how can I not believe that You are the Lord of life? You once said that in You there is resurrection and life, how can I not rely on Your great power? You also said that You are going to prepare a place for us, and You will come again to take us to be with You. How can I not eagerly anticipate Your glorious return with a pure heart? In the season of maple leaves glowing crimson, You also open my heart, allowing me to remember the preciousness of Your blood. When chrysanthemums release their fragrance in autumn, You also release my courage, filling my life with the fragrance of Your presence! Behold, Your arms are so mighty, and You are renewing all things. You will also surely renew my life. Amen!

 

HYMN:

The Lord is my Salvation – youtu.be/kyLL04p0ms8

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+022

 

Acts 22     English Standard Version (ESV)

¹ “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, 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 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 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.’”

 

REFLECTION:

• Paul’s faith began in an amazing way on the road to Damascus. He was bold to share his story and ultimately God’s story.  This chapter gives us a thorough yet succinct explanation of the person Paul was before he met Christ, how he met Christ, and the person he became after he met Christ.
• Reflect on your story – Who were you before meeting Christ? What was it like when you met Christ?  In what ways is your life different now as a result of meeting Him?  Are other people different today because of your interaction with Jesus?
• Think about how you might describe your life-altering encounter with the living God and your faith journey. Write your story of faith in just two or three paragraphs.  Make it a simple but interesting story of your faith journey.
• Pray for an opportunity to share your story with another person in the coming week.

 

PRAYER:

Lord, I see butterflies fluttering gracefully in front of my hall, how peaceful and elegant they are; I see birds chirping under my eaves, how serene and joyful they are! But in my heart, there is often sorrow, fear, and sadness. I reflect on how much dreaming and struggling butterflies have gone through to achieve their current beauty and serenity. How many storms and traps birds have endured to have their present strength and joy? I contemplate what my soul has experienced. Am I strong enough? Am I beautiful enough? Lord, let my heart and my soul immerse in our initial encounter. Let Your great light illuminate me, so that I can discern all things and see the glory of Your kingdom. Let Your cross guide me, so that I fear no suffering even if the road is rugged, for You will lead me to another blessed path that belongs to heaven. Behold! Butterflies have found their mates, birds have made nests, and fig trees have yielded fruit in the shade. May You also break my cocoon and make my dreams come true. May You give wings to my soul so that I can soar freely like a bird. Lord, mold my life and make my body and soul peaceful and strong. I am willing to walk lightly on the path You send me, eagerly meeting You along the way. Amen!

 

HYMN:

There Is One Gospel – youtu.be/NiFXrUacTHI

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+021

 

Acts 21     English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul Goes to Jerusalem

¹ 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. 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.

⁷ When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers 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 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.

 

REFLECTION:

• Believers in Caesarea pleaded Paul not to go to Jerusalem, but to no avail. So, they said, “The Lord’s will be done.”  How would this prayer “The Lord’s will be done” explain who’s really in control of your life?  Who’s in charge of your life now?  Is God in His rightful place in your life, or is there another “god” seated on that throne?
• On January 8, 1956, deep in the Amazon jungle of Ecuador, five missionaries were brutally murdered by a tribe of Stone Age Indians. The five young men sang this hymn “We Rest on Thee” as they went to their death, taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Auca Indians.
We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender!
We go not forth alone against the foe;
Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.

Yes, in Thy Name, O Captain of salvation!
In Thy dear Name, all other names above;
Jesus our Righteousness, our sure Foundation,
Our Prince of glory and our King of love.

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
And needing more each day Thy grace to know:
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
“We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.”

We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender!
Thine is the battle, Thine shall be the praise;
When passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
Victors, we rest with Thee, through endless days.

