Day 277 Who saved Paul's neck?

In today's reading Paul says that his neck was saved and gives instructions about offering hospitality. Who were these persons that saved Paul's neck. The answer is found in the passage..."Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well." Prisca and Aquila saved Paul! Would you agree they are underrated in the Bible like Barnabas who also intervened at a critical time for Paul? Thank God for servants who are strong in critical times!

Day 276 What does it matter what we eat or drink?

Is it wrong to eat and drink certain things? Paul raises the issue in a practical way. We must follow God's leading for us in regard to these matters. Also, we must consider making other persons stumble. We are not be a stumbling block for a young Christian. Balance and practical application are needed for this passage..."For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." Amen.

Day 275 What are the marks of a true Christian?

What is a true Christian like? Paul tells us..."Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. This is a great list to live by! Very practical.

Day 274 Who sounds like Job?

Jeremiah can hardly be mistaken for Job. Today's reading does sound like Job. Jeremiah complains..."But you, O Lord, know me;you see me, and test my heart toward you.Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter,and set them apart for the day of slaughter. How long will the land mournand the grass of every field wither?For the evil of those who dwell in itthe beasts and the birds are swept away,because they said, “He will not see our latter end.” Interesting that all humankind has their moments. Even Jeremiah!

Day 273 Who has the prettiest feet in the Bible?

Paul offers the way of salvation..."because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Obviously, confession of the Lord is huge in our growth in faith. We are to spread the good news. Who has the prettiest feet in the Bible? The answer...“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." How do our feet look today?

Day 272 Zophar so Good? Can we profess faith in times of suffering?

Job would not say "Zophar so good!" Zophar states suffering comes from wickedness...as some people still believe today. Job does proclaim his faith again. The other day he said..."though He slay me yet will I trust Him." Today he says in the midst of suffering with worn out skin..." For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth." Statements of faith are stronger when there is a backdrop of suffering! Can we profess our faith in such times?

Day 271 What would Paul say to Job? Part II

If Paul could have talked to Job, he could have helped Job through his suffering. The eighth chapter of Romans would have offered powerful inspiration for Job. Here are some of the more relevant passages..."For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Again, how powerful to read words of Job and Paul at the same time.

Day 270 How do we explain human behavior?

How do we explain the inconsistency of human behavior? Saying one thing doing another? Or not being able to change. One explanation is Paul's..."For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." The struggle to overcome and change has always been a challenge. Only by the Grace of God do we have a chance.

Day 269 What are the wages of sin?

While Job's friends seek to explain his suffering. Job proclaims..."though He slay me yet will I trust him." His suffering is producing faith in that moment. His friends keep thinking there is a payoff for Job's sin. Paul reflects that sin is not to continue because we have grace. He also is clear that the ultimate destination of sin leads to death..."For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Interesting to read at the same time as Job.

Day 268 Does Paul have an answer for Job?

Job's friends seek answers to Job's suffering. Perhaps Paul has the best way to handle suffering...regardless of the cause..."More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope... We do not know the reasons humankind suffers but we do know God can use suffering for character development and good.

Day 267 Out of the womb is a faith story?

Job cursed the day he was born. He wished he had never come out of the womb. What a contrast to Paul's recalling of Abraham who had faith in spite of Sarah's barren womb. Two references to birth and two different perspectives. Job feels cursed. Abraham saw the barrenness as a future blessing. Barreness can lead people to be blessed or cursed. As a metaphor, how do we see see blessedness?

Day 266 What is the truth in today's reading?

Today's reading has a common thread. Israel had disobeyed God and fallen away into sin. There are consequences for this disobedience. Later, we will read of God's restoration of Israel. Paul speaks of sin and grace in one statement..."for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,"...What a statement! All have fallen short of the glory of God and there is redemption in Christ Jesus. Same today, yesterday, and forever!

Day 265 Ontologically Jewish?

What does it mean to be ontologically Jewish? Paul says all who are inwardly in Christ are Jewish. I suppose this is in keeping with our heritage in Jesus...King of the Jews. Here is how Paul states this thought..."For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God." This understanding is also consistent with the circumcision of the heart is more needed than circumcision.

Day 264 How do righteous live?

Paul begins his letter to the Romans telling how the righteous shall live. In a statement more concise than Hebrews 11, Paul says..."For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” In Hebrews 11:7 we are reminded "without faith it is impossible to please God." Something to think about! Have we faith?

Day 263 A link with Paul and Job?

Job loses his family and livelihood and Paul loses his freedom under arrest. Job has sores and Paul is bit by a vipor. Both men came under suffering. Paul considered it an honor to suffer in the Name of Jesus. Job was not as gracious in suffering but did endure. Both men have a link of using suffering to bring glorfy to God. Suffering is difficult to explain theologically but is present in the lives of God's people. Certainly, we can see a link between Job and Paul.

Day 262 What did Paul not experience?

Paul is setting sail for Rome. They encounter rough seas and a shipwreck. Instead of killing the prisoners...Paul's influence leads to sparing everyone. Paul again endures accusations, rough seas, and a shipwreck. What did Paul not experience in life? His life is full of trials and he models what to do in adversity! "All things do work for good!"

Day 261 Who was almost persuaded to be a Christian?

