How can you fear that?

Acts 24

 ²⁴ Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁵ As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” ²⁶ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

Doesn't it seem odd that the presentation of the Gospel can generate fear in someone with the power of Felix? In the Bible, one of the most popular sayings is "to fear the Lord". Many of the early Christians, in the Bible, talk about "death is gain." Stephen was stoned to death for his belief. We are asked to sacrifice, give up stuff, and deny ourselves. An unbeliever could easily become "scared" by all of this. SO, it doesn't surprise me that Felix was fearful. In his mind he has a lot to lose by turning his life to Christ.

I have been a Christian for nearly 40 years. I can honestly say I have never felt it a sacrifice following Christ. As a matter of fact, I have been embarrassingly blessed by God. I have been blessed WAY beyond what I deserve. But, the greatest reward is the guarantee that I will live forever in paradise with Jesus. What kind of sacrifice is that. If you view following Christ from the "Worlds Perspective" you are certainly going to be disappointed. The sinner can't see God and they can't see the rewards either. 


Worshipping God, life everlasting, no pain, no suffering, no sorrow. How can you fear that? 

Are you smart enough to Love God?

1 Corinthians 8

² Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. ³ But whoever loves God is known by God.

I am really fond of the show "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" I believe most people think they are smarter than a 5th grader. Notice I said think. It always amazed me how difficult some of those questions are. But, I was also surprised how many guests didn't know the simplest questions. My favorite was: What country, located directly north of the United States, shares a border with the US. The contestant had to have help. Oh Boy! Do you know people who think they know everything? "know-it-alls" I am sure we can all think of someone. Some people pursue wealth and others pursue knowledge. I wish they would pursue God with the same passion.

We are not as smart as we like to think we are. When it comes to things of God, his plans for us, and his desires, we always think we know more than God. Sometimes, I act like I know as much as God. It's obvious that's not anywhere near true. I can't remember the last time I created anything like a universe! I can't remember the last time I controlled the course of human events, or healed anyone. 

I am not God. You are not God. We are not God. There is only one God and his knowledge is infinite. His Love is forever. God doesn't want us to try to be as smart as he is. He doesn't care what we know. All he cares is that we love him. Love is better than any knowledge we could think of acquiring. Being known by God and loving him is more important than any knowledge we could gain. Stop trying to be God. Instead try just loving him and see how smart you really can be. 

Grade your ministry!

Acts 23

¹⁰The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

 ¹¹ The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” ¹² The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. ¹³ More than forty men were involved in this plot.

You can tell Paul was really making an impact in the world, why? Because he was so vigorously challenged by others. He was opposed on so many different levels, from so many different groups of people, because he was being so effective. Yet, he never backed down from the challenge. He not only survived this threat of death, he thrived throughout. I know that God was pleased with his ministry. I would give his ministry excellent marks. In terms of school I would say he deserves an "A".

How effective am I in my ministry? Does the enemy view me as much of a threat? What grade would I be given?  I'm ashamed to say that my ministry is not as effective as it should be. I have not always stepped up to the challenge of the ministry I have been selected. I think it would be generous to get a grade of "D". I'm not proud of that. I need to do more for the Kingdom. 

Dear Lord, Please forgive me my ineffectiveness. Please forgive me for not giving everything I have toward spreading your Gospel. Give me the strength to do your will. Help me to be your hands and feet in this world. I love you and I want to be effective for you. Help me to grow in your wisdom and your love. Amen!

Thanks Steph, you're amazing!

1 Corinthians 7

 ¹⁰ To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. ¹¹ But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

I can't imagine not being married to my great wife. I'm not just saying that for bonus points. (LOL!) Stephanie and I have been married for over 33 years. I can truly say we have never even considered separating or divorcing. It hasn't even been a "hint" of a thought. Not that we haven't had our disagreements, we have. Not that our lives have been a Utopia, it hasn't. But we made a commitment to each other. We Love each other and have grown together. Our lives have been an adventure ordained by God and it's God that has kept us together.

I just don't understand how people can make commitments and then just discard them so easily. Divorce and separation are more the norm than the exception in our society. When things don't go well, when rough patches come up, it is easy to just give up and start over. It's easy to just walk away. Waling away and giving up seldom solves the problem. I have noticed that the rougher my life gets, the more I value my great wife. Marriage is hard work. It's give and take. It's a joint venture between two people who love each other and say they are willing to work to follow through with the lifetime commitment. 

Those that have stuck with it, reap rewards that are amazing. I Love my wife and enjoy handling the challenges we face together. I can't imagine going through life without her. Thank you God for blessing me with a wonderful wife. Thank Steph, you're amazing!

Acts 22
 14 “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

What are you waiting for! Get up,get going! Even Christians, sometimes, need a swift kick in the rear end to get them working for the Lord. Yet, we are chosen by God to go into all the worl to preach the gospel message. It is easy to get comfortable and just wait on Gods power to do all the work. Sometimes we don't take action due to laziness. Other times we are paralyzed with fear. When we hear a call from the Lord, we have nothing to fear and we should be very motivated. God is waiting for us to take action and we need to get out of our funk and go forward.

Ministering, witnessing, evangelizing, and serving are not easy. Our sinfulness and the world get in the way of us taking action. We need God to help us take action. We need his spirit to motivate us to march forward in his name. Some will be called to serve in foreign mission, some in churches, others in schools, hospitals, and still others in the factory. We aree called to go, but we are also called to take action for him. What are you waiting for?