• The five missionaries and their families knew that God was in charge of their lives. Theirs is a life that lived out the prayer “The Lord’s will be done.”  After the murdering, the wives and other family members decided to stay to continue the missionary work left by their loved ones among these people.  A tragedy beyond comprehension, through love and forgiveness, has been transformed to an inspiring and moving story of victorious miracles.
• Here is their story told by the son of one of the missionaries, Steve Saint. “End of the Spear” www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma_RcBDlPZA

 

PRAYER:

Lord, may Your will be done! But how can I understand Your will? Sometimes I see dark clouds covering the blue sky, snow breaking the evergreen pines, the earth trembling, the sea raging, flocks unable to find their way, and animals losing their habitats. Is all of this Your will? I see families in conflict, friends betraying each other, and I feel the pain, sadness, fear, and despair in people’s hearts. Is all of this Your will too? Lord, I have asked You loudly before, but I did not receive an answer from You. It was not until after many years, as I became more mature and strong, that I heard Your gentle yet firm voice speaking to me, reassuring me that You have overcome the world. Yes, Lord, without suffering, where can there be joy? Without worries, where can there be peace? Without death, where can there be life? Lord, please strengthen me and help me not to forget that You have overcome the world. Comfort those who suffer innocently, be with those who bear witness for You and suffer, and bless those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for You have said they are blessed! Lord, may You govern my life, may You shape me, and may Your will be accomplished. Amen!

 

HYMN:

We Rest On Thee – youtu.be/h28qI0QKn8s

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+020

 

Acts 20     English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders

¹⁷ Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. ¹⁸ And when they came to him, he said to them:

“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, ¹⁹ serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; ²⁰ how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, ²¹ testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. ²² And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, ²³ except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.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. 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, which he obtained with his own blood. 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.’”

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.

 

REFLECTION:

• Paul was saying his final goodbye to the elders at Ephesus. He knew that more hardship and prison awaited him in Jerusalem. And he would never see the faces of these elders again. It was a sad but fond farewell.  Somehow in just two brief years, a close bond had been forged between Paul and these new Christians. How was this possible?
• Paul let people know how he lived (v18) by opening up his life and inviting people to see and know the real him. Paul served the Lord with humility (v19) and maintained a close relationship with the Lord.  Paul didn’t hesitate to witness for Christ and taught new Christians God’s word (vv20-21).  He lived as an example of Christian values in action (vv33-35).
• These qualities combined foster a bond of love and affection between Paul and the Ephesians. And the same qualities can create bonds of affection among us today, too.
• What would you want to say to those in your spiritual care if you knew that you were going to die? Take time to express your hope and your love to that person in the near future.  Ask God for the courage to say these most important words to those you love and for whom you care deeply.

 

PRAYER:

Beloved Lord Jesus, how much longer do I have in this world before I see Your face? Our earthly lives are like dewdrops on the grass, clouds in the sky, appearing for a moment and then vanishing. The changing of morning and evening, years passing by, we are constantly parting with fondness, and constantly reluctant to let go: when the golden morning comes, we are reluctant to part with the silver night; when the fiery summer flowers bloom, we are reluctant to part with the tender green spring willows; when the glistening winter snowflakes fall, we are reluctant to part with the colorful autumn leaves; when the gospel of your redemption arrives, the kingdom of heaven draws near, yet we are reluctant to part with this bustling world; when the imperishable new life you have given comes, we are unwilling to part with our fading old life. Ah, let us not be reluctant, but rather be determined! May You help me learn the character of Paul and build intimate relationships with my brothers and sisters; may You help us turn our reluctance and attachment into sweet anticipation in our hearts. We do not know when You will come, but we are willing to diligently wait for You with our entire lives. Let us learn from Your example, humble and gentle; let us bear Your yoke and carry Your burden, for You have said it is light and easy. For the promise of a new heaven and a new earth from You, we are willing to wait in this manner! Amen!

 

HYMN:

Christ Our Hope in Life and Death – youtu.be/vfFNLV1Q3AE

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+019

 

Acts 19     English Standard Version (ESV)

The Sons of Sceva

¹¹ And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, ¹² so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. ¹³ Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” ¹⁴ Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. ¹⁵ But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” ¹⁶ And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.¹⁷ And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. ¹⁸ Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. ¹⁹ And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. ²⁰ So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

 

REFLECTION:

• Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was blessed by God with miracles and wonders. Some seeing this tried to imitate Paul’s ministry by using Jesus’ name to cast out evil spirits.  But they failed miserably.  But then, wonderful things continued to happen among many of the believers.  The word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
• The practice of magic was common in the first century, and especially in the cult centre of Ephesus. The goal of magic was to manipulate supposed supernatural powers to protect oneself, or gain an advantage over another person. Apparently, the family of Sceva (v14), a Jewish priest, made a good living in Ephesus by the practice of magic. When Paul came along, and began to heal and cast out demons in the name of Jesus, the family decided to go with the more powerful practice.
• But it didn’t work. Uttering or chanting the name of Jesus is no key to supernatural power. The key is having a personal relationship with Jesus, being available to Him and learning to see where He is at work. God uses us to accomplish His purposes, not ours.
• Do you use Jesus’ name lightly? If so, are you willing to honor God and ask God’s help to rid this bad habit?
• Is there still anything in your life that belongs to the idols or witchcraft? Do you want to honor God by getting rid of these objects?  Ask God to give you peace and strength for it.  (It’s best you consult your pastor or church leader for this decision and ask for their prayer and direction.)

 

PRAYER:

My dear Lord Jesus, where does my strength come from? Does it come from Your name? Does it come from knowing Your image? Even demons know Your name, evil spirits recognize Your image, but they fear and tremble before You. Grant me a humble and submissive heart, that I may not vainly invoke Your name like a fool, without an intimate relationship with You. Remove from my heart pride and greed, which are the weapons of the devil to hinder us and the poison that divides us! May I draw closer to You, even closer! Just as the rolling waves long for the ocean, may I also long for You; just as a running deer thirsts for streams of water, may I also thirst for You! Just as a pomegranate does not want to be separated from its branches, and a grape does not want to be severed from its vine, may I also be intimately and closely connected with You! I was originally a mass of worthless mud, but through Your skillful hands, I have become a useful vessel to hold Your precious treasure; I was originally a useless piece of scrap iron, but through Your blacksmith’s fiery forge, I have become a sharp sword to pierce through the world’s lies and cut through the entanglement of flesh and spirit. My Lord, let me draw near to You in silence, even closer, that I may receive Your grace, learn from Your example, and receive Your strength. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Not My Life – youtu.be/mFbH6LX1Vtc

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+018

 

Acts 18     English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul Returns to Antioch

¹⁸ After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. ¹⁹ And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰ When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. ²¹ But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.

²² When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. ²³ After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus

²⁴ Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. ²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶ He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. ²⁷ And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, ²⁸ for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

 

REFLECTION:

• Apollos probably learned about and believed in Jesus in Alexandria. Basically, he was still waiting for the arrival of the Messiah just as John the Baptist.  His baptism was based on repentance but not on believing the finished work of Christ.
• Priscilla and Aquila realized the problem with Apollos, they graciously invited him over and explained to him the way of God more accurately and clearly.
• When you see someone making mistakes, what is your reaction? Do you have the love and wisdom to correct and to teach?
• Read this poem slowly and meditatively. “Portrait of a Christian” by Beatrice Clelland:

Not only in the words you say,
Not only in your deeds confessed.
But in the most unconscious way
Is Christ expressed.

Is a beatific smile?
A holy light upon your brow?
Oh no, I saw His presence when
You laughed just now.

To me ‘twas not the truth you taught,
To you so clear to me so dim.
But when you came to me
You brought a sense of Him.

And from His light He beckons me,
And from your lips His love is shed.
Till I lose sight of you and see
The Christ instead.

 

PRAYER:

My dearest Lord Jesus, Thank you for being my closest friend, accompanying me through every day, every year, and throughout my life. Since I have known You, how many days and nights have passed like flowing water? Flowers bloom and wither, wither and bloom again, colorful clouds gather and disperse, disperse and gather again, the sun remains old yet always new, and the bright moon waxes and wanes. My heart and mind also change and renew with them. At first, I saw Your image as distant and blurry, like stars underwater, distant mountains in the mist, or the villages of my hometown in my memories. I felt that there was a great distance between You and me, like the faraway stars. But tonight, the brilliance is clear, and the golden osmanthus fragrance wafts in the gentle breeze, carrying away the joys and sorrows of the world. I am no longer as young and naive as before. I stroll through the garden and suddenly see Your image as clear as the full moon in the sky. Thank You, my dearest friend, my Savior, my Lord of life! I know that You have been gradually taking form in my heart, and I know that I have been growing up and becoming more like You. I pray that You will always accompany me like this, so that I can approach those who feel distant from You, just as I once did, and tell them that You are actually intimately connected with us. I do not want to take You away, for You have already been present among us, right beside everyone who follows You! I only want to encourage them to grow up so that their eyes may be brightened, and they can see Your eternal beauty and glory! Amen!

