From: July 5, 2024
‘The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”’ (Acts 23:11 ESV).
Paul had testified one last time before the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, but their hearts continued to be hardened. After being arrested by the Roman authorities, he heard Christ’s call to be encouraged and to set his sights on Rome. The criminal charges and chains were really the means for his mission to testify of Jesus before governors, kings and even Caesar himself.
Paul had planted churches throughout Asia Minor and Greece, but his final mission was to represent Christ before Caesar. If one viewed history only through a 1st-century lens, it would seem that Paul’s mission was a failure. For according to the writings of early church fathers, Paul appeared before Caesar, but it ended with his execution. However, by the 3rd century, the Roman empire, including its emperor, had embraced Christianity.
Our testimony of Jesus is often strongest when we are at our weakest. As the apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).
PRAYER: Dear Father, strengthen and encourage us to testify of Jesus at all times, but especially when we are weak. Help us to be content in all situations, knowing that You are in control. Direct our words and our steps. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: July 5, 2023
“I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.” (Psalm 3:5 NLT).
David wrote this psalm after he had to flee from his son, Absalom, who sought to overthrow him and take his crown. Surely he was overcome by grief from this betrayal. Sleep had no doubt eluded him during this time. Yet, he finally lay down and slept. And when he awoke, he was thankful that the Lord had watched over him.
Have worries and fears ever kept you from sleep? When sleep finally comes, it is a gift. For who watches over us when we sleep? Who keeps our hearts beating and our lungs breathing? And who keeps the earth spinning and causes the sun to rise the next day? Certainly not those who sleep. And even those awake have no sustaining power. For it is the Lord who watches over us whether we are awake or asleep.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You. For You are our Creator, Savior and Sustainer. You alone are worthy of our praise. Thank You for restful sleep and for the joy of a new day with You. Strengthen us for Your service today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: July 5, 2022
DESCENDANTS OF ADAM
Ezra, the writer of 1 and 2 Chronicles, began with a lengthy genealogy that began with the first man, Adam. The genealogy continues through chapter nine. Its purpose seems to be to retain a record of all the family lines of Israel, especially that of King David. This need being made more profound by the fall of Israel and Judah and their 70 year captivity in Babylon.
Ezra’s Chronicles began without commentary, just the listing of names. Yet, we are reminded that all people, regardless of color or culture, belong to the human race. And that all of us are descended from Adam, and more specifically from Noah.
The careful record-keeping of the ancient Jews made possible the genealogies of Matthew and Luke that show Jesus to be in the physical line of David as prophesied. It also shows that we are all children of Adam. And as such, we have all been born with Adam’s sin nature.
Yet, Jesus Christ, the second Adam (1 Cor. 15:45-49), makes it possible for us to be born again into God’s family, having our sins forgiven and washed away. As believers in Jesus, we have a new genealogy!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we give You thanks for adopting us into Your family through faith in Jesus. We are children of Adam by birth, but children of God by Your Spirit. Fill us afresh this day that we might live for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: July 5, 2016
Paul testified one last time before the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, but their hearts continued to be hardened. After being arrested by the Roman authorities, he heard Christ’s call to be encouraged and to set his sights on Rome. It seems that Paul’s final assignment was to testify of Jesus to those in authority in Rome. Paul had planted churches throughout Asia Minor and Greece, but his final mission was to represent Christ before the world’s greatest political leader, namely Caesar. If one viewed history only through a 1st-century lens, it would seem that Paul’s mission was a failure. Sure, he appeared before Caesar, but it ended with Paul’s execution. However, by the 3rd century, the Roman empire, including its emperor, had embraced Christianity.
From: July 5, 2015
Paul testified one last time before the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, but their hearts continued to be hardened. After being arrested by the Roman authorities, he heard Christ’s call to be encouraged and to set his sights on Rome. It seems that Paul’s final assignment was to testify of Jesus to those in authority in Rome. Paul had planted churches throughout Asia Minor and Greece, but his final mission was to represent Christ before the world’s greatest political leader, namely Caesar. If one viewed history only through a 1st-century lens, it would seem that Paul’s mission was a failure. Sure, he appeared before Caesar, but it ended with Paul’s execution. However, by the 3rd century, the Roman empire, including its emperor, had embraced Christianity.
From: July 5, 2014
You’ve heard it said, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Yet, the Bible teaches otherwise. Wisdom loves learning. No matter your age, retaining a child-like curiosity for learning is the secret to never growing old. Leaders are readers. And leaders are learners. The apathetic scoff at learning, while seeking the next passive entertainment. The know-it-all lacks the humility to learn, claiming to know better. Only the wise, the humble and curious are “always ready to learn.” The truly wise are those who have submitted their minds to Christ and experienced His transforming power over their thinking. As a result, according to Romans 12:2, they are able to “learn” God’s good, pleasing and perfect will for them.