The Daily Dose

Yes and Amen

_{“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”  2 Corinthians 1:20}

Today I want to talk about the seal of God’s promises!  Amen!  The word “Amen” literally means “so be it” or “it is true!”  Most of us usually end our prayer to God by saying “Amen.”  We voice our confidence in the promise of God that we have just prayed when we seal that prayer with our “Amen”!

This verse in 2 Corinthians reinforces the idea that when we put our faith in God’s promises (His Word) we know that God’s answer is “Yes!”  We do not have to wait until we see things actually happen, we know at the moment we say “Amen,” it is accomplished in the heart of God; therefore, it is done in the spirit realm.  The passage says this is the truth about all God’s promises.  Anything we ask of Him, that He has said in His Word, we know according to this scripture that His answer is “Yes and Amen!”  He is in full agreement with us to pass those promises on to us.

This scripture also says that taking hold of God’s promise and applying it to your life brings glory to God.  That glory comes through us to Him.  Taking ahold of God’s promise is a way we can bring glory and honor to God.  In other words, this is something that blesses God.  We believe Him and what He said thousands of years ago, He meant it for all eternity including today.  

For example, God tells us in His Word not to forget about His benefits in Psalms 103.  Therefore, we know that these are His will and His promises to us.  We can pray:  Thank you Father that you promised to forgive all my iniquities, yes!  I receive the promise that You heal all my diseases, Amen!  Thank you for redeeming my life from destruction, yes! And crowning me with Your lovingkindness and tender mercies, Amen!  God made those promises, so when I receive them by faith from Him, He says “Yes! You can have them and Amen; they now belong to you!”

One last thought I want to share with you today is something I experienced recently.  In a worship service, I was singing a song that repeated the word “Amen” several times.  Each time I sang the word, the Holy Spirit brought to my memory different things I had prayed about and sealed it with “Amen!”  Suddenly, it made sense to me that “Amen” was the seal on my prayer to hold and keep the answer to my request until it is released into this world and it can be seen by my natural eyes.

Today I want to encourage you again to apply God’s promises continually to your daily walk.  Practice on every little thing that comes your way.  Meditate His Words day and night.  Instead of worrying or taking on the care and concern of each issue, put the Word of God on the situation.  Then when bigger problems come, it will be easy for you to trust God’s promises because you practiced and developed a habit in your everyday life.  Then seal each of your prayers with “Amen” because everything that God promised, He says yes to today! And every Word that He spoke yesterday has the seal of Amen on it that cannot be broken!

Today’s scripture reading:  2 Corinthians 1:15-24

15 And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit

16 to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea.

17 Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?

18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.

19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.

20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,

22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

23 Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.

24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

The gift of prayer

You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.  2 Corinthians 1:11

The gift of prayer!  Have you ever thought of it that way?  That you are actually giving someone a gift when you pray for them?  If you think about it, it makes perfect sense.  You are taking someone’s personal concerns and requests right into the presence of the eternal God of the universe and your Heavenly Father.  What a gift that truly is.

Consider if you went to a king or president here in this world for someone. Wouldn’t that be considered a gift of using your influence with that authority to help someone?  Think of it this way, you have a friend or family member who has a need whether physical or for direction in a decision they are facing.  They talk it over with you for wisdom.  You in turn take it before the King of kings.  You enter into His gate with thanksgiving and into His courts with your praise as you tell Him about your friend’s concern.  You are thankful to Him for receiving you and you praise Him for listening and offering the solution or even bringing the answer.

God in heaven is greater than any king on earth.  There is no one of majesty or royalty that will attend to the situation here in the world.  However, when you take the circumstances to your loving Father, He hears, and He shows up.  I can think of no greater gift than to lift others up in prayer.

What about when praying for someone in person?  This is like bringing your friend or family member right into the presence of God with you.  What a great honor!  Do we even realize?

Paul talked about the gift of prayer in today’s verse.  He told the Corinthians that they helped him and his team by their prayer and he thanked them for this gift of prayer that was offered by all of them.

The bottom line is, prayer is not only an honor and privilege given to us by our Father in Heaven, but it is also a gift we have permission to share with others.  It doesn’t even have to be another believer we bring to God, in fact He wants us to bring all people we know to Him, and even those we don’t know as well.  We can bring them to Him in prayer and help them through whatever they are facing today.