 

HYMN:

Do They See Jesus In Me – youtu.be/Q30a9nr0N9k

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+017

 

Acts 17      English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul in Athens

¹⁶ Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹ And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰ For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” ²¹ Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.

Paul Addresses the Areopagus

²² So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.²³ For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. ²⁴ The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, ²⁵ nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. ²⁶ And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, ²⁷ that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, ²⁸ for

“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;

as even some of your own poets have said,

“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

²⁹ Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. ³⁰ The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, ³¹ because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

 

REFLECTION:

• Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill (Areopagus) began by drawing on pagan Greek poets to establish a point of contact, and then went on to proclaim God’s truth. Paul had caught glimpses of God’s truth in the religion and culture of those people but knew that they needed to be pointed to the God of the truth. So Paul’s quotes connected him with the Athenians and set the stage for his teaching.
• What are the “points of truth” from which you can start to communicate the gospel to those in your world?
• Majority of the people today still don’t know the true God. How do you better prepare yourself to effectively communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to those God has called you to minister to?  Ask God’s help to prepare you to be His witness to unbelieving folks around you.

 

PRAYER:

Our Heavenly Father, who created heaven, earth, and all things, everything in the world belongs to You and originates from You. In all Your creations, Your immeasurable goodness, wisdom, and abundance are reflected. You have deeply imprinted the glory of Your image in the heart of every person, so that everyone has a desire to seek You. You have also bestowed upon us precious freedom and remarkable talents, enabling us to love and govern all things in this beautiful world that You have created. Through Your grace and love, and through the precious blood of Your only begotten Son, You have saved all nations and peoples from the power of death, allowing us to be reconciled with You through confession and repentance, becoming Your beloved sons and daughters. O Heavenly Father, Your grace is so vast and magnificent! Your love is a song in my heart and a hymn on my lips; Your faithfulness is a melody in my ears and a radiance in my eyes! From morning till evening, I will meditate on You with the scrolls of poetry by my pillow, and I will ponder on You with the music of my harp by my window! The starry sky of the night accompanies me as I read Your glorious verses; the serenade of chirping insects conveys my sweet affection. O Heavenly Father, may You be with me always, and may You be with my brothers and sisters always, granting us more love and wisdom, so that we may bring Your true light to the hearts of those who long for it in this world, adding more brothers and sisters to our family, and adding more beloved sons and daughters to You. Amen!

 

HYMN:

I speak Jesus – youtu.be/FpGYImM_VeM

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+016

 

Acts 16     English Standard Version (ESV)

The Philippian Jailer Converted

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, ²⁶ and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. ²⁷ When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” ²⁹ And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” ³¹ And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ³² And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. ³³ And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. ³⁴ Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And here rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

³⁵ But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” ³⁶ And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” ³⁷ But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” ³⁸ The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. ³⁹ So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. ⁴⁰ So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

 

REFLECTION:

• Paul and Silas were put in prison after casting out demon of a slave girl who had earned money for her owners by fortune-telling.
• At night, an earthquake was so great that prison doors were opened and chains fell off the prisoners. The jailer’s terror created a readiness for salvation. And he asked: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved” (v30)?
• The jailer was so affected by Paul and Silas’ behavior that he made his prisoners feel at home with his family. Paul and Silas baptized the family, they ate a festive meal together while nobody had any idea what would happen to Paul and Silas the next day.  What an amazing outcome out of suffering and injustice.
• Paul and Silas speak the truth of the gospel as well as living it out. How do you give verbal and living witness to Jesus?
• Ask God to give you courage as you step in faith to obey Him, to tell those around you about the good news that transformed your life. Continue praying for your oikos.
  • Lord, I pray that you draw ___________ to yourself.
  • I ask you, Lord, to prevent Satan from blinding ___________ to the truth.
  • Holy Spirit, I ask you to convict ___________ of sin and the need for Christ’s redemption.
  • I ask that you send someone who will share the gospel with ___________.
  • Lord, I pray that ___________ will confess Jesus as Lord, grow in faith, and bear fruit for your glory. Amen.

