Ambush

The reading for today is quite exciting, like something from an action adventure film.  Picture this, Paul is in prison and his nephew just happens to overhear of a plot to kill his uncle.  The nephew informs Paul of the trouble that is brewing and Paul sends the lad to see the commander and share the information.

"But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.Then  Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him." (Acts 23:16-17)

Meanwhile more than 40 men are waiting to ambush Paul and kill him.  These men have taken an oath not to eat or drink anything until they are successful.  

As Christians, we must be careful not to be ambushed by Satan; we must be alert to danger around every corner.  We have been promised our place in Heaven and we can trust God to fulfill that promise but, just because we are His doesn't guarantee a safe and pleasant journey.  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Paul was promised by God that he would get to Rome again, so he recognized the coincidence of his nephew being in the right place at the right time, as God ordained.  Are there times in our lives when it is obvious God's hand is all over something?  Be alert to danger, "But take heart! I have overcome the world." 

Read the Acts 23:12-22 text here.

Are You Listening? -- John 16:5-16

Have you ever had a newscaster start to tell a story of interest, then stop, and not continue the story until after many commercial breaks? They can't tell the story now, but they have gotten your attention and curiosity. You have to wait. If you have experienced this small frustration, imagine the frustration the disciples might have felt at verse 12 where Jesus says: "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear."

Jesus had the disciples' attention. I'm sure they must have been filled with anticipation. What more was Jesus going to tell them? Their curiosity was provoked. It seems Jesus did this as He wanted them to wait eagerly, ready to listen intently when the Holy Spirit came.

Time for listening is difficult amidst the demands and noisiness of daily life. I have found in my faith life that finding time for listening is essential. The Spirit of God will come alongside me and guide me through life. If I'm not listening I will miss what is good for me to hear.

Prayer: Lord God, I'm listening. I want to take time to hear You. Help me quiet my heart, sit back, close my mouth and open my ears so I might hear what you want me to know.

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Read today's text on Biblegateway, John 16:5-16

Just a Fluke -- Acts 9:36-43

How many times has this happened to you? The phone rings, you answer and discover the person on the line is someone you were just thinking about. Coincidence, perhaps, but I have heard a definition of coincidence as a God-incidence. There are a number of web sites about God-incidences with interesting stories.

How often do I have to experience a mysterious coincidence before I start to understand that I am not traveling this world alone? What will it take for me to believe there is a God, who has it all under control; who has a mighty plan for my life?

Was it a coincidence Peter just happened to be in nearby Lydda when Dorcas a faithful disciple, died? Was it chance the disciples learned of this and sent word asking Peter to come to Joppa? Was it luck when he came, prayed, commanded Dorcas to “get up”, and she opened her eyes? The fact is this was all part of a greater plan when, “This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.” (Acts 9:42)

Dear God,

Open my heart, clear my vision and expand my understanding. Help me to see you working behind the scenes of my life and give you the glory every day. Amen

Read Scripture at Biblegateway Acts 9:36-43