2024 Day 332 – Acts 18-19

2024 Day 332 – Acts 18-19

Paul explained his example of working hard, not to benefit himself but to use what he gained to help those less fortunate.  “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)  If our giving is with the proper motives, we please God and show our trust in His continued care for our needs.  “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

Today’s reading: Acts 18-19

2024 Day 331 – 1 & 2 Thessalonians

2024 Day 331 – 1 & 2 Thessalonians

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians he complimented them for being magnificent Christian examples to others.  “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.  For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8)  No matter what we say, our actions will speak louder than our words.  Jesus told us to be that Christian light to others, but not to glorify ourselves.  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Today’s reading: 1 & 2 Thessalonians

2024 Day 330 – Acts 17

2024 Day 330 – Acts 17

Study of God’s Word takes diligence, like the Bereans had.  “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)  Paul also encouraged us thru his second letter to Timothy that we should make sure we understand and are living by the Word.  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Today’s reading: Acts 17

2024 Day 329 – Galatians 4-6

2024 Day 329 – Galatians 4-6

Paul used another farming analogy to explain to the Galatians that whatever they spent their time and energy on would determine how their life would turn out.  “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)  He then reminded them to keep on doing good even when they were not getting instant gratification.  “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)  Paul’s words here are still fitting for us today just as much as they were for the Galatians.

Today’s reading: Galatians 4-6

2024 Day 328 – Galatians 1-3

2024 Day 328 – Galatians 1-3

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote to them about equality of all people when it comes to our Savior.  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)  In the verse just prior to that statement he reminded them what it takes to get in Christ.  “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)  Just like Paul told the Galatians, we can put on Christ and have a new life in Him.  “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3)

Today’s reading: Galatians 1-3

2024 Day 327 – Acts 15-16

2024 Day 327 – Acts 15-16

Paul and Barnabas did a lot of work together, but their relationship was not without issue.  “And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” (Acts 15:39-40)  Notice they did not let their disagreement stop them from doing good.  They both continued to do God’s work and actually turned what would have been one missonary trip into two.

Today’s reading: Acts 15-16

2024 Day 326 – James 1-5

2024 Day 326 – James 1-5

Have you ever wished you were a little bit wiser?  James tells us there is a way to take care of that.  “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)  He does put a condition on these requests.  “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;” (James 1:6-7)

Today’s reading: James 1-5

2024 Day 325 – Acts 13-14

2024 Day 325 – Acts 13-14

Paul had people with vastly different opinions of him.  Some treated him as a god, but not much later some were stoning him.  “And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’” (Acts 14:11)  “But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.” (Acts 14:19)  In his letter to the Galatians he made it clear that whatever feeling men had of him did not matter.  “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)  Jesus warned us that if our aim is to please men, we will receive our reward on this earth rather than in eternity.  “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matthew 6:5)

Today’s reading: Acts 13-14

2024 Day 324 – Acts 11-12

2024 Day 324 – Acts 11-12

King Herod was persecuting some in the church and had Peter thrown into prison.  “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:5)  During the night Peter was led out of the prison by an angel of the Lord.  He went to a house where some of those were praying for him.  “And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. They said to her, ‘You are out of your mind.’ But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, ‘It is his angel!’” (Acts 12:13-15)  Even though they had been praying diligently for Peter, they were shocked to see him.  Jesus tells us that we must have faith when we pray.  “And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.’” (Mark 11:22-25)

Today’s reading: Acts 11-12

2024 Day 323 – Acts 9-10

2024 Day 323 – Acts 9-10

During his preaching to Cornelius, Peter explained that God treats all men equally.  “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” (Acts 10:34)  Paul also referred to that fact in his second letter to the Corinthians when talking about who Christ was sacrificed for.  “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” (2 Corinthians 5:15)  He continued that thought by explaining how a man who is in Christ should act.  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

Today’s reading: Acts 9-10