The Creels' Catch

Reading: Acts 7:1-60

But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  Acts 7:55 (NKJV)

Stephen was one of the seven men highly chosen to be part of the leadership in the new church (Acts 6:1-5). Stephen was a man full of faith and power (Acts 6:8). He was willing to serve the Lord Jesus in whatever capacity was needed, whether it was a great or small act of service. He was part of the leadership team distributing to the needs of the widows (Acts 6:1-2). He was also an evangelist, speaking the Gospel of the Lord Jesus to the Jews (Acts 6:9-10). Stephen, through the power of the Holy Spirit, did great things for the Lord Jesus. He was a man of faith, full of wisdom in the Word of God. The Holy Spirit gave wisdom to Stephen in understanding the word of God in the Old Testament, as he related the history of Israel and made the connection of Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 7:52). Stephen also had the courage and audacity to speak the truth and reprove the elders and religious leaders of Israel (Acts 7:51-53).

However, speaking the truth and the Word of God cost him his life. Stephen was condemned to death without due process of the law. Stephen was stoned to death because of his audacity and stance for the Lord Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and Savior (Acts 7:58). Still Stephen was steadfast in his faith, and the Holy Spirit allowed his eyes to see the heavens opened.

“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Acts7:55 (NKJV)

With his last breath, Stephen was welcomed by the Lord Jesus and God the Father into his eternal home in heaven.

Reflection:

As followers of our Lord Jesus, when we obey His call to share and preach the Good News of salvation, the Holy Spirit gives power and courage. Even amid opposition and hostility, the Holy Spirit gives audacity to stand for our faith just like Stephen. The Holy Spirit also opens eyes to see the glory of God even at the end of life.

Thought for the Day:  As followers of Jesus, when we stand in faith, the Holy Spirit can open our eyes to see the glory of God.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit open my eyes to see the glory of the Lord. Help me to have power and audacity to share the Lord Jesus and His Word with others.

Your Thought:

Your Prayer:

The Holy Spirit Gives Wisdom

Reading: Acts 6:1-7

Key verse: “… but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4 (NKJV)

As the followers of Jesus continued to grow, a divisive issue came up among them (Acts 6:1-2). Some felt neglected in the distribution of food among the poor and the widows. The first disciples of Jesus became the church leaders and were called apostles. When the grievance was brought to the attention of the apostles, they all had a meeting together to address the issue – proper distribution to those who were in need. With the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, the apostles made a recommendation to appoint qualified men who were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to take care of the needs of the poor:

“…but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4 (NKJV)

The apostles knew the heart of God and Jesus – to preach the Gospel of salvation, heal the sick, encourage the downcast, set people free from sin and evil, feed the hungry, etc. As the church was growing, the apostles realized the task of taking care of everyone and everything was beyond themselves.

As the Holy Spirit gave wisdom and guidance to the apostles to address the issue and meet the needs of everyone, they were able to keep their focus and priority, which were prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Staying connected to the Lord through prayer was very important for church leaders, so they would have the power and wisdom they needed to lead the new and growing church. The ministry of the Word – studying the Word of God so that they could preach and teach with power – was very important too for new believers and disciples to grow in their faith.

Besides freeing church leaders from unnecessary responsibilities, this plan also gave opportunity for other disciples to step up and use their skills, gifts, and talents which God had given them by helping the poor, the needy, and the widows. The apostles did not just choose or recommend any member, but highly qualified men who were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom such as Stephen and the others. The church leaders also prayed and laid hands on them. Thus, the conflict was resolved, the issue was properly addressed, and the needs were met. As a result, the word of God spread more, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly (Acts 6:7).

Reflection:

For followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives wisdom to resolve issues and meet needs. The Holy Spirit also gives wisdom to keep our focus and priorities straight as we follow the leading and call of God in our lives.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, please give us your followers your spirit of wisdom to keep our priorities right. Amen!

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

The Power of the Holy Spirit Leads to the Fear of God!

Reading:  Acts 5:1-11

Key verse: “So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” Acts 5:11 (NKJV)

The disciples of Jesus were beaten and threatened by the Jewish religious leaders not to preach Jesus (Acts 4). However, the disciples continued to gather and pray. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they had courage and strength to persevere in the faith. The followers of Jesus continued to grow in numbers. They shared everything including their earthly possessions (Acts 4:32-37).  They lived and supported each other spiritually and materially (Acts 4:35). Then a married couple named Ananias and Sapphira joined the disciples’ group.