Today I want to encourage you to give the gift of prayer.  Don’t just pray about your own needs, take the needs and issues of those you love with you in prayer.  You can even pray with those who need prayer and don’t know where to turn.  Give the gift of prayer to your Pastor and missionaries.  The gift of protection and provision can be given through your interceding for all who carry the gospel to the lost.  Lastly, keep giving.  Don’t make it a onetime thing, give every day in your prayer for others and be watching how you take others with you as you pray their solutions from the spiritual realm into this natural world.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 1:8-14

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.

9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,

11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end

14 (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Where ever you go

After spending some time there, Paul continued on through the region of Galatia and Phyrgia in central Turkey. And wherever he went he encouraged and strengthened the believers. Acts 18:23

How do people feel when they see you walking toward them?  When family, friends or co-workers are around, do they rejoice to visit with you or are they trying to avoid you?    Many people justify their lack of popularity by blaming something they were born with or into.  Others would say it was because of things they have suffered in their past.  Maybe they come from a poverty background or maybe even come from a different country.  The truth is most people enjoy or not enjoy being around you by how they feel when the conversation is finished.  If they leave your presence feeling uplifted and encouraged, then chances are they will not avoid you in the future.  If they can’t wait to get away from you because all your words are criticizing, condemning and complaining, then they probably will walk the other way the next time they see you coming.

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul traveled to Jerusalem and on the way he made many stops.  The passage says that wherever he went, he encouraged and strengthened the believers.  God’s people were always glad to see Paul come for a visit because they knew the time he spent with them would strengthen their faith and relationship with the Lord. On the other hand, there were people in almost every city that he went to who despised him and wanted to shut down the message he was spreading throughout the whole earth.  It was not because of where he came from or something from his past.  It was simply because of the words he said every time he was around.

If you find yourself today feeling neglected or left out, consider the words you are speaking when you are around others.  Ask the Holy Spirit to give you help in your relationships and for you to be a blessing to all those you come into contact with.  Pay attention to what they are saying and the needs that others may have that you can help with.  Become the type of person that makes people feel encouraged and inspired when you come around and you will have no issues with people avoiding you.

Today I want to encourage you to follow the example of the apostle Paul by encouraging and strengthening people wherever you go.  Be the kind of person that others love to be around because when the leave the conversation they feel energized and inspired to help others.  Don’t spend your time talking about the latest world crisis or political race, instead help people turn their attention to being helpful and productive in the world.  Make the change today to be an inspiration to those around you and soon you will be able to help others do the same wherever you go. 

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 18:18-23

18 After remaining in Corinth several more days, Paul finally bid shalom  to the believers and sailed away for the coast of Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.  Before they left, Paul had his head shaved at Cenchrea,  because he had taken a vow of dedication.

19 When they reached Ephesus,  Paul left Priscilla and Aquila behind, then he went into the synagogue and spoke to the Jews. 

20 They asked him to stay longer, but he refused 

21 and said farewell to them, adding, “I will come back to you, if it is God’s will, after I go to Jerusalem to observe the feast.”  Then he set sail from Ephesus for Caesarea.

22 When he arrived there he traveled on to Jerusalem to visit the church and pray for them,  then he left for Antioch. 

23 After spending some time there, Paul continued on through the region of Galatia and Phyrgia in central Turkey. And wherever he went he encouraged and strengthened the believers. 

Witness while you work

Because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Acts 18:3

I used to think that being in full time ministry meant that you worked at a church or on the mission field somewhere.  My perception was always that mostly only Pastors and missionaries were full time minister.  Now I understand that all God’s people are in full time ministry.  Our mission field is wherever we are each day.  It doesn’t matter if you work in a church or are a student in school.  You are still in ministry if you have a job as a banker or a laborer of some kind, you are there to be God’s light and witness to those around you.

In today’s reading, Paul met a couple who were tent makers, just as he had been.  This is the first time that has come up in the scripture.  I haven’t seen anything so far in the book of Acts that Paul worked a job, only that he preached the gospel everywhere he went.  So here in Corinth, he stepped into a tentmaker position with Aquilla and Priscilla.  He became an employee and submitted to an employer.  On the Sabbath, he went into the synagogue and talked about salvation, but during the week he made tents and talked about salvation.  Everywhere and all the time, Paul was telling others about the good news of salvation in Jesus.  He witnessed to others while he worked, everyday wherever he was. Paul became the light in every dark city that he went to.

This is our job still today.  We are in full time ministry, and it is our job to witness while we work and witness while we play.  Wherever we are, we are the light of the world and the people we come into contact with should all have the opportunity to hear the good news of the love of God and the provision He made for all people everywhere.  If our message is not received, we can, like Paul did, shake it off.  We can walk away knowing we did our part to be God’s witness and pray that the words we spoke in love will grow up in the hearts of all who heard.

