The Daily Dose

Accountable

When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. Acts 21:19

I was just thinking about this the other day.  When I became an “adult” I was still very naive and immature.  However, I couldn’t wait to move on in life away from the rules and limitations I had grown up under.  Little did I know that those were in place for my protection and for learning to make good decisions in life.  As soon as I was able to make my own decisions, I did not make good ones at all.  Because I was brought up in a Christian home, it was assumed that I would just do the right things when I got out on my own, but the truth was that I was very selfish and did not want to answer to anyone.  As I thought about this briefly the other day, I considered that because I removed all accountability in my life, I began to live a life of doing whatever I wanted at the time without lining up with the standard of God’s Word.

As you can imagine, and already know if you have been reading the Daily Dose for a while, in removing that standard I made many regrettable decisions in my life.  Oh, I tried and even pretended for a while that I was living right, but my heart was dark and full of selfish ambition.  I had no understanding of what it meant to have people in my life that would come along side and help me to keep on track with the plan God had for me.

In today’s reading, we can see a clear example in the life of the apostle Paul of being accountable to the elders of the church and those he traveled with.  He never isolated himself as he traveled (except to be along with God at times) and as soon as he returned to Jerusalem, he promptly gave the church leaders a report of his missionary journey and the work that God had done through his team.  Sure, it makes sense that Paul would subject himself and his team to those in Jerusalem.  This was one of the ways he was able to stay in agreement and keep his teaching in line with the rest of the church at that time.  The truth is that Paul had lived a life of accountability and understood even before he became a Christian the importance of keeping yourself in submission to others to help and encourage him to be successful in the thing, he set out to do in life.

Now that I have, in more recent years, began to line up my life with the standard of God’s Word and His ways, it is easy to see the importance of accountability. So much so that I want to stay so close to Him to make sure that I do not get off track ever again. One of the most important things I now know about being accountable was learning to recognize when God puts things in my heart. For years I would dismiss the assignments the Holy Spirit was leading me toward because I didn’t understand that He would empower me and bring others into my life to walk out the plan with. Because I couldn’t or didn’t even know how to start, I would simple just say “That’s not for me” each time He gave direction. Thank goodness He got me to a place and teaching the assured me that in following His plan, He would surround me with all that I need to get the mission done and it has been the greatest joy of my life to do things His way and with His people.

Today I want to encourage you to consider who you are accountable to?  Yes, we are all accountable to God and His Word, but do you have a plan in place to do that and also to walk along side those who will help and encourage you to be on track.  What boundaries have you put in place to keep you from getting distracted or lured away from the mission and assignment you have been given from heaven?  Who have you shared the plan of God for your life with to pray for you and be there for you to help you through the discouraging times?  This is one of the most important and first steps you should be taking when stepping into your calling.  Begin today to pray that you will know your assignment and for those who you can walk out this call with even if it is just to have someone to check in with and give updates.  God never intended for you to accomplish your mission on your own.  He knows that in order to go far in your purpose, you must have others along to be accountable to and when you do, it will be the greatest joy of your life too!

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 21:15-25

15 And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. 

16 Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.

17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 

18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 

19 When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 

20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; 

21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 

22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. 

23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 

24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. 

25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

What’s coming up?

Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”  Acts 21:13

Yesterday, when I was driving home from work, I began thinking about what’s coming up next.  As I was driving, I could see up ahead a little way a traffic light coming up.  Then beyond that there was a row of houses.  I could see pretty far down the road, even as far as the next bend.  I remembered a stretch of road that I was on once that I could see a traffic light 3 miles away because the way was to flat and straight.  I didn’t believe at first that I could see that far ahead until I actually measured it one time as I drove.

Life is often the same way.  We can see what is coming up in bits and pieces.  For example, we know Christmas is coming up in three days.  Most of us probably know what we have planned in the days leading up to Christmas and even for the week after until New Year’s Day.  Some may know plans in the new year and can “see” a vacation or significant event that will be happening in the months to come.

In today’s reading, many people were trying to warn Paul about what was coming up for him if he continued on his course to Jerusalem.  Things like he would be arrested and given over to the gentiles.  Paul actually already knew that this was going to be the turning point in his mission, but he also knew that this was the planned path.  Finally, after this group had pleaded with him not to go, he couldn’t take it any longer and told them all he was ready to face whatever happened there.  He wasn’t about to run away from the assignment he had been given.  Paul didn’t know every detail, but he did know what way to travel and being led by the Spirit of God assured him that he was on the right path even when things didn’t seem like they were working to his advantage.

