John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid Events in life do not alway crystallize fear, the first state is agitation, a state of restlessness in spirit and soul... Continue Reading →
A FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE CHOICES
Acts 6:3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them. Whenever we are have choices to make, the more information we have, the more clarity we possess to make those choices. In that regard, we... Continue Reading →
VACANT SEATS
Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. Heading into many football games, there is often a clear favourite to win.... Continue Reading →
AN OPPORTUNITY TAKEN
Paul and his companions found themselves in the synagogue on their visit to Antioch. It is unlikely that they were known to that community as teachers, but then we see a rather interesting development: "After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a... Continue Reading →
MAINTAINING ALLIANCES
Today, we read about a pairing the Holy Spirit called for: "Paul and Barnabas". The account of scripture reads " While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”(Acts 13:2) These two had worked well together... Continue Reading →
UNCHANGING CONFESSIONS
Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. In the midst of heavy persecution resulting in imprisonment and evidence of martyrdom, the disciples at this time had very valid... Continue Reading →
A SCATTERED FLOCK
When we see a wolf attack a flock of sheep, we immediately think prey versus predator. However, today another dimension is introduced that captures our attention. John 10:2b "Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock." Sheep by nature, are herd animals so they move in a crowd, often towards the same direction.... Continue Reading →
RECOGNIZING GATEKEEPERS
John 10:2-3 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. A question arose as I read today's Gospel text and that was 'if the sheep... Continue Reading →
DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
Our verse for today captures part of the interaction between Philip and an unnamed Ethiopian eunuch described as the manager of the treasures of Candace, queen of Ethiopia. After the eunuch's trip to Jerusalem to 'worship', he was returning home and had a copy of the Prophet Isaiah's scroll. Philip asked him a question which... Continue Reading →