August 2, 2010

Day 1: Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-22)
This story records Paul's first ministry years in Ephesus. Here we see God do EPIC miracles, even using Kleenexes to do it- Check it Out!! We also see some Jewish exorcists try to mimic Paul and drive out demons.

What do these exorcists say?
What does the spirit say?

Life Application
..."Who are you?" We do all these things for God whether that be mission trips, community nights, being there for a friend..etc. We DO things for God, but do we KNOW him???

(I'd think it is safe to say, if you're doing this than the answer is yes!)

Day 2: Fight! Fight! Fight! (Acts 23:-41)
What is all the commotion about?
Why was Demetries and his colleagues upset?
Interesting note- they chanted for 2 hours... crazy, huh?

Day 3: Paul travels (Acts 20:1-5)

Life Application
Pray for the nations. Check out this website for specifics on how YOU can pray
http://operationworld.24-7prayer.com/

Day 4: Humpty-Dumpty fell off the wall... Don't snooze in church (Acts 20:7-12)
What happened to Eutychus?
Notice Paul's reaction. He was planning on leaving and then this happens while HE is speaking. He is offended? No... he changed his plans. He stayed longer and also THREW himself on the boy, prayed to God, and God raised him from the dead.

Life Application... What can we learn?
1. Don't sleep in church! lol Actually we can learn the dangers of sleeping spiritually.. we may think oh we attend church, we don't do this or that, but the truth is unless we are PROACTIVE about serving God then we run the risk of backsliding without realizing it!
2. Go with the flow... Paul had a plan, but was willing to change it. Let's not walk around with DO NOT DISTURB signs.
3. Grace... Eutychus did not deserve Paul's mercy- he was snoring from a window, but Paul has compassion. He "THREW" himself.. he wasn't passive, but was PASSIONATE!
4. What do you think eye witnesses remember? They wouldn't remember Paul's sermon nearly as much as window accident/miracle. Be expectant for the unexpected.

Day 5: Adios! (Acts 20:13-37)

Where is Paul going?
What may happen to him where he is going? (verse 22-23)
What is he saying to the Ephesian elders?
Read verse 24 again cause it is that challenging. Would this ring true in your life?

Life Application
In answer to the last question, Paul is COMMISSIONING his leaders. Similarly WE are commissioned too!
Paul warns them to "be on their guard." We need to be on our guard against people who would lead us astray.

Day 6: Shalom Jerusalem! (Acts 21:1-16)
Paul is traveling and on a layover in Caesarea and a prophet comes.
What does the prophet say.
What does Paul say.

Reflect on LAST day's reading Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Life Application
I can admit that I am not where Paul is. At times I can be afraid of what sacrifices God will ask of me. In Paul's case it was his physical body and freedom at times, for us it may be reputation, popularity..etc.

You know- even Jesus was scared in the garden of Gethsemane. Today express your fears to God (journal, draw a picture, prayer). Ask him that He would give you the courage to live bold for him so that you can finish YOUR RACE strong.