After reading this passage, I considered again what is coming up next for me.  I’m not talking about the three days leading up to Christmas but what I know about in the coming year?  The Holy Spirit has dropped something into my heart of next year and has given me a big assignment that I am already seeing parts of how it will play out as I take the steps the He leads me to.  Much like my driving vision, there may be traffic lights I have to wait at or even make a turn in my current direction.  There will be some scenery along the way and no doubt some sever curves and unforeseen ups and downs.  Does that mean I am not even going to start out in that direction because I know it will not be easy?  Certainly not!  I am thrilled for the opportunity and know that the Holy Spirit’s empowering grace will give me what I need in abundance every next step of the way.

What about you?  Have you considered or even prayed about what is coming up next for your life and assignment from your heavenly Father?  What great plan does He have for you to walk out in the new year?  What awesome adventure has He put into your heart for you to reach the world around you.  Yes, it may be scary to take the next steps in that direction, but I promise you, you will not regret it if you see it through to the end.  You are going to experience ups and downs in life no matter what course you take.  Why not get on the path that He is on and let Him carry you through the twists and turns.  If you do, you will hardly notice the obstacles that get in the way.  You will simply wait as He dissolves and defuses every roadblock that tries to stop you. 

Today I encourage you to pray about what’s coming up next for you and His assignment for your new year! Take time to listen to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart. Thank Him for His leading and always keeping you on track with your life mission. Determine today that you are going stay that course no matter what the difficulties may be. He will take you through to success and victory every time if you get on His planned path. Trust Him that He knows what He is doing and that He only wants to bless you every step of the way!

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 21:1-14

1 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 

2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 

3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 

4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. 

5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 

6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.

7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 

8 On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 

9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 

10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 

11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”

12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 

13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

A great announcement for 2024

I will ask you all to share this message with anyone that you know that has an interest in writing or publishing their work.

In 2024, I am putting together a book of short stories.  It will be a compilation of many different authors with encouraging content (Non-fiction or fiction) to blessed and inspire readers on their journey in life.  There will be a team of editors to review each story for content and structure and a selection committee to decide which stories will be included in the publication.

If you or someone you know is interested in submitting their work, below are the parameters to follow to be considered:

1. The completed story must be 8-20 pages (approximately 5,000 – 12,000 words)
2. The content must be encouraging, inspiring and faith based.
3. February 1st or before all initial concepts must be submitted
4. March 1st or before initial outline submitted once concept is approved
5. June 1^st or before initial story submitted for editing
6. Email any questions or submissions to: VOICESMag@email.com
7. This publication will be ready in time for Christmas next year and will be a great gift option for those we know and love that need encouragement and inspiration.

Thank you all for helping me to spread the news about this mission and most of all for praying for us as we add this project to an already full schedule.

I pray you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy 2024!

Blessed to be a blessing

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  Acts 20:35

I have always loved to give gifts, but I have not always been in a position to give as much as I would like.  It is fitting at this time of year that we talk about giving since that is one of the greatest things we do when we celebrate the birth of our Lord on Christmas day.  We do a lot of fun things in our celebration of His coming such as: sing carols, eat big meals and yummy desserts, send out cards to greet our loved ones in the season and we give gifts.  Many people are confused about the reason for the gifts.  There is a lot of focus on Christmas being a time to receive wonderful presents from those we love so much.  We make lists of the things we want and hope to receive the things that we could not get on our own. It doesn’t seem like it should be something we have to teach our children or others, but the truth is, it is.  Christmas is about giving!  God gave the world His Son Jesus and now we share and give His salvation to others still today.

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul made an interesting comment and quoted something that Jesus said.  However, this quote from Jesus in not in the gospels or any other place in the scriptures indicating that Paul received this message through a divine meeting or revelation.  Jesus said:  It is a greater blessing to give than it is to receive from others. 

In this season, this year, I have been getting new revelation on this subject of giving.  This phrase in Acts has always seemed to me that it was a nice saying and that you should be happier when giving than when you receive from others.  But now I am beginning to understand that there is so much more to it.  It is about the blessing part.  The blessed part of giving in not in the giving itself, but in the giving as unto the Lord.  When you set out in your giving to be a blessing to others, and when your heart is truly about your desire to help and be a blessing to other people whether through a gift or helping them through a struggle, you are actually blessing God with your acts of kindness and love.  This is where the true blessing comes in and what Jesus was talking about.  When you bless others and bless God in the process, it opens up the way for God’s great blessing and abundant grace to be poured out on your life in every way.  Giving to others in any capacity when done in love is a gift to God Himself.

