Taking a stand

1 Corinthians 1-4 Paul has heard that the Christians in Corinth were already in discord, fighting over which apostle they followed…Paul, or Apollos, or Peter.  Paul chastised them and reminded them that they are to follow Christ.  The person who led them to Christ is not important. He also said something that struck a chord in me with the difficulties I’ve been facing lately: 20 For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. And here: 24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles,[f] Christ is … Continue reading Taking a stand

The Divine Plan Book

Acts 18-19 Tonight I want to write about Apollos.  His story is one that I’ve skimmed over in past readings of the book of Acts, but now I see it with fresh eyes. Apollos was a Jew who came from Alexandria in Egypt.  He knew the scriptures well and was an excellent public speaker.  He believed in Jesus and taught others about him, but he was missing information about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. After Pricilla and Aquila taught him, he enthusiastically embraced their teaching…so much so that he refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using … Continue reading The Divine Plan Book

Looking for His power

1 and 2 Thessolonians 11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. As I read both letters to the Thessolonians, I had a desire to travel back in time to BE among them.  I wish I had heard the Good News of Jesus accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit…probably because at this moment I am back in the desert.  I know the Lord is here and … Continue reading Looking for His power

Words

Acts 17-18:1 Paul was an excellent debater!  He did not just use bold words when speaking to the Athenians — he educated himself about their culture.  He noticed all their idols and took the time to read the names of them.  He even read some of their poetry — and he used his knowledge of them to show them the truth about the Lord.  The crystalline nature of his debate takes my breath away….probably because I am a wordsmith myself.  Too bad debates can’t be handled in writing, my preferred mode of communication. Speaking of words…I am having a difficult … Continue reading Words

Wanting more Spirit

Galatians 4-6 Happy Thanksgiving! Freedom from the law is the theme of these chapters that I read tonight. I think that I am a pharisee.  I think I subject myself to many laws that are not necessary and that only serve to cause me anxiety about following them and depression when I don’t. 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the … Continue reading Wanting more Spirit