Ananias and Sapphira joined the group and told the apostles that they sold their property and gave all the money to them. However, through the Holy Spirit, Peter knew that they both lied and pretended that they gave all they had. Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead the same day (Acts 5:6-10). So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.  Acts 5:11 (NKJV)

The power and presence of the Holy God was strong upon the early church of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the first church and the first-born church. They were also the first model of love, sharing in all things and caring for one another as they distributed to the needs of everyone. This was the very first church of the Lord Jesus Christ and His first disciples upon which the church was founded and built. Thus, God required perfection and holiness. It was God’s holy presence through the Holy Spirit that was with them, so God did not allow sin in their midst. Ananias and his wife committed sin and made plans to hide it thinking no one would know. They kept back part of the money and lied about it. But God is holy and would not tolerate sin. God did not allow lies, deceit, and sin in their midst. So, the couple received the just reward of death to stop sin in the camp.  God knew the power of sin to destroy the church. God also wanted to express and demonstrate to the church that He was a holy God, righteous and just; there is no sin in Him.

God loves people but hates sin because He is holy. God requires the same standard of holiness in His church today. Holiness is the fear of the Lord. This is God’s plan for His church, the followers of Jesus, to be holy through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Aren’t you glad God does not do the same in His Church today like what happened to Ananias and Sapphira? As Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Thought for Today:

The power of the Holy Spirit leads the followers of Jesus to revere and have the fear of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit help us as followers of the Lord Jesus to be holy and fear God. Please forgive our sins and cleanse us by Your blood. Help us to be Your Bride, perfect and blameless. Help us obey Your Word. Amen.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Bible Verses quotes are from Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+5&version=NKJV

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The Holy Spirit Gives Power to Declare Jesus Even Amidst Opposition

“Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.” 

Acts 4:11(NKJV)

Reading: Acts 4:1-37

Peter and John were in Jerusalem. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they healed the lame man who sat at the temple gate for a long time (Acts 3:1-10).  Many people had witnessed the miracle and were greatly amazed (Acts 3:11).  Peter with the power of the Holy Spirit encouraged the people to repent and believe in Jesus (Acts 3:19).  The people listened to Peter as he shared the Word of God and many believed, about 5000 (Acts 4:4).

However, the religious leaders were not happy that they were talking to the people about Jesus. So, the religious leaders ordered the disciples to be arrested and beaten.  The next day, the disciples were brought before the council of elders and priests. The disciples were asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”  Acts 4:7 (NKJV)

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, replied to them with courage and said:

“..Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole…Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” Acts 4:10-12 (NKJV).

The council of elders and religious leaders did not agree with the disciples about Jesus. However, they could not deny nor argue that the man who was lame from birth was miraculously healed! So, the council ordered the disciples to be beaten and severely threatened them not to preach in Jesus’ name.

Peter spoke with courage the truth as the Holy Spirit revealed it to him that Jesus is the only name under heaven given for people to be saved. The Holy Spirit gave Peter and the disciples power to declare Jesus to the people of Israel amid threats and violence against them.

Nowadays, Christians in some parts of the world also suffer persecution just like the first disciples of Jesus.  Some of them experience severe threats and violence. Others are ridiculed by their own families and friends. Many risk their jobs, reputations, and even their own lives for the sake of following Jesus Christ. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit they continue to be steadfast in their faith, declaring that Jesus is the only way to God for salvation.

Thoughts & Reflection:

Jesus promised, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”  Revelation 3:21 (NKJV)

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can declare Jesus is Lord even amidst persecution and opposition.

Prayer: I praise You Lord Jesus that You are the only way to God. Holy Spirit fill us with your power to share and declare that Jesus is the only way to God for salvation even when we face opposition and persecution.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

“Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”      Acts 2:38   (NKJV)   

Reading: Acts 2:1-47

It was the day of Pentecost (Festival of Harvest) in Israel. The disciples of the Lord Jesus were gathered in Jerusalem since He had instructed them to wait there (Acts 1:4-8). About 120 of the followers of the Lord Jesus and eyewitnesses of His resurrection gathered in the Upper Room. As they prayed and worshipped, the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them. Each of them received the gift of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:3-4).