Today I want to encourage you to focus on being a blessing to others this year.  If you have never really enjoyed giving or helping others, ask your heavenly Father to change your heart about it.  Don’t make this time of year be about worrying how much money you are spending.  Instead change your focus to being a blessing to others.  Whether it is by a nice gift, baking a special treat for someone or even running errands for someone who need help.  Determine that you are going to be a great blessing to those around you and when doing that, you will be a blessing to the Lord.  Make this Christmas the best one yet because of your heart to love others through giving and then when it is over, go ahead and do it all year round.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:25-38

25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 

26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 

27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 

28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 

29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 

30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 

31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 

33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 

34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 

35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 

37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 

38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Do it with joy

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.  Acts 20:224

What is your life worth to you?  In today’s culture there is a lot of focus on self-worth and self-care.  Much of our society has an entitlement mentality that believes they deserve every advantage and every comfort that life has to offer.  Overall, we have become a generation of getting what is rightfully mine and looking out for number 1.  The servant mindset is rare to find, and the world is largely determined not to let anyone take advantage of them.

The apostle Paul had a much different idea about his value.  He did not try to preserve or keep his life free from trouble and stay in his “comfort zone.”  Most of his traveling was anything but comfortable. He heart was set on completing his mission and the assignment on his life.  In today’s verse he said that he was not moved by impending dangers and knowing that chains and tribulations waited for him.  Nor did he run and hide to be secure and protect his life.  That wasn’t what was valuable to him but rather finishing his race with joy and telling others about the message of salvation that he was charged with.

Oh, that we would step into this wisdom in the day that we live in. That we would not count our life dear to us but that we would value more than anything else the call on our life and completing the mission we were born to accomplish.  Even though Paul was heading a different direction before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he had grown up with mission in mind.  He was set on a course to be God’s minister and trained from a young age by the Pharisees of his day.  Most of us will not start from that point, but we can begin where we are today. 

Your mission starts with faithfulness.  Faithfulness in every area of your life.  Being honest with yourself and others and staying focused on what is most important in life and that is caring for and bringing others to Him.  Start by being faithful to meet with God at the beginning of each day.  Make time for Him and give Him priority.  That is the first step of faithfulness to His kingdom.  You must change your way of thinking from self-centered to God centered and that will require a constant renewing of your mind. 

Next begin to give Him first place in every area of life.  Your faith, family, finances, fitness and fun.  As you begin to rearrange your life to be God-centered, you will still have trails that come, but none of those things will move you off the course you have been set on.  As you make Him and His plan your purpose in life, that will be all that matters to you to fit into your busy schedule.  Instead of being busy with work and activities, you will become active in ministry and helping others and most of all, don’t forget the joy.  Joy doesn’t come automatically, you must have a thankful heart and purpose that no matter what, you are rejoicing in being called and living your life with purpose from on high.

Today I want to encourage you to count your life worthless.  If you have not purposefully positioned yourself on the assignment from heaven, begin to change that today.  Start by taking steps away from being faithful to yourself and turn to head in the direction of being faithful in the kingdom of heaven.  Make God’s agenda your agenda and highest priority.  Spend time in His presence each day by studying His word and promises and talking with Him about your purpose for the day.  Watch for open doors to reach out and encourage others.  Be the hope and light in the dark world around you.  Help others to Jesus by shining His light wherever you go.  Soon you will see that the only thing that matters in life, the only thing that will count for ever, is pointing others to their hope of salvation in the blood and sacrifice of Jesus.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:17-24

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 

18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 

19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 

20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 

21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 

22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 

23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 

24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Time alone

We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot.  Acts 20:13

 This scripture reminds me of the times that Jesus told His disciples to go on ahead to the next town or go ahead in the boat and I will meet you there.  Except in this passage it is Paul that is telling his team to go on ahead in the ship and he would meet them at the next port.  It doesn’t say why, but I know it was because he needed some quiet time to pray and talk to God about what had just happened and what was coming up next. I know this because it is what Jesus did and I find that I often need this quiet time too. 

When something amazing or puzzling or even disturbing happens, I need time to process and talk to the Lord about how to handle what has just happened and get His peace about the situation.  Paul had just had this amazing meeting in Troas with great preaching and great works.  After the emotional roller coaster of seeing someone fall to their death and then raising them back to life, he needed this time to get with God and keep in step with His plan. Paul was always preparing his heart for what was coming up.

