Tuesday 2-7-17, Modesto,
California
Today we read Lev 4 – 6
and Acts 14
S = Scripture O =
Observation A = Application P = Prayer SOAP
for the soul.
S. Acts 14:15 Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings
like yourselves! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn
from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the
sea, and everything in them. NLT
O. The man had been lame from birth. He had never walked a single
step. Paul had been preaching about the miracle working Jesus and when he saw
faith in lame man’s eyes. He yelled, “Hey, you!” “Who? Me?” “Yeah you! Stand
up!” You can almost hear the crowd gasping, “Oooohhh”.
You
know the old line… “All religions are good. They all lead us to God. Our
religion is better than yours! Just look at our pretty temple with the angel
and trumpet on top of the spire.” Within minutes the local priests of their
Greek god, Zeus had a religious act in full motion. These were very religious
people. Their priests could already see this would be good for business for
their Temple. But when Paul and Barnabas saw it… they came running. “No! No!
Stop! Look! We are not gods!” So, the crowd used their mob spirit to stone Paul
and here is Barnabas with a friend or two dragging the motionless body out of
town leaving a trail of missionary blood. Then the few new believers circled
him and prayed. A swollen black eye opened and now Paul was up and walking back
into town for more.
A. I get discouraged too easily. Somebody denounces me. “You didn’t
do that right.” I get a sinking feeling in my gut. The devil sneaks up to tell
me I am a failure. No rocks, no clubs, just words and here I am whimpering. J I should be rejoicing.
P. Lord, I haven’t been stoned lately. Or if I have, they missed. The
only blood I have spilled on the mission field was when I skinned my knee. When
the devil used a demon possessed man to take me out of commission with his
fists, You raised an invisible shield. Probably You protect me because You know
that I am such a wimp. Really, I prefer to not be strong like the Apostle Paul.
I can live without action stories about beatings, shipwrecks, floating on a
board at sea a night and a day, chased, chained and chastised and years in
prison. I think I’d rather be a wimp, thank You. Amen.
Ralph
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