SCRIPTURE: Acts 21:27-36 “This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place.” (Acts 21:28) For many Christians around the world, their faith in Jesus is seen as a threat. In some Muslim countries Christians are accused of blasphemy – just for their beliefs. Like Rimsha Misah, a young down syndrome…
Author: Norm
For the sake of the gospel!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 21:17-26 “Then everyone will know… that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.” (Acts 21:24) To understand why Paul submits to the Law of Moses, we have to hear what he says elsewhere: “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as…
The Lord’s will be done!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 21:1-16 “When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’” (Acts 21:14) Paul feels Spirit-led to go to Jerusalem, even though he will suffer. Everyone urges him not to go, even Luke and Silas (Acts 21:12). This only makes it harder for Paul, his heart breaks with their tearful…
Reading the Bible with Jesus: Psalm 91
You can find more about my weekly Bible readings HERE. This week I am focusing on Psalm 91 (Monday, August 10 – Sunday August 16)
From my hands to His!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 20:25-38 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace…” (Acts 20:32) As a parent, I want so bad to protect my children. I know that after they leave home, they will face challenges and struggles. There are savage wolves out there, as well as a “roaring lion looking for someone…
Blessed are the peacemakers
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 144 “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” (Psalm 144:1) I do not live in the violent world that David lived in. War, crime, violence… people were always attacking each other. Does God really prepare us for battle? Not in the cruel, violent, unjust sense,…
Be very very careful!
SCRIPTURE: Jude 1 “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” (Jude 1:22-23) We are in the world, but we should not be of the world, or like the world. We are not called to hide but…
Faith that works
SCRIPTURE: James 1-5 “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” (James 2:22) There is no such thing as true faith that does not work itself out in love. If I say I believe in the grace and love of Jesus, yet I don’t…
Finishing well!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 20:13-24 “My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” (Acts 20:24) Paul has a very clear sense of calling and purpose. This is his personal mission statement:“The task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24) Can you express your sense of calling…
Just as He determines!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 20:7-12 “The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.” (Acts 20:12) I wish I had this healing gift: to raise up people who fall asleep in my sermons. God graces this community with this miracle through Paul to comfort them. God will grace each person or church differently… just as He…