So now I will stress again just how valuable and necessary quiet time with God is.  Not just in the morning to talk about the day and not just when you are going through trouble.  If you begin to talk with Him about all the things you are processing in life, He will lead you to His peace that will propel you through your struggles to your victory.  This time alone with God is the most important time to keep you on course in your purpose.  It is also time invested into eternity.  Every minute you spend talking with God (praying) it is counted toward eternity.  It will not fade away like everything in this world does, but it will last forever.  Malachi 3:16 even says that there is a book of remembrance written before God of the things we talk about Him and with Him.  It is written down for all eternity.

Today I want to encourage you to once again to get alone with God each day.  If Jesus and Paul needed alone time to receive grace and strength, how much more do we today?  The world we live in is crazier than ever and we are bogged down with a constant barrage of media, activities and world crisis.  Doesn’t it make sense that we shut down each day to hear from the One who has the wisdom and power to give us what we need to overcome? Put it on your schedule each day to sit in the presence of the One who created and saved you. He has everything you need to be successful in this world. He will give you all that you need to walk out your mission to completion.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:13- 16

13 Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. 

14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. 

15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. 

16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

He can fix it

And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.  Acts 20:9

I did it again.  I said something I shouldn’t have said, or I did something I probably should have done.  Even sometimes I go where I shouldn’t have gone.  On the other hand, I didn’t say something I should have said or I didn’t do something I should have done. There have been times that I didn’t go where I was supposed to go.  Inevitably after the fact, there is going to be regret.  I am not perfect, so there are times in life when I am disappointed about the way I handled a situation.  It’s true and it happens to all of us.  No matter how hard you try to do the right thing or do what is expected of you, there is still a chance of error.  We live in a fallen world and there will still be days that that you wish you could have a do over.

There is a secret when this happens.  There is a way of turning it around when you mess up or do things less than perfect.  That is turn it over to Jesus.  When you miss the target in life, don’t wrestle with feelings of inadequacy and regret.  Instead, turn it over to the Lord and ask Him to make something good come out of it.  Pray something like: “Heavenly Father, I know I shouldn’t have said that or did that thing, I’m sorry and I cannot take it back now, but can you please turn that situation for good.  Would you bring peace to those circumstances and not let evil prevail.  If there was someone I hurt or disappointed, please fill their heart and life with love and make what the enemy meant for evil turn out for Your goodness instead?”

In today’s reading, Paul met with a group of believers in an upper room the day before he was about to leave their city.  Because he was about to leave them, he spent all day with them and even preached for hours until it was very late at night.  I expect it was hot in that room because the window was open, and someone actually fell out of that window during Paul’s message.  When reading this passage, it can be easy to read through the verses as if this was no big deal, but the guy actually died so you know there was not just a little stir.  This was an urgent situation and one that would have caused great alarm.  So much that everyone there ran out of the room down to the ground to see if the young man was ok.  They verified that he was dead, but Paul took the matter in hand and said, don’t be afraid, and turned that bad situation for God’s glory through a miracle of the Holy Spirit.  They all went back up to the third-floor room and ate a meal together before Paul left the area.  They even brought the person who had fallen back in alive and they were comforted.  What could have ended in a tragic day was turned into a peaceful farewell party for Paul and his team because they kept the meeting in God’s hands.

Today I want to encourage you when things are not going well, when you say or do what you didn’t want to say or do, turn it over to God.  Repent and ask Him to make it right.  Remember to commit these situations to Him and He will turn them for good.  It may take a while or it may happen right away, but your peace will come as you commit all things into His hand to be handled for His honor and glory.  You do not have to live a life of regrets and disappointments; you can commit all your ways to Him and He will turn them into something good and purpose.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:7-12

7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. 

8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. 

9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 

10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” 

11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. 

12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.

Living above your circumstances

“Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and through us makes known the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”  2 Corinthians 2:14

You already have the victory in whatever battle you are in right now.  The way to get that victory show up in reality is in giving thanks to God.  What I am talking about is setting time aside each day to be thankful to Him for your life and the place you are right now.  Even if you are not where you ultimately want to be, you can still be thankful that your Heavenly Father is with you, right where you are, today.  Your thankful heart has the power to give you a life above your current circumstances.