 

PRAYER:

My Lord Jesus Christ, I once saw this world as a cage, my flesh and blood like chains, bound tightly between heaven and earth, with no escape. My soul was also tightly bound, not free! The power of sin is unleashed all over the world; the dark prince rules the world and reigns in the depths of every person’s heart. The seeds of evil sprout and bloom, like flowers of darkness in the night. In my nowhere-to-escape state, I actually found myself admiring these flowers, seeing them as so enticing, so beautiful. I heard the laughter of the world’s king in the emptiness, telling me that if I worshiped it in this life, it would reward me with the joy and glory of the world. Little did I know that all of this is emptiness, all is chasing after the wind! It is You who has given me eyes like a sharp sword, cutting through the false thick curtain of time, seeing the withering of gold flowers, the breaking of silver jars, pearls turning to dust, magnificent buildings turning to ruins, living flesh turning to dry bones, and all temporary glory ultimately ending in death and decay. My beloved and exalted Savior, when You are lifted up, You draw all people to Yourself! You have abolished the power of the world’s king, and You have broken my cage and severed my chains! Now, I am filled with the peace and courage You have given me, to bear witness to You, and to bring freedom to more people who are still in cages, to receive the imperishable true life that You have given. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Hear The Call Of The Kingdom – youtu.be/I5e53YiGbLU

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+015

 

Acts 15     English Standard Version (ESV)

The Jerusalem Council

¹ But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” ² And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. ³ So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. ⁴ When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. ⁵ But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. ⁷ And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. ⁸ And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, ⁹ and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? ¹¹ But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

¹² And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the gentiles. ¹³ After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me.¹⁴ Simeon has related how God first visited the gentiles, to take from them a people for his name…

¹⁹ Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the gentiles who turn to God, ²⁰ but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.²¹ For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

 

REFLECTION:

• In this report of the critical Jerusalem council, the surface issue is whether one must first be a Jew in order to be Christian. The deeper issue is how Jewish and gentile believers can share fellowship. Jews maintained a strict lifestyle and were generally suspicious of gentiles, as gentiles were of the Jews.
• Therefore, the church gathered, representatives of different viewpoints spoken, and a decision was reached in which gentiles do not have to be circumcised, but they must avoid idolatry and unchastity and not eat strangled animals or those with blood. The gentiles must observe these two moral and two ritual rules that will make fellowship with Jews possible. Church unity is maintained across a great cultural divide in a wonderful example of compromise.
• In your church’s history, has there been any problem or conflict? How was it handled?
• Has there been a time recently when you were in conflict with someone? Tell God about it and let His peace and compassion wash over you as you face conflict in both the church and in your personal life.

 

PRAYER:

Oh Heavenly Father, just as the flowers You created each have their own beauty, so do the diverse people of Your world. In the garden, flowers compete to bloom, and among people, conflicts often arise. Grant me eyes that can appreciate the beauty of diversity, and a heart that can embrace all things, so that I may face all the conflicts I encounter with Your gentleness, love, and abundance. I also pray that the brothers and sisters in the church may have gentle spirits and humble hearts, so that even when faced with differing opinions, we can be united in love and truth, for we are all part of one body, like branches on a grapevine. Watered by the living waters of Christ’s life, may we bear fruits that are pleasing and delightful to You. May Your grace and love surround us like clouds and nourish us like spring rain, making our leaves lush and tender, spreading out in the sunlight. May our roots and trunks be strong and unyielding like iron, standing tall even in frost. Around us are thorns that entangle us and wild weeds that grow all over the world, so let us serve and accept one another with a heart of compassion, while also carrying a courageous heart to contend with the world, not being led astray by the devil. For righteousness and unrighteousness cannot coexist, light must fight against darkness, and believers and unbelievers cannot bear the same yoke. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Let There Be Love Shared Among Us – youtu.be/8HIhGMSxsC0