In verse 9-10 in today’s reading, Jesus spoke to Paul in a dream.  (We know it was Jesus because it is in red letters.)  I believe the words He spoke to Paul in the dream were recorded so that we can hold to them still today.  He said: “Don’t ever be afraid. Speak the words that I give you and don’t be intimidated, because I am with you.  No one will be able to hurt you, for there are many whom I call my own.”

Even though it may be uncomfortable at first to be a daily minster of God’s love and goodness, we can remember these words that were given to Paul so many years ago and be encouraged by never being afraid to speak what the Holy Spirit puts into our hearts to say.  Don’t be intimidated by those around you because He is always with you.  Nobody is going to hurt you because when you stand up for your faith, you will find that there are many others that believe also.

Today I want to encourage you to witness while you work.  Wherever you are today, listing internally to any nudges you hear from the Spirit of God inside you.  Speak the words in kindness and love.  Let those around you know that there is hope in the dark world around us and that God wants to be close to them all the time.  Let others know that we don’t have to be afraid because when we call on God, He will answer, and He will save.  Be the light everywhere you go today.  Remember you are in full time ministry no matter what you are doing.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 18:1-17

1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 

2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 

3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 

6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 

7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 

8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 

10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 

11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, 

13 saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”

14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. 

15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.” 

16 And he drove them from the judgment seat. 

17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.

In Him

_{From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though He is not far from any one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ Acts 17:26-28}

Have you ever wondered what your purpose here in this world is?  Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong here?  Maybe you have felt in the past that you were born at the wrong time or even considered that things would be better if you were not here at all?   Well, today I am going to give you an answer to all of these questions and concerns.  In the scripture reading today, Paul answered these questions for the philosophers of his day and his insights are true, even in the days we live in.

I love this passage because even though the people of Athens worshipped many gods, Paul didn’t write them off as too far gone.  He came and proclaimed Jesus to them and they were ready to hear.  Because they believed there were many gods, they were open to the possibility that there might be some they didn’t know about.  They even had a statue made for an unknown god.  I find it very interesting that Paul took time to look at their idols of worship.  He didn’t take on a religious mindset that it would be wrong to walk among their idols because it might be perceived that he was interested in worshiping them.  As he read their descriptions, he found the structure that was titled “unknown god”.  Now he had a point of reference to talk to the people about when he had the opportunity, and he did.  Ultimately, the people invited him to come into their place of worship and tell them about the good news.  There were some that believed, and the rest had something new to consider and I’m sure many more came along later.

So, there were five things Paul told them about their existence and these five points are relevant and accurate for us today.  Let me unpack them for you:

1. God marked out an appointed time for you!  You are here on purpose for such a time as this.  God has a purpose and plan for you to fulfill and He has given you the empowerment and gifts to complete that mission.  It is up to you to line up your life intentionally with that plan and stay on course.
2. Seek Him, reach out for Him and you will find Him.  The starting point for finding your purpose is to receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.  Then make time for Him in your life each day.  This looks like quiet, alone time, praying and looking into His holy Word.  Searching out the promises He has given you in His Word.  Cultivate and grow your relationship with Him and let Him know each day that you desire to know His plan for your life and then follow the steps He gives you day by day.  Start by being kind to others, speaking words of encouragement and life.  Putting away complaining and murmuring and be the light right where ever you are.
3. Begin to recognize that God is not far from you.  He has deposited His very Spirit inside of you when you received His love and salvation.  You can talk to Him all day long and you can be in constant communication with Him all the time.  You can check in for wisdom and answers in every situation and He is close for consultation in whatever you face every minute of every day.
4. In Him you live and move and have your existence.  You can believe and understand that you are here on purpose.  God has personally designed you for this time on the earth.  You have gifts and abilities that are relevant to reaching people in the world today.  Seek out the plan and start by recognizing what brings you joy in your heart.  You can begin to identify your gifts by noticing what you love to do and what brings you the most satisfaction in life.  Your life and every movement is given to you by your loving Father in heaven.  He will help you find the path He has orchestrated for you and the people you are on mission to reach.
5. Lastly, you are His offspring.  This means you are a direct descendant of God.  He created you in His image and now He wants to empower you with His power.  Press into your relationship with your creator and Father and He will give you directions for success every step of the way.