Daniel is a great example of living above his circumstances.  As I wrote earlier, he was taken away from his home and forced to work for the king of a foreign land.  He maintained his godly attitude and didn’t allow his captivity to lead him to rebellion.  In fact, he served many kings in that land and found favor with all of them because of his heart for God. He never tried to escape and return to his own home. He remained faithful where he was and God blessed him there.  The main reason for all this was his relationship with God.  Daniel 6:10 says, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”  Daniel had a consistent time he spent with God every day.  Actually, it was three times each day that he set aside to focus on God and talk with him.  But the most amazing part about it was that he was thankful.  How far a thankful heart goes.  Daniel didn’t get on his knees and beg God to change his circumstances.  He was thankful right in the middle of his circumstances.  As a result, he had victory in every area of his life no matter what came against him.

This really speaks to me and encourages me.  If I knew for sure that getting before God each day and being thankful would assure my victory in every area of life, why wouldn’t I do it?  But the best news is that according to today’s verse in 2 Corinthians, in Christ Jesus, we always have the victory.  This verse tells me that I am assured the victory in every situation, over every circumstance as long as I put it in the hands of my Savior.   I need to give it all to Him and be thankful; thankful that He is handling it and thankful that He is making it better no matter what the dilemma is.  I don’t need to tell Him how to fix the problems or how bad things are, he already knows what I am dealing with.  I don’t even have to tell Him about it three times a day, but the verse says: Now thanks be to God, not maybe later, right now and always I need to keep my relationship with Him a priority and be thankful!

Today I want to encourage you to give thanks to God, who always gives you the victory in Christ Jesus.  Believe His Word and set time aside to spend thanking Him for the victory that is coming your way. Then watch as He completely turns things around and brings you out on top.  Don’t get bogged down by your circumstances, live above them by giving them to God and giving Him thanks for the victory He replaces your problems with!! 

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,

13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.

14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

Vent and drain

So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved.  2 Corinthians 2:1-2

Have you ever had a friend that always comes to you when they need cheering up?  Someone who’s life seems to be drowned in drama.   Even though you wanted to help them and encourage them, by the time it was your turn to talk, you were depleted and depressed because of everything they unloaded.  It wasn’t your friend’s intent to smother your encouraging words, but after they vented all their thoughts, you had nothing left to give.  Their complaining and condition completely drained any words of wisdom you had for them.

It’s ironic that we use these words: vent and drain, but this is exactly what happens.  A ventilation system is made to improve a drainage system.  Ventilation supplies air into the fixtures to stir up and move substances through and out of the drain.  It is the same way when you vent your thoughts and feelings, you are actually stirring up and moving others either to confusion or exhaustion.  Encouragement and inspiration is diminished.

Evidently, this happened to the apostle Paul when he was at Corinth at an earlier time.  He started the second chapter in 2 Corinthians by saying “I decided not to come for a visit because my words bring you all grief to the extent that I am not able to be encouraged because you are so sad.”  It sounds like Paul poured out his heart in a letter to them or when he visited them last, but instead of his love causing them to rejoice, they were discouraged.  It wasn’t because of Paul’s words; it was someone stirring up trouble and turning the intent of his words against him.  He says they needed to confront and forgive this person to avoid falling into one of Satan’s traps.

This is how important words are.  They can encourage, discourage or even stir up bitter and angry feelings.  Words can heal broken relationships, or they can destroy close connections.  The most important thing to realize is that you always have a choice on the words you speak.  There is power in words and the very fact that you can choose which ones to use verifies just how powerful they are.

The solution?  Consider, carefully select and convey in love. Paul said he wanted to let the people of Corinth know how much love he had for them.  When you take time to consider the thoughts and feelings you are having, then identify who you are most concerned about in the situation, you can wisely select the word to express how you are dealing with a situation.  Consider how you can help improve your surroundings by the words you speak about them.  Then carefully select the words that will build others up and bring love and energy to the circumstances.  Lastly, always make sure your conversation will insert love into the people involved and don’t ever try to stir others to one side or the other.  Look for peace always.

Today I want to encourage you to take ahold of your own thoughts and feelings before you vent them onto others.  Recognize the first onslaught of hurt thoughts and feelings and pull them down quickly.  Don’t let the enemy stir you up until you just have to overflow onto those around you. Pray and submit all your feelings to your loving Heavenly Father and ask Him to help you to deal with what is going on.  If there is a situation that needs to be addressed, carefully choose words that will bring peace and life into the issue.  Don’t make it all about feelings and offenses.  Instead, look for a way to make things better.  Decide that you will communicate love every time you speak and that will defuse the enemy every time.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

1 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.

2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?

