THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 19:23-31 “They were furious and began shouting: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’” (Acts 19:28) How do we respond when people belittle or dishonour what we believe? Do we feel threatened, do we become defensive, do we become negative or aggressive? If we truly think that what we believe is true, we…
The power of Jesus’s word!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 19:13-22 “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15) Jesus holds all authority over all creation, given to Him by God. The Spirit of God works with/for Jesus, fulfilling His will and purpose. Those who surrender to Jesus and His message are filled with His Spirit….
Kingdom handkerchiefs and aprons!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 19:8-12 “Arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 19:8) The kingdom of God… we hardly ever talk about it as christians. We talk about church, worship, being saved, programs, buildings, etc. But the heart of Paul’s message, and Jesus’ message, was the kingdom of God. “The kingdom of God has come…
Not me, but Christ in me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 19:1-7 “On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 19:5) Paul asks what kind of baptism these believers received. Theirs was a baptism of repentance, not a baptism of faith in Jesus. The issue was not the baptism itself, but what the baptism was into. Like…
Out of my prison!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 142 “Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name.” (Psalm 142:7) Is there a prison that you need to be set free from? I don’t mean an actual prison, but a metaphorical prison. A relationship or an addiction that is destructive? A physical or mental health condition that…
To use my freedom well!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Hebrews 9-10 “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22) As a Jesus follower, I need to take very seriously. Every selfish thought, word and deed contributes to the misery of our world. The wage of sin is death; death was the curse for turning away from God. The phrase…
The best lawyer in the world!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Hebrews 6-8 “Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.” (Hebrews 7:24) Imagine having the world’s best lawyer always in your service. They would be your advocate in every situation you found yourself in. They would always defend you, and would know the law perfectly. And they were not charging you, they…
Contemplative prayer
“Contemplative prayer, in its simplest form, is prayer in which you still your thoughts and emotions and focus on God Himself. This puts you in a better state to be aware of God’s presence, and it makes you better able to hear God’s voice correcting, guiding, and directing you. Instead of coming with a ‘to…
If it is God’s will!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 18:18-28 “He promised, ‘I will come back if it is God’s will.’” (Acts 18:21) As a Jesus follower, I can trust the Lord to guide me. The Lord knows things that I don’t, and He has His plans for me as well. I have my own thoughts and plans, but they are…
Speaking about Jesus, with Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 18:9-17 “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.” (Acts 18:9) As a Jesus follower, I enjoy speaking about Jesus. Not being preachy, but sharing with those who are open. My one hesitation – or fear – is talking about Jesus unasked. Is it fear of rejection, or fear…