Today I want to encourage you to consider these five things and how your life is agreeing with them.  Identify where you may need to adjust your course.  Mostly, take time to by with your Father.  He is gentle and He is kind.  He always has your best interest in mind and most of all, He wants to lead you on the path of rightness to where He has strategically place blessings for you to walk in and people for you to love.  He is not trying to keep good things from you, He is working on getting you on the road to where He has already placed your blessings and successes.  Trust Him today and talk to Him about whose life you can impact today.  In Him we live, move and have our being.

If you have never received His great gift of salvation, do that today by praying the prayer below sincerely and from your heart:

_{God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in the blood of Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen}

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 17:16-34

16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 

17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 

18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. 

19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 

20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 

21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 

23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 

25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 

26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 

27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 

28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 

30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 

31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

32 When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” 

33 At that, Paul left the Council. 

34 Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.

My heart’s desire

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11

I started writing the Daily Dose everyday back in 2019.  It is hard to believe that I have been doing it for four years now.  Initially I started writing the Dose for me.  I was looking for a devotional but couldn’t find one with the format and content that encouraged me in my walk with God and also with a potion of scripture to study out and meditate on.  I emailed a small group of people each day what I was writing, but that was because I needed accountability to stay on my mission. 

At the end of the first year, I had compiled 365 daily devotionals to put together into a book, but by that time I had developed quite an addiction to writing every day and did not want to lose that desire.  That is when the Daily Dose blog came into existence.  The richness of writing has changed my life and has grown my spirit up to a place that I never imagined could be possible.  This is the reason I talk about journaling continuously to everyone that wants to grow in their spiritual life.

If I had to sum up the desire of my heart today it would be this verse in Acts 17:11. The reason I still write the Daily Dose each morning is now for you to receive God’s word with all readiness and search the scriptures daily to find the truth for every situation you are going through.  I pray that you would take the time to hear the message of each passage for yourself and not just take my word for it.  Let’s unpack this verse a little further.

To receive the message from God’s word with great eagerness?  This would involve not only having time set aside to spend with God and His word each day, but also getting connected into a body of believers through a local church.  Encouraging each other with the word and promises of God that you have spent the entire week digging into.  Desiring to get into that secret place and time with your heavenly Father each day to receive the revelation and empowerment to complete your mission for the day.

Next, examine the scriptures every day.  Take your time when reading the Daily Dose or whatever devotional you read each morning.  Spend time in the cross-reference by searching out what a passage is saying in its context.  Most of all, ask the Holy Spirit for help to understand what you are reading and to teach you the relevance it has in your life today.  Then you will grow into having a more noble character like these New Testament Christians in Berea did.

Today I want to encourage you to receive God’s message to you eagerly and on a daily basis by searching out the scriptures to know the truth and how it will strengthen you for today.  Not because I said to.  This is not for my benefit but for yours.  The only satisfaction that I will get from you digging in will be if you share with me how it has enriched your life.  However, you have everything to gain.  This is totally for your benefit to receive God’s goodness and grace and keep it your focus instead of the distractions of life.  Immersing yourself in the Word of God and His great love for you will be the only way to survive these perilous times that we live in, and you will have the answer flowing in you to be able to rescue others that are drowning in the sea of life.  My heart’s desire for you is that your life would be changed like mine has been by wrapping it up in the promises of my Father and His Word.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 17:10-15

10 As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 

11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 

12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. 

14 The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. 

15 Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

Before it is too late

But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.  Acts 17:6

In today’s world, it feels like the culture we live in is upside down.  In many cases, right is wrong, good is bad and many call evil things good.  We are living in the fierce times that the apostle Paul talked about to the churches in many of his letters.  When looking at all the trauma on the earth today, it can be easy to lose hope and think that there is nothing more that we can do to impact our surroundings in a positive way.

In today’s reading, Paul’s team had many opportunities to feel this way also.  In this particular chapter, it looked like they were being successful in their mission at Thessalonica, but then things abruptly changed.  A group of people organized a mob to attack Paul.  But when they couldn’t find him, they dragged a group of disciples to the city rulers. These wicked men had an interesting charge against Paul and his team.  They claimed that Paul’s team was “turning the world upside down.”  I’m not sure exactly what they meant by that statement, but I’m pretty sure they were saying that the teaching of salvation was the opposite of belief and direction of the world.  They spoke of Paul teaching of the King of kings instead of the king of Rome.