When Paul was seeking to plead his case he simply shared his story. One exceptional person was moved to almost be converted. Here is the account..."And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” There is power in the sharing of a conversion story.

Day 260 What is it about Haman that reminds of the human condition?

Haman's plan begin to unravel. He plots to kill the man the king wants to honor. How is it that we human beings plan the opposite of what the Lord wants. In this almost tragic story for the Jews, we see a dramatic turn of events. Esther is in the right place at the right time to change history. God has a way of thwarting evil plots. We can be assured even today. God has a way to thwart evil plots. Haman and Mordecai and Esther are all symbols of the human condition...as well as good triumphing over evil.

Day 259 What was Esther's mission?

In today's text we read of Esther's mission. The Jews are under the threat of Haman and Mordecai sent word to Esther. He said..."And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” In this statement Esther had her mission. We will read about the outcome after the fast tomorrow.

Day 258 Was there a plot to kill Paul?

In the reading today we notice a threat to kill King Ashuerus which was intercepted by Mordecia. In the Book of Acts we of a plot of 40 men who refused to eat until Paul was killed. They would become pretty hungry, as Paul was given tremendous protection. It is interesting that both of these plots appear in the same day of reading.

Day 257 Where did testimonies begin?

Where did the idea of sharing our story in Christ begin? Could have been the man who had his vision restored. Or it could have been the woman at the well. How about Paul? In his moment of giving an account that could lead to execution...he tells his story! What a story! This is good advice to us for us to tell our story.

Day 256 Who is stirring the pot?

Paul is stirring up trouble...according to the Jewish religious leaders. In response, they stir up trouble. Ironic that those who accuse Paul of "stirring the pot" are the real culprits. Paul stands strong in his convictions ..."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.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” What a statement of faith! I am not only willing to be imprisoned but let's God's will be done.

Day 255 How to fall into a dead sleep?

Eutychus fell after he had fallen to sleep. (Paul preached too long) He literally fell into a "dead sleep" and then fell dead. Paul revived him through the power of the spirit. We read..." And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted." As a pastor, I am amused at this story. Surely you must be too!

Day 254 What is the Holy Spirit?

Paul explains the Holy Spirit to the disciples. They do not realize there is more than repentance. Paul explains how the Holy Spirit comes as baptism. He says... And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all." Sunday is Pentecost! A good day to think about God's presence through the Holy Spirit.

Day 253 How long does it take to build a wall?

How long does it take to build a wall? It could be lifetime in relationships. Or it could be too long with prejudice and oppression. In the more favorable wall...Nehemiah took 52 days. Great sybmbolism in prayer, care for the poor, and protection are evident in the structure. Fifty two days and a journey of building and growing through the obstacles to boot!

Day 252 Why read the Bible?

As if we needed convincing...Isaiah tells gives a convincing reason to read the Bible “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it"... I am convinced the Word of the Living Lord will never leave us empty but will accomplish the purpose!

Day 251 Nehemiah's Prayer...How are you saved?

How is one saved? Paul answered this question with jailer..."believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou will be saved." A pretty uncomplicated answer for what must have been a disoriented time of the earthquakes throwing open the prison doors.

In keeping up with prayers in the Bible...Nehemiah says a prayer..."As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”

Day 250 Why not use disagreements for God's grander purposes?

Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark. Paul had seen enough from John Mark's homesickness. They disagreed and went different directions. What happened positive? The church grew in two directions instead of one! East and West. We are all products of this disagreement that turned out well. Why not use disagreement for God's grander purposes?

Day 249 Who has beautiful feet?

Who has the most beautiful feet in the Bible? Could be most anyone but the answer is in today's reading from Isaiah..."How beautiful upon the mountainsare the feet of him who brings good news,who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,who publishes salvation,who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” This verse is also quoted by Paul in the Book of Romans. (10:15)

Day 248 Does jealousy bring out our best or worst?

Why did the early apostles turn to the Gentiles? The reading today provides great insight...good old fashioned jealousy! Take a look..."The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Jealousy motivates the early Christians to move toward Gentiles and brings out the worst in Jews who were jealous. Jealousy in our life can wake us up to bring out our best or bring out our worst. God uses all for good.

Day 247 What story in the Old Testament sounds like this one?

As I was reading the story in the Book of Acts about Herod killing James and wanting to kill Peter, I was reminded of an Old Testament story. In the Book of Esther, Haman seeks to kill Mordecai (and the Jews) on gallows but winds up dying on the gallows he had built. In this chapter of Acts, Herod seems to have the upper hand but an angel comes to the rescue of Peter in prison. The mysterious jailbreak changes the tone completely and Herod's power over the Lord's servants appears lame and foolish...even to the point of dying in the folly. Herod and Haman do have a similiar outcome.

Day 246 When were we first called Christians?

The answer to one of the most interesting questions in the Bible surfaces in today's reading..."When was the name Christian first used?" The answer is Antioch. Think about it no one had been called a Christian until this time..."For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians." Interesting. We are named after Christ and the tradition started at Antioch.

Day 245 Did you enjoy the day?

We had a rare free day in our reading. Hopefully...you caught up, enjoyed the day, or read ahead. We are around two-thirds of the way through.