The Holy Spirit’s touch and power came to the disciples of the Lord Jesus on the day of Pentecost. They spoke a new language or spoke in tongues and gave witness to Jesus’s power and resurrection. The disciples obeyed the instruction of the Lord Jesus to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

About 53 days prior to this event, the disciples were all bereaved and bewildered with the death of their Lord Jesus on the cross. They were frightened for their lives and were in hiding (John 20:19). Then when they saw Jesus was alive and had risen from the dead, they rejoiced! However, after Jesus went back to heaven, they were not sure what to do. They went back to fishing (John 21). Even when Jesus commanded them to go and make disciples, they were still uncertain. But when they waited for the promise of the Lord Jesus, they all received the touch and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). Almost instantly they received power – new courage, strength, and boldness. Peter also received wisdom and knowledge in the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit gave Peter strength and boldness. Before the day of Pentecost, the zealousness and boldness of Peter were from his natural abilities and was limited. When Jesus was arrested and was on trial, Peter even denied Jesus. But when the power of the Holy Spirit came upon Peter, he became a changed man. First Jesus restored Peter and their relationship (John 21). Then through the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter became bold, courageous, and full of wisdom. He was able to stand up and witness for Jesus in front of many people. He became anointed and a powerful preacher for Jesus. On that day 3000 souls were added to the disciples!

Thoughts and Reflection:

Jesus changed Peter as well as the other disciples through the power of the Holy Spirit. As a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit can change me, too. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the followers of Jesus can be empowered to be strong and courageous witnesses for Him so that others can know Him, too.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I praise You for sending Your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, please fill me like Peter with your spirit of wisdom, courage, and strength to be a witness for Jesus and to share your Word with others.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

The coming of the Holy Spirit is a promise of Jesus to His followers.

On May 28, 2023, Christians will be celebrating the Day of Pentecost. Pentecost traditionally is 50-days after Easter Sunday (April 9, 2023). In the following days, we will be sharing devotions from the Book of Acts in the Bible.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

Reading: Acts 1

Jesus rose from the grave!  He was alive and even ate with His disciples (John 21). Jesus was seen by His followers, His own family, and other people in Israel after He rose from the dead. (See I Corinthians 15:5-6). Then Jesus had to return to His heavenly home with His Father. Jesus promised His disciples before His crucifixion the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-9). Then after His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples to gather and wait in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4-5). He told them why and the purpose of the coming of the Holy Spirit. The disciples thought Jesus was empowering them for a political uprising, to revolt against Roman rule (v.6). But Jesus had a different plan for them. He wanted His disciples to receive power from the Holy Spirit to have boldness, courage, wisdom, faithfulness, joy, and peace so they could be effective witnesses for Him. Jesus wanted them to continue preaching the Gospel the same way He did when He was conducting His ministry with them during His earthly life. After Jesus was arrested and suffered death on the cross, His disciples were all afraid and went into hiding. Jesus knew how they felt and knew all their fears. So, Jesus knew they need the power of the Holy Spirit – to have courage and boldness to follow His commandments.

Jesus told His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19 NKJV).  He gave them this commandment, and He also equipped and empowered them to do what He told them to do. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8 NKJV)

Thought for the Day:

The words and promises of Jesus to His disciples are still true for all His followers today. Jesus wants us, His followers, to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit so we can be witnesses for Him to our families, our neighbors, our friends, those in other places, and to people of other countries and ethnicities.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to us Your followers. Holy Spirit please fill us, your followers, with your power and your spirit of might, wisdom, courage, and boldness to be witnesses for You wherever You send us. Amen.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years. ” 

Genesis 1:14 (NKJV)

During the month of April, people in different parts of the world celebrated some important holidays and traditions such as Jewish Passover, Christians’ Easter, Islam’s Ramadan, and Cambodia’s New Year. Let’s take a closer look at some of these holiday festivals.

Another New Year Holiday

During our 6^th week living here in Cambodia, we experienced a major holiday, the Khmer or Cambodian New Year. People in the western world celebrate the new year on December 31^st to January 1^st, but in some other countries and cultures the new year holiday is celebrated in different months according to the lunar calendar. For example, Chinese New Year was observed this year on January 22^nd.

This year, Cambodia celebrated the traditional new year during the week of April 10-16. During this week, many people traveled to their hometowns for family reunions. Students in all schools had vacation, and most people had a few days off from work. Some of our expat friends traveled as well for sightseeing, while David and I enjoyed the quiet city with no traffic. While many people took days off from work, some of our radio station workers continued to have live programs on FM radio and social media to encourage the listeners. For me the new year is a time to have a new beginning. Isn’t it a blessing that God gives opportunities for a new beginning in different cultures and places?