It is alarming that God’s people were extorted and persecuted in this way, but it is also encouraging that those on the outside were noticing the impact Paul’s mission was having on the world around them.  Is it possible that we as God’s people could make that kind of difference in the world today?  Could we as believers began to touch the people in the world around us in such a way that the truth of God’s love and empowerment could turn today’s world upside down?  I believe we are still at a time, at least in America that the persecution is minimal and if we raise our voices now, at least in our little corner of the world, we can begin to turn the focus of those around us from fear to faith in the God of love and salvation, before it is too late.

Today I want to encourage you to take a small step in the direction of changing the world around you.  Begin to show those in your sphere of influence the love of God by being the hands and feet of Jesus.  Just like Paul and Silas faced challenges in their mission, you may meet some opposition when you reach out to others. However, let their example inspire you to stand firm in your convictions and your message of hope for the world. That message has the power to turn lives “upside down” and bring about transformation that will spread. then you will multiply the kingdom with the lives of those who receive this hope.  Start today while the risks are minimal and so that when the world heats up around you, you will already have His unstoppable momentum flowing in your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 17:1-9

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 

2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 

3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 

4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.

5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 

6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 

7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 

8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 

9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

His Comfort

Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4

Have you ever wondered why?  Why is this happening to me or why do things always go in a certain direction?  What about wondering why things are the way they are in the world around you or why disasters and tragedies come, sometime one right after another?

Well, wonder no more.  Today’s scripture is the answer to all the “why we go through things” questions.  It says that we go through things so that we can experience the comfort and peace of God and then we can relate with and comfort others who are struggling and suffering.  It actually says that we can comfort others with the very same comfort that we were comforted with.  Wow, that would mean God gives us His peace and comfort for us to share with others.  It makes sense though because He gave us comfort in the form of the Holy Spirit.  That is the evidence that it is His will for us to not suffer, but to be comforted and consoled.

This passage goes on to say that ultimately, as we trust God through our troubles and tribulations, we are empowered to strengthen and encourage others, resulting in their salvation.  Glory to God!  If we learn to receive His comfort as we go through things, we can watch as He uses those problems to bring others to His great salvation.

So, I actually had an opportunity this week to see this process displayed.  I have been through many hurts in my life which had resulted in me being very guarded and expectant of more hurt.  In the past, I have been afraid to let others into my life because I didn’t want to be taken advantage of or hurt again.  I didn’t realize that by keeping this wall up, I was actually empowering people to hurt me because I was expecting it.  My responses to others were always defensive and repelling because I didn’t want anyone to get too close.  The Lord comforted me where I was, and then He brought me out.  He showed me that if I released all the pain of the past and receive His love in the place of the pain, I could go on to love others never worrying about them hurting me in return.  Freely giving love to others brought such freedom.  Now I don’t worry about being taken advantage of or hurt because my focus is no longer on me, it is on the person who needs to know the love of God.  There have been some opportunities for me to be tempted to take a rejection or ulterior motive to heart and have hurt feelings.  However, when I turn it to God, He quickly shows me that they are the ones loosing and I have lost nothing.  I did all I could do to love and comfort them and when they are ready to receive that, the Holy Spirit will be the one to open their eyes to that love.

So when I could see my friend taking every word she heard to heart and letting them pierce her heart again, I told her how I was comforted when my heart was hurting.  She knew that she was being defensive and that was holding her back from being free from those hurts.  We prayed together and now she is able to be comforted with the same comfort that I was comforted with that resulted in my freedom.

Today I want to encourage you to be comforted.  Whatever you are going through and whatever is stressing you, turn it over to God and receive His comfort and peace.  Know that He will get you through way better than you could do along.  Then go on and let Him lead you to someone that you can share that very same comfort with.  Keep sharing it with all He brings your way and bring them into God’s family by giving them the comfort that you were comforted with when you were comforted.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

A church at home

And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 1 Corinthians 16:3

The final chapter in 1 Corinthians has Paul’s closing remarks to the Christians at Corinth.  They apparently asked a question about giving and he gives them instructions on collecting and delivering.  He goes on to tell them his plans for visiting and where he will be until then.  He talked about some of his friends and ask that the people be encouraging and receive them when they come to Corinth.  This chapter seems to only be relevant to the current day when it was sent. 

Verse 19 is where I find something that can be related to today’s world.  It says: The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

I don’t think we fully grasp the concept that the first churches were in people’s homes.  I have to remind myself of this fact often when I am reading the New Testament books.  I have to remind myself that they didn’t have church buildings they could go to for worship.  They were not welcome to worship the Lord Jesus at the synagogues nor was that the place they could tell the good news that Jesus came to save all people.  The first Christians met in homes, and it was usually the home of the people leading the group.