Forgive the Offender

3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all.

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.

5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe.

6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man,

7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.

9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.

10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,

11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Don’t do it alone

These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas.  Acts 20:5

 If you have ever been in ministry, you know that you can’t do it alone.  If you serve at your church, you are ministering to those who attend.  Chances are, you are on a team of servers.  Whether it’s greeters or ushers?   Maybe it’s prayer partners or part of the worship team.  If you serve in any capacity, you probably take a turn with the others on the team so that you are not committed to that position for every service.  If you are in a church that you are covering an area every week alone, there is no doubt room for more help.

The apostle Paul had a team and he named several of them in today’s reading.  In the past, when hearing messages about Paul or reading the letters that he wrote to the churches he planted, I always had the perception that he went from city to city all by himself to ministered to people wherever he was.  But you don’t have to read very far in the book of Acts to hear some of the names of those who worked with Paul on his mission and purpose. In this passage he named five men that went ahead of them to prepare for his arrival.  When Paul talked about them, he said they went and waited for “us”.  Meaning there was still part of the team that stayed with him as others went on ahead to the next town or city to get things ready for when the rest of the team got there.

God never intended for us to do life alone and He especially doesn’t want us to do ministry alone.  Teams are made to support and help each other and most of all, each person on the team brings their own gift and ability to the group that the others do not have.  This is the way for a team to be the most effective.  By utilizing each person’s talents your team will be efficient and make an impact on all those they minister to.

Today I want to encourage you to join up with a team of believers to serve and do ministry with.  If you are already on a team, use your gifts and ability to help the team be successful in all they are called to accomplish.  Pray for your teams and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom on how to be the most effective as a group.  If you are trying to reach out to others on your own, start praying for people to come along with you in your calling to help, keep you accountable and motivated.  You cannot go far all alone because it doesn’t take long to tire from the load.  Bring others along today and soon your ministry will multiply to reach the world.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:1-6

1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. 

2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece 

3 and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 

4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 

5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. 

6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Rearrange your whole life

 I heard a story recently about a person that was having an argument about tithing and giving to God.  The person had the usual objections like: “It’s an old testament practice” and “God doesn’t need my money” even “If I gave God ten percent, I would not have enough left to pay my bills.”  Finally, this person said a statement that really exposed the heart of the issue.  They said “If I gave God ten percent of my income, I would have to totally rearrange my life around Him.”  Bingo!  That is exactly right.  Many Christians are facing so many struggles today all the while telling God what they are doing right and asking why aren’t things going better.  They say things like “I go to church, I read my bible and I pray.”  But the real issue is a matter of the heart.  Who are you living your life for and what is the center and main focus of all your days.  Is it God and His plan or you and doing things your way.

In today’s reading, there was a man who had rearranged his life around his occupations of making shrines for people to worship.  He had totally rearranged his whole existence around his god.  Not Dianna, but money.  When his income was threatened by the message of salvation, he gathered together others whose livelihood was gained from the region’s idol worship.  Things got really out of hand and there was rioting and rebellion all because one person’s cash flow was down.

I am not writing to you today to talk about tithing or giving.  I’m not ever here to talk about the fear of losing what you have.  What I am saying is that when you rearrange your life to put your heavenly Father and His plan right in the middle.  When you make His purpose your purpose for every breath you take.  When you get rid of every ulterior motive of pride and personal gain, only then will you find joy, contentment and true satisfaction in this life.

Today I want to encourage you to put God first in your life.  Not because you secretly think that it will make everything perfect, because it won’t and not because you hope that He will open up the best positions for you.  Chances are that won’t happen either.  When you put God in first place, that will put you in the place of a servant.  Making your heavenly Father your top priority makes you the servant of all people.  You love and give honor to all others and consider your own needs last.  You will trust God to meet every need as you help the people around you.  Start today by giving God the very first place in your day.  Get up earlier than you have to so you can start out your day spending time with God and His word.  Let Him know that He is the number One priority by giving Him the first of everything in your life. Offer up your life as a living sacrifice to accomplish His plans for the day not yours. Totally rearrange your life to be on His agenda.  Only then will you see the missing pieces fall into place and only then will you start passing the tests that you have been retaking for most of your adult life.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 19:21-41

21 When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 

22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.

23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. 

24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. 

25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 

26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. 

27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”

28 Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” 

29 So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. 

30 And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. 

31 Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 

32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 

33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. 

34 But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 

36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. 

37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. 

38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 

39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 

40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” 

41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.