“The Lord is good to all,
And His tender mercies are over all His works.”  Psalm 145:9 (NKJV)

Passover Festival

Every year for almost 4000 years, Jewish people in different parts of the world celebrate the Passover. Passover, or Pesach, is the time when Jewish people remember the time when the Lord God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. This year, Passover was celebrated during the week of April 5-13. In the modern Jewish calendar, the Passover Festival (Pesach) is celebrated on the 14^th day in the month of Nissan which is about March or April in the Gregorian calendar. Traditionally, the celebration starts with a Seder meal on the first and/or second night by eating matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, lamb meat, etc. The origin of this special holiday is found in the book of Exodus in the Bible.

“On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household…So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance…”  Exodus 12:1-28 (NKJV)

Ramadan

Another important festival observed by many Muslims in different parts of the world is called Ramadan. This year, the festival began on March 22, and the final day was celebrated on April 20^th. It is usually observed during the ninth month in their calendar and is a period of prayer and fasting.

The Holy Week & Easter for Christians

For Christians, Holy Week and Christmas are the most important holidays. This year, Holy Week was celebrated during the week of April 3-9. Good Friday was on April 7^th, and Easter or Resurrection Day was celebrated on April 9^th. The origin of this holy festival is also found in the Bible.

Good Friday is the day when we remember how Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16 (NKJV)

The significance of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is not just remembering events that happened 2000 years ago; this is hope for the future.

The resurrection of our Lord Jesus was not just a powerful experience for Himself, it is also for all His followers. As the Apostles Paul and John wrote in the Bible:

“I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.”  Acts 24:15 (NKJV)

“And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” Revelation 20:5 (NKJV)

^“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”  Revelation 20: 12 (NKJV) 

The story of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is found in the Gospels of Matthew (Chapters 26-28), Mark (Chapters 15-16), Luke (Chapters 23-24), and John (Chapters 19-20).

“He is not here but is risen!”  Luke 24:6 (NKJV)

In January 2020, the Lord blessed David and me with a trip to the Holy Land. One of the holiest Biblical sites we visited was the Garden Tomb. Here is an excerpt from a blog post that I wrote about this trip:

“Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.”  John 19:38-42 (NKJV)

“As I entered the empty tomb, it was an awesome experience seeing and touching with my bare hands the rough and cold stone where my Lord Jesus was laid some two thousand years ago. I’m at a loss for words; it was truly an indescribable experience. It was a surreal moment to be right there at the spot where Christ arose from the dead – a foundation of my faith, the Christian faith, the empty tomb… Christ is risen, and Christ will come again! Thus, with these words, amidst the crazy things going on in the world, we followers of our Lord Jesus Christ have all the reasons to have hope and to rejoice!”

To read the blog post, please see this link:

https://thecreels.org/2022/04/18/the-empty-and-resurrection-power/

An Introduction to the history of Christmas.

“…that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”             Luke 1:4 (NKJV)

“…but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31 (NKJV)

Reading: Luke 1: 1-4

As we approach Christmas, a very important holiday in the Christian tradition, we would like to share the story of how it all began. Christmas is not just about toys, gifts, and Santa Claus; it’s really about the coming of Jesus to the earth. It’s a story of love. Most religions claim their founders as men who became gods, but only Jesus is the God who became a man because of God’s great love to save people from sin. God knew there was no way people could reach Him and meet His standards, so He sent Jesus to reach down to us, His created beings.

Although I have not seen Jesus physically, I know He lives! His story of coming to earth from heaven as a baby, His life, death, and resurrection are true facts. The story of Jesus is not a myth, nor a legend, but a real story that was written in accurate and orderly narrative as shown in Luke 1:4, “…so that you might know how well-founded are the things about which you have been taught” (Complete Jewish Bible). To give a short introduction to the writer of the third Gospel in the New Testament, here is a brief background of Luke who did a thorough investigation and research of the life of Jesus.

Luke the writer of this Gospel was a highly educated person. According to tradition, Luke was a medical doctor, perhaps a personal physician of Paul. According to the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), Theophilus was a high priest during or around the years 37-41 A.D. Theophilus may have been retired when Luke met him in A.D. 60. Other Bible scholars think Theophilus may have been a Roman official.

