If you live intimidated by people, then you need to come to terms with your lack of peace. God is bigger than any person. You don’t need to dread tomorrow. You don’t need to dread your uncontrollable circumstances. It’s a decision that’s called “a frame of mind,” otherwise known as leaning on the everlasting Rock. That’s what we’ve been learning from the life of Paul as we’ve considered Acts 19:21–31 in Parts One through Three.
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Peace Amidst Unpleasant Circumstances
After Paul had been willing to stay at the task in Ephesus even with the dream of going to Rome on his heart (Acts 19:23), “about that time . . . ” That’s the way it happens. Just about the time you get out of your prayer closet and you’ve got it all worked out, everything breaks loose. Look at the rest of verse 23: There occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way [which was a first-century label for Christianity].
Read MorePeace Amidst Unfulfilled Dreams
Today’s Scripture passage, which details events in the life of the apostle Paul, has a lot to teach us about finding peace in spite of our natural tendency to panic. I hope you will read it thoroughly. In these twenty-one verses it is not difficult to pick out three significant moments that normally bring anxiety. To begin with, in Acts 19:21 Paul is shutting down a very successful ministry in Ephesus.
Read MoreHoudini’s Secret, Part Two
Yesterday I told you a story about an amazing feat by Harry Houdini in which he escaped from locked handcuffs before a roaring crowd—incredible stuff! He later admitted that he stopped repeatedly to address the crowd because he needed their applause to keep up his enthusiasm! Two things set Houdini free: (1) his knowledge of what he knew to be true and (2) the cultivation of his own enthusiasm.
Read MoreSay It Well
Paul was a misfit. When it came to a place like Athens, the crusty apostle clashed with the decor. Made no sense at all. The classic oil-and-water combo. A monotheistic Jew smack dab in the middle of polytheistic Gentiles. Narrow-minded former Pharisee surrounded by broad-minded philosophers. One idol-hating Christian among many idol-worshiping pagans. Outnumbered. Outvoted. Outshouted. But not outwitted.
Read MoreQualities of Godly Living
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognised them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing […]
Read MoreHope for Survival
A certain fascinating social phenomenon occurred in American history. Understand, I wasn’t living back then, but from what I read, this actually happened. It occurred when “Go west, young man!” was the challenge of America . . . when squatter’s rights seemed the most advantageous way to pry families loose and dare them to brave the elements via the covered wagon.
Read MoreBe on Guard!
So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock— his church, purchased with his own blood— over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group […]
Read MorePower for the Battle
A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honoured. (Acts 19:17) Never doubt this fact: wherever we experience the bold and uncompromising declaration of God’s truth, we will encounter the test of spiritual warfare. Satan hates it when God’s Word is declared, believed, and obeyed. It is […]
Read MoreObey God First
We must obey God rather than any human authority. (Acts 5:29) Too many people these days are relying on too few to walk in integrity. Your personal integrity matters more than I can put into words. As Christians, we can’t play fast-and-loose with our money and expect it not to affect us. It’s God’s money. […]
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