THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 27:39-44 “The centurion… kept them from carrying out their plan.” (Acts 27:43) I love the layers in this chapter of the story. We have the soldiers preparing to kill the prisoners, including Paul. We have the centurion wanting to spare Paul’s life – for some reason he liked Paul. And silently behind…
Breaking bread in the storm!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 27:27-38 “He took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all.” (Acts 27:35) Paul breaks bread with the sailors and soldiers, and they are encouraged. These words sound similar to words used when sharing the Lord’s Supper. Some would speak against this, since the Lord’s Supper signifies and…
An aura of grace!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 27:13-26 “God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” (Acts 27:24) I picked this verse because I want to explore how God’s blessing spreads. God’s plans for Paul meant that those who were with him were safe as well. God’s grace in one person’s life has an…
The source of all kindness!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 27:1-12 “Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends…” (Acts 27:3) Paul is a prisoner, being taken to face charges before Caesar in Rome. This centurion is a servant of Rome, loyal to Caesar, yet he is not evil. Paul was blessed by his act of kindness. Kindness…
A different kind of sword!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 149 “The praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.” (Psalm 149:6) Well I felt good about this psalm until I got to the end. Praise in my mouth, and a sword in my hand… to inflict vengeance? At the time, this is how things were…
Fulfilling my mission!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Revelation 9-11 “When they have finished their testimony, the beast will overpower and kill them.” (Revelation 11:7) I can’t explain many of the details in these chapters. Suffice it to say that this world is, and will be, filled with horrible violence and misery. But through it all, God will maintain His witnesses…
Marked with a seal!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Revelation 6-8 “Until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” (Revelation 7:3) John is given these visions while he is exiled on the prison island of Patmos. These visions are for the churches, to encourage them to stand strong through trials. Think of these visions as comic…
My prayer for you!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 26:24-32 “I pray to God that all who are listening to me today may become what I am” (Acts 26:29) How can Paul say his life is something he wishes in everyone? Paul is living with an inward love, joy and peace that has changed him. I make no claims to being…
Have seen, and will see!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 26:16-23 “As a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.” (Acts 26:16) Jesus commissioned all of His disciples to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). A witness is someone who describes to other what they have experienced. You cannot witness to what you have not seen or experienced. We can…
Life-changing encounters with Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 26:9-15 “‘Who are you, Lord?’ “ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.” (Acts 26:15) Just because we cannot see Jesus, doesn’t mean He isn’t there. Paul is doing everything to stop Jesus followers, but he’s really fighting Jesus. Jesus is leading His kingdom mission from heaven, through His…