Luke was not around during the time of Jesus but had met some of His followers. He was taught by some of the followers of Jesus, like the Apostle Paul. Luke became a faithful companion of Paul in his missionary journeys, even during times of imprisonment. Paul, during his imprisonment and last days, wrote, “Only Luke is with me” 2 Timothy 4:11 (NKJV). Luke later wrote the book of Acts.

In his Gospel, Luke wrote an orderly narrative from eyewitnesses of the life of Jesus when He was still on earth. (See Luke 1:2.) Luke did a systematic investigation and research of the life of Jesus through the personal testimonies of the people who had personally seen and known Jesus. Perhaps Luke interviewed some of the original disciples of Jesus, some of His friends, relatives, and family members such as His mother and other followers. Perhaps Luke even talked to some of those who had received healings and miracles directly from Jesus when He was still on earth.

So, from “word of mouth” oral tradition, Luke carefully investigated and wrote down testimonies and stories from eyewitnesses and from those who received teachings from Jesus.

Even though Luke did not meet Jesus in person, Luke heard many amazing stories about Jesus including His miraculous birth, teachings, healings, and miracles. According to some Bible scholars, Luke was a Gentile who became a Jewish convert. As mentioned earlier, He wrote the account of Jesus’ life to address a prominent person named Theophilus – to know for certain, to believe and receive Jesus as the Messiah, the Deliverer.

“…that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”                Luke 1:4 (NKJV)

Perhaps, Theophilus had already heard the Gospel of Jesus and was sincerely wanting to better understand who Jesus was. So, Luke took time to research, investigate, and write the story of Jesus from firsthand eyewitnesses.

Reflection:

God, in His providence, allowed Luke to write the account of Jesus’ life which was backed up by research, stories, and testimonies of eyewitnesses. It was written that we might believe Jesus is the Christ. (See John 20:31.) It was written and later translated into our language (English) so that we might understand. This was done at great cost. As we read in church history, some people risked their very lives and others lost their lives translating the Bible. They sacrificed their lives for these stories to be written, translated, and printed. Thus, we have a sure foundation for our faith in Jesus. Currently, after more than 2000 years, there are still Bible translators working diligently to get this story, the Gospel in other languages so that they may hear and know Him, Jesus, as Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for your gift of faith. Thank you for your providence in having your story written and translated into many languages, so that every person in every tribe and nation can know You and have a well-founded faith.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Reading:  Acts 27

Key verse: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (v.25)

The Holy Spirit gives peace and encouragement in the midst of storms.

Last week, many people in the southern part of the United States experienced a strong category 4 hurricane. Many experienced damage to their homes, properties, and roads. Thousands lost electricity and experienced flooding. We saw on live TV news the strong winds due to the hurricane. Almost at the same time, in the Far East on the other side of the Pacific, a powerful typhoon hit some parts of the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Perhaps some of you are experiencing some kind of storm in life, too.

In the Bible, a man named Paul also experienced all kinds of storms in life. Here is the story from the book of Acts:

Paul was falsely accused by some religious leaders in Israel and was put in jail (Acts 23). He was transferred from a prison in Jerusalem to Caesarea. For two years he went through court trials and testified before two governors and the king of Israel, Herod Agrippa (Acts 23-25).

He remained steadfast in his faith and plea for innocence.   

Paul was granted his request to appeal to Caesar. “Then Agrippa said to Festus, ‘This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.’” (Acts 26:32 NKJV)

Paul knew and was certain of the Lord’s will for him to go to Rome to witness for Him: “‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’” (Acts 23:11 NKJV)

Preparations were made and logistics lined up for Paul and other prisoners to be transferred from Caesarea to Rome. They were under the care of Julius, a Roman official centurion ( a commander of 100 soldiers). “And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment.” (Acts 27:1 NKJV)

They all sailed from the port of Caesarea to Sidon, Cyprus, Cilicia, Pamphylia, Lycia, and Crete. As they set sail from Fair Havens, Crete they encountered strong winds and stormy seas. The captain of the ship and the crew did everything they could to keep sailing in the midst of the storm. (See Acts 27:2-21 for the full story.) In the meantime, Paul kept praying and encouraging everyone: 

“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.”  (Acts 27:22-25 NKJV)   