This is what makes small groups today so inviting.  When you host a group in your home, you can invite neighbors and friends in that may not already know the Lord Jesus.  It is one of the greatest ways to reach those who would not consider going into a church building.  Yes, there are actually people out there who feel that way.  However, small groups are widely frowned upon in many churches today because of fear that people will leave their church community, when the truth is that small groups can actually grow a church or make a large church seem small.

By gathering in groups in your home, you have the opportunity to encourage and grow with those who want to live their life by faith.  You can watch videos on certain subjects in God’s word that you want to understand better that may not get so much attention in your weekend service.  You also gain a sense of accountability that others are there to walk with you through life and to help you overcome things you are struggling with. It is the coming together during the week that fills the churches on the weekends.  It can be easy to lose those who only come together once a week or month.

Lastly, we come to Paul’s farewell, verses 20-23. If he were posting his message today on social media, I believe it would look like this:

#Allthebrethrengreetyou #Greetoneanotherwithaholykiss #Thesalutationwithmyownhand—Paul’s #IfanyonedoesnotlovetheLordJesusChristlethimbeaccursed #OLordcome! #ThegraceofourLordJesusChristbewithyou #MylovebewithyouallinChristJesus #Amen.

Today I want to encourage you, in all seriousness, to consider leading a group of people in your home to help strengthen their relationship with their heavenly Father.  Put together a study on the things you are interested in knowing more about His love for you.  It could even be an activity group that you meet up to hike or play games, just add a time of devotional and some prayer with it and just like that, you have a church in your own home to get you through the week until the next weekend service meets at the church building.  We need to stay connected and encouraged all week long, not just on the weekends.  Make this happen by inviting others to meet at your home through out the week.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 16

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:

2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.

4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).

6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.

7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.

9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

14 Let all that you do be done with love.

15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—

16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.

18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

20 All the brethren greet you.

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Follow up

So, they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.  Acts 16:40

  Have you ever had a friend or even someone from your past randomly come to your thoughts?  Maybe it was someone you hadn’t talked to in a while or maybe it was a person that seemed like they had it all together and never really seemed to need encouragement.  It happens to me quite often.  For many years I didn’t know what to do with the thoughts when they came, but then the Holy Spirit showed me to pray for those who come to mind.  As I began to pray for those seemingly random people coming into my memory, I would feel inspired to reach out and encourage them.  Sometimes I would think: “they are doing fine and don’t care what I have to say to them.”  Other times I would consider that I hadn’t spoken to that person in years and now I am sending them a message out of the blue?  Wouldn’t that be weird? 

Despite my reservations, now I am determined to reach out and encourage whomever I have random thoughts about.  I now recognize that the person whoever it is was put on my heart by the Holy Spirit to pray for and encourage them.  I cannot even remember a time that I reached out randomly to someone, and they didn’t respond with something about my encouragement being exactly what they needed at that time.  But even if there was a time, I still continue to follow that leading because I know that is why the person came to my mind in the first place.  Then after a couple days have passed, I circle back around and check in again to let that person know I am still praying and thinking of them.  It’s just a follow up message to check back in to let them know they are not alone.

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul and Silas were released from Prison after being wrongly accused.  However, they didn’t just up and leave town, huffing and puffing about the mistreatment they received in Phillipi, the circled back around to check in the with the church at Lydia’s house.  Not so that the people there could encourage them as they continued on their mission, but so that Paul and his team could encourage the brethren there and tell them to keep up the good fight of faith.

Can you imagine going through a terrible set of circumstances that were no fault of your own, but then turning around and encouraging someone else who wasn’t even really going through anything traumatic.  I imagine Paul wanted to let the church know that everything turned out for good and they should not be afraid to continue in the work they were doing in the region.  It was the right thing to do so that the people there would be strengthened in their faith for the impossible.

So today I want to encourage you to check up on those you have been walking through life with in the good and the bad.  Send out a message of support and let them know you are praying for them.  Regardless of what you are going through or have been through, let others know God is still at work and miracles still happen.  You may not see your prison chains fall off in the physical world, but you can for sure see them fall in the spirit realm.  Share your miracles and victories with those who are afraid and worried and assure them that God will never let them down when they put their trust in Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 16:35-40

35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, “Let those men go.”

36 So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.”

37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, un-condemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.”

38 And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. 

39 Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. 

40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.