The situation was dire with the strong winds and storm beating the ship. Most of the people in the ship were fearful and did not know how they would survive the strong storm in the middle of the sea. They even stopped eating. But Paul was at peace, as he trusted the words of God that were given to him by the angel (Acts 27:23-24). The Holy Spirit gave Paul peace and calmness during the tempestuous storm that threatened their lives. He even encouraged everyone in the ship:

“Therefore, I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” (Acts 27:34 NKJV)

Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ( John 14:26 27 NKJV)

Conclusion:

The Holy Spirit gives the followers of Jesus peace and calmness even in the midst of the storms of life, so we can encourage others.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to us as our Comforter. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving us Your peace and calmness in times of distress amidst the storms of life. Please give us your strength, courage, peace, and comfort so we can encourage others who are going through storms in life. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen!

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Reading: Lamentations 3:19-26

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end;
 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22 NRSV

When the weather is fair, David and I enjoy walking around our neighborhood for exercise after a days’ work. On some weekends, we do our walking in the mornings. As we walk and stretch, we bask in the warmth of sunshine and blue sky. Sometimes we see white fluffy clouds. We also hear birds chirping and see squirrels running up and down big oak trees. At almost every corner we turn, we see huge, tall oak and pine trees. There are also some Crepe Myrtle trees with clusters of purple, pink, or white petals. During spring and early summer, we see lush green grass that carpets the neighborhood lawns. Some are covered with small white or red clover, and some with yellow and white dandelions. There are also different varieties of beautiful, colorful flowers on well-kept yards.

One morning, I noticed next to the sidewalk the green wild grass was covered with small droplets of water that glistened under the sun. At that time, it had been many days since we had rain. So, I knew the water was not from the rain; it was the morning dew. As I looked at the morning dew which moistens the thirsty and dry ground, I was reminded of today’s verse in the Bible that says, God’s love and faithfulness are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

God takes care of the wild grass, the wild trees, and the wildflowers even though they do not receive care as part of someone’s yard. Sometimes we feel dry and weary from all the cares and concerns of this world.  However, like those wild grasses that God refreshes through the morning dew, God refreshes our souls too each morning. The Spirit of the Lord blesses us each morning as we spend time with Him in Bible reading and prayer. Each morning with God is a new beginning because of His mercy and love for us.

Reflection: Like the morning dew, God’s love and faithfulness refresh my soul every morning.

Prayer: Thank you dear Lord God for your mercies and steadfast love that renew my spirit every morning. Great is Your faithfulness!

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

(The Triumphant Entry)

Reading: Luke 19:28-40

v.38 Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

// “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey. ” Zechariah 9:9

Jesus started His journey from Capernaum to Jerusalem. After 3 years of teaching, preaching, healing sick people, and other miraculous acts of kindness in different parts of Israel, He was ready to go to the city of Jerusalem. He made some stops along the way in different cities like Jericho and Samaria, ministering to the people. He healed some blind people in Jericho and touched the family of Zacchaeus (Luke 19). However, Jesus was still focused on His final destination, Jerusalem, even though He made some stops and detours. Just before heading to Jerusalem, Jesus told His disciples the events that would take place there, His death on the cross and resurrection (Luke 18:31-33). Jesus knew what would take place in Jerusalem, His suffering on the cross, but He was determined to fulfill the call of God in His life.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem with His disciples, He instructed them to get a certain colt that nobody had ridden (Luke 19:29-34).

The disciples brought Him a colt, and Jesus rode on it as he entered Jerusalem.

And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.

Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen,saying:

“‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:37-38)

The followers of Jesus believed He was their long-awaited Messiah, the Savior. So, they praised and worshiped Him. Jesus also fulfilled the words of the Prophet Zechariah which were written several hundred years earlier:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,  A colt, the foal of a donkey.”  (Zechariah 9:9)

In ancient history, when a king was inaugurated as the ruler of a land, they rode a mule or a colt and were paraded around the city. When Solomon was proclaimed king in Israel after his father David, it was written:

“…Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and took him to Gihon….And they blew the horn, and all the people said,  “Long live King Solomon!” (I Kings 1:38-40)

In fulfilling the words of God through Zechariah, Jesus made it public that He was the Messiah, the Savior and coming King. With this gesture, He gave opportunity for the people of Israel, especially the religious leaders (Pharisees, Scribes, Priests, Elders, etc.), to recognize Him as their Messiah. Sad to say, some religious people did not recognize Jesus:

“And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, ‘Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.’”     (Luke 19:39)

However, some of His followers believed and praised Jesus as their Messiah, the promised King from the line of King David. They may not have fully understood its full meaning; some of them thought Jesus would be their king to overthrow the Romans and the puppet King Herod.

But the mission and purpose of Jesus from the beginning was to seek and save the lost, to deliver people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

Conclusion:

Jesus was and is indeed the King of Israel, if only they would allow Him to reign in their hearts. Jesus is indeed the Savior, King, and Lord for all people of every nation. The King is coming. Are you ready?  Is Jesus King and Lord of your life?

If you open your heart to Him, He wants to be your Savior and Lord, too. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Someday Jesus will come again here on earth and establish His kingdom. Jesus will come again to bring final justice on earth. Jesus will come again to execute justice and vengeance for the oppressed.

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war….

And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

(Revelation 19:11-16)

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, You are my King, the King of kings and Lord of lords! I praise and thank you for your words. Thank you that you came to seek and save the lost. Thank you that you are coming back to establish Your kingdom. Judge of the earth, ruler of all nations, please come. Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

All Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version (NKJV)

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+19%3A28-40&version=NKJV)

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Do you know that when you pray to Jesus, He also prays for you?

As a follower of Jesus, I pray to Him most of the time. I also ask others to pray for me. But today, in my study of Luke chapter 22, I learned that Jesus also prays for me. Here’s the story. For the past few months, I’ve been reading and studying the Gospel of Luke. My reading today was Luke 22:24-38. This is where Jesus is having the last supper with His disciples before the Passover Holiday. Passover is one of the most important religious holidays for the people of Israel as they commemorate the time when God freed them from Egyptian bondage. (See Exodus 12.)

During dinner, the disciples had a dispute about who was the greatest (Luke 22:24-27).  Jesus washed the disciples’ feet to show them that to be great means to serve (John 13:3-10). Since this was the last supper before the crucifixion of Jesus, He spent good quality time with His disciples. He loved them and encouraged them to be prepared for the time when He would not be with them physically. Jesus saved the last, but the best, teachings for His beloved disciples. The apostle John shares more details on the words of Jesus during that last supper in John 13-17.  Take note that these last teachings of Jesus were not given to the crowds but were reserved for His 12 disciples only. However, I believe these words are specifically for the followers of Jesus – both then and now – including us. Yes, you and me!

Then Jesus broke some bad news to Simon: “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22: 31)

Simon may have looked to the left, to the right, and at his back. Using my sanctified imagination, perhaps he said, “Me? Are you talking to me, Lord?”

“But he (Simon) said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33)

But then Jesus gave Simon some good news: “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22: 32)

Most of us know the rest of the story:

 Then He (Jesus) said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.” (v.34)

In this study, however, I’m not focusing on the failure and weakness of Peter. We all know that Peter denied Jesus – a big smashing failure! But again, my focus here is not on the humanity and failure of Peter, but on the love and care of Jesus for His followers.

Remember that Jesus assured and encouraged Peter: “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…”

Jesus loved Peter, despite his weakness, and prayed for Him. But not just for Peter – Jesus prayed for all His followers. At the ‘last supper,’ the apostle John recorded these words, the prayer of Jesus for His disciples:  

-I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.  (John 17:9)

–  Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.  (John 17:11)

– I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.  (John 17: 15)

-Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.  (John 17:17)

Again, these prayers are for the followers of Jesus. He is praying for us! The writer of Hebrews also says:

“Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

And even the Holy Spirit prays for us! The apostle Paul said:

“Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)

Jude, another follower of Jesus, said:

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless. Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy…” (Jude 24)

Reflection:

I don’t know about you, but I’m very encouraged by these words.  Jesus is praying and always interceding for His followers.  Jesus is praying for me!  No matter what the adversary and the evil ones do against the followers of Jesus, He has already covered us, just like He did for Simon Peter.  No matter what happens, Jesus has hold of me, so there is no need for worry or fear.  While we often think that we only pray to Jesus, Jesus is praying for us – with the full backup of the Holy Spirit and the love of our Father God.

Prayer:

Oh Lord Jesus, thank you for Your words and truth. Thank you for praying for me, interceding for me, holding me tight, and keeping me from falling. I love you Lord! Thank you for this assurance, that You won’t allow me to be given over to the adversary. Thank You, Jesus, for keeping me in the palm of your hand.  Thank you for praying for me.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer: