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WEDNESDAY - September 30

9/30/2020

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Each day say our two theme verses. To help you do this, download our smartphone and tablet wallpaper: https://www.decaturumc.com/sermons/the-power-of-words. 

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)


Read. James 1:22-25
22 You must be doers of the word and not only hearers who mislead themselves. 23 Those who hear but don’t do the word are like those who look at their faces in a mirror. 24 They look at themselves, walk away, and immediately forget what they were like. 25 But there are those who study the perfect law, the law of freedom, and continue to do it. They don’t listen and then forget, but they put it into practice in their lives. They will be blessed in whatever they do.
Reflect. After describing the danger of hasty, ugly words, James moved on to describe “the word planted deep inside you” (James 1:21) that we should follow. He called it “the law of freedom,” God’s wisdom, above all as Jesus taught it. He did not drop the subject of wise speech in these verses. He highlighted the wisdom and freedom of making all of our actions, including our speech, accord with God’s directions for optimal living. 
  • James’ words about the law of freedom were rooted in Jesus’ teaching. Jesus said, “I give
    you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other” (John 13:34-35). In what ways have you found greater freedom as you’ve grown in your ability to love even those you dislike or disagree with? 
  • People often mistakenly think James contradicted the apostle Paul. We see their basic harmony as we compare James’ words with Paul’s words to the Galatians: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. There is no law against things like this” (Galatians 5:22-23). Picture how much better your days, and those of people you affect, would be if your speech more and more reflected the qualities Paul said the Spirit will grow in our lives. 
Pray. Holy Spirit, I want my life to bear your signature. So fill my life with your fruit. As others watch me, may they daily see me growing more and more like the person you want to shape me to be. Amen. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Bobby Roberts. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Jeff. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family. 

Acknowledgement:
Our current teaching series, The Power of Words, was adapted from a series developed by our partners at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and used with permission. Many of the resources and graphics are provided by our partners. During this series, our Read.Reflect.Pray guide publishes the daily devotional guide (called Grow, Pray, Study) from our partners with minor adaptation.
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TUESDAY - September 29

9/29/2020

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Each day say our two theme verses. To help you do this, download our smartphone and tablet wallpaper: https://www.decaturumc.com/sermons/the-power-of-words. 

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)


Read. James 1:19-21
19 Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry.20 This is because an angry person doesn’t produce God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore, with humility, set aside all moral filth and the growth of wickedness, and welcome the word planted deep inside you—the very word that is able to save you.

Reflect. James, Jesus’ half-brother, apparently became a Christ-follower when Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:7). He became an influential leader in the early church. In this short letter, he linked hasty, angry speech with “moral filth.” To James, a cutting outburst was no small matter, but something hurtful and wrong. 
  • Early Christians faced social exclusion and legal persecution. (The historian Josephus said James himself was stoned to death in Jerusalem about 62 A.D.) It must have been tempting and easy for Christians in those conditions to rage against people who treated them so unjustly. How does James 1:19-20 speak to us, who face much milder tests of our faith and temper, when we find ourselves becoming angry and eager to denounce some person or organization?
  • Scholar David Allan Hubbard wrote, “Harsh, vindictive speech—even though apparently based on God’s Word—is not the way to accomplish God’s justice.” Through the centuries, issues like circumcision, slavery, the role of women in ministry, and (today) homosexuality have triggered such speech from Christians against other Christians. How can the “humility” of which James wrote move us away from destructive speech and toward living into what James called “the word planted deep inside you”? 
Pray. O God, make me ever more “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry.” You know that’s not my natural condition, Lord—but I know you can change me from the inside out. Amen. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Bobby Roberts. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Jeff. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family.

Acknowledgement:
Our current teaching series, The Power of Words, was adapted from a series developed by our partners at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and used with permission. Many of the resources and graphics are provided by our partners. During this series, our Read.Reflect.Pray guide publishes the daily devotional guide (called Grow, Pray, Study) from our partners with minor adaptation.
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MONDAY - September 28

9/28/2020

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Each day say our two theme verses. To help you do this, download our smartphone and tablet wallpaper: https://www.decaturumc.com/sermons/the-power-of-words.  

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)


Read. Proverbs 15:1-4
A soft answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
    keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
    but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Reflect. Many of the Proverbs have a bit of a scattershot quality to them. But in these four verses, the Hebrew sages put together four wise sayings that address the quality of human speech, both in its ability to wound and damage, but also to heal and give life. (Apart from Proverbs, the image of “the tree of life” only occurs in the Hebrew creation story in Genesis 2 and 3, and in John the seer’s visions of God’s new earth in Revelation 2 and 22.) 
  • The Common English Bible translates the Hebrew word in Proverbs 15:1 as “sensitive,” and
    other translations use “soft” or “gentle.” For some, such words give an impression of weakness. But a later proverb said, “A commander can be persuaded with patience, and a tender tongue can break a bone” (Proverbs 25:15). When have you seen wisely chosen words break down barriers that harsh speech would only have made higher and more rigid? 
  • Professor Paul Koptak wrote, “These proverbs do more than simply urge us to watch what we say and how; they also inspire us to examine the intentions of our hearts.” Have you ever found, when you were (maybe reluctantly) honest with yourself, that the inner sources of your “righteous indignation” were not as “righteous” as you at first thought they were? Does responding to anger with more anger usually make things better or worse? 
Pray. Heavenly Father, help my mouth not to “gush” with foolish words. Grow in me your spirit that can make my speech more and more a “tree of life” for the people I meet. Amen.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Bobby Roberts. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Jeff. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family.

Acknowledgement:
Our current teaching series, The Power of Words, was adapted from a series developed by our partners at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and used with permission. Many of the resources and graphics are provided by our partners. During this series, our Read.Reflect.Pray guide publishes the daily devotional guide (called Grow, Pray, Study) from our partners with minor adaptation. ​

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FRIDAY - September 25

9/25/2020

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Read. 2 Timothy 4:1-22
I’m giving you this commission in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom. 2 Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction. 3 There will come a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. They will collect teachers who say what they want to hear because they are self-centered. 4 They will turn their back on the truth and turn to myths. 5 But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances. Endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the good news, and carry out your service fully.

6 I’m already being poured out like a sacrifice to God, and the time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. 8 At last the champion’s wreath that is awarded for righteousness[a] is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous[b] judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He’s giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance.

9 Do your best to come to me quickly. 10 Demas has fallen in love with the present world and has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark, and bring him with you. He has been a big help to me in the ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring along the coat I left with Carpus in Troas. Also bring the scrolls and especially the parchments. 14 Alexander, the craftsman who works with metal, has really hurt me. The Lord will pay him back for what he has done. 15 But watch out for him, because he opposes our teaching.

16 No one took my side at my first court hearing. Everyone deserted me. I hope that God doesn’t hold it against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the entire message would be preached through me and so all the nations could hear it. I was also rescued from the lion’s mouth! 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil action and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and always. Amen.

19 Say hello to Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus in Miletus because of his illness. 21 Try hard to come to me before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters say hello.

22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

Reflect. Paul knows that his death is approaching (v.6) and he is taking this time to reflect on his life. He can honestly conclude that he has “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith” (v.7). How great it must be to know that you have lived a good and faithful life and to be satisfied with that as you approach death? What do you need to do today to ensure that you can say these same words about your life? 
  • Towards the end of this passage, Paul also reflects on how many have abandoned him. Yet Paul, like Jesus, longs for their forgiveness. 
  • The Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the great fire in Rome during 64CE that destroyed much of the city; however, history blames this fire on Nero himself. Nero used this first as a way to scapegoat Christians, and many were persecuted during this time. We do not know the exact details of Paul’s death; however, tradition says the he was killed in this persecution of Christians following the burning of Rome. According to tradition, Paul was beheaded around the time of this fire. He had lived a faithful life. 
  • As you read this final passage of Paul’s life, what comes to mind? How does this passage help you frame your life and your faith? What encouragement or guidance can you take? 
Pray. Lord, thank you for the ministry of Paul. He shared with countless about your life changing love. Help make his memory an inspiration to my faith and life. Amen. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Bobby Roberts. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Jeff. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family.
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THURSDAY - September 24

9/24/2020

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Read. 2 Timothy 3:10-17

10 But you have paid attention to my teaching, conduct, purpose, faithfulness, patience, love, and endurance.11 You have seen me experience physical abuse and ordeals in places such as Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I put up with all sorts of abuse, and the Lord rescued me from it all! 12 In fact, anyone who wants to live a holy life in Christ Jesus will be harassed. 13 But evil people and swindlers will grow even worse, as they deceive others while being deceived themselves.

14 But you must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you. 15 Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus.16 Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, 17 so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.

Reflect. Why are we looking at 2 Timothy today? Acts ends with a hopeful note in Acts 28. Paul is under house arrest, yet he is able to continue to share the love of Jesus in a powerful way. Tradition says that Paul was later imprisoned and wrote 2 Timothy shortly before his death around 64 CE. If this is the case, this means that 2 Timothy is the last (or one of the last) things written by Paul and presents a look at the final days of his life. 
  • Here, Paul is encouraging his protege, Timothy. Paul knows what it is like to live a faithful life, and presents himself as an example to follow for Timothy. He gives Timothy the wise words that “anyone who wants to live a holy life in Christ Jesus will be harassed.” We have seen how Paul was harassed time and again through his ministry. 
  • Then, Paul gives Timothy the guidance to “continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you.” This guidance speaks the truth that the things you have learned will help you through life. It also urges you to recall those who taught you and led you to faith. Here, Paul is speaking of Timothy’s mother, Eunice, who first taught Timothy the faith and also of himself who mentored him. 
  • Reflect on those people who taught you the faith and mentored you. Who taught you about the love of Jesus?
Pray. Take a moment to give thanks to God for those that taught you the faith and the legacy that they have left you. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Bobby Roberts. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Jeff. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family.
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WEDNESDAY - September 23

9/23/2020

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Read. Acts 28:17-31

17 Three days later, Paul called the Jewish leaders together. When they gathered, he said, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I’m a prisoner from Jerusalem. They handed me over to the Romans,18 who intended to release me after they examined me, because they couldn’t find any reason for putting me to death. 19 When the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar. Don’t think I appealed to Caesar because I had any reason to bring charges against my nation. 20 This is why I asked to see you and speak with you: it’s because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”

21 They responded, “We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of our brothers come and reported or said anything bad about you.22 But we think it’s important to hear what you think, for we know that people everywhere are speaking against this faction.”

23 On the day scheduled for this purpose, many people came to the place where he was staying. From morning until evening, he explained and testified concerning God’s kingdom and tried to convince them about Jesus through appealing to the Law from Moses and the Prophets. 24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others refused to believe. 25 They disagreed with each other and were starting to leave when Paul made one more statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke correctly when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,

26 Go to this people and say:
You will hear, to be sure, but never understand;
    and you will certainly see but never recognize what you are seeing.
27 This people’s senses have become calloused,
    and they’ve become hard of hearing,
    and they’ve shut their eyes
        so that they won’t see with their eyes
        or hear with their ears
        or understand with their minds,
            and change their hearts and lives that I may heal them.[a]

28 “Therefore, be certain of this: God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen!”[b]
Paul’s ministry in Rome30 Paul lived in his own rented quarters for two full years and welcomed everyone who came to see him.31 Unhindered and with complete confidence, he continued to preach God’s kingdom and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflect. This passage marks the end of Acts. If you have been following the daily readings, this means that you have read and studied the entire book of Acts. In this passage, Paul has another encounter with his Jewish accusers, and again shares the story of what God has been doing through him. 
  • In the end, Paul ends up as a prisoner under house arrest. He doesn’t let his restricted status hold him back from doing what God has called him to do. Even at home, Paul is able to share the message of Jesus with all who cross his path. This is in keeping with God’s promise to Paul in 23:11, when God told Paul that he will testify in Rome about the goodness of Jesus. 
  • Paul is under house arrest, yet God still has a plan for him. Regardless of your circumstances, God has a plan for you. Take a moment to reflect on God’s presence with you. How do you see God present in your circumstances? What plan do you think God might have for you? 
  • Also, Reflect on reading through Acts. What have you learned through this study? How has God blessed your life or changed your heart through this deep and daily study?
Pray. Lord, during the hard times you gave Paul a clear purpose. Help me to have a clear vision of your desire for my life. Amen. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Bobby Roberts. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Jeff. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family.
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TUESDAY - September 22

9/22/2020

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Read. Acts 28:11-16
11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had spent the winter at the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with carvings of the twin gods Castor and Pollux as its figurehead. 12 We landed in Syracuse where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed to Rhegium. After one day a south wind came up, and we arrived on the second day in Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and sisters who urged us to stay with them for a week. In this way we came to Rome. 15 When the brothers and sisters there heard about us, they came as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he gave thanks to God and was encouraged. 16 When we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to live by himself, with a soldier guarding him.

Reflect. The original voyage to Rome was marked by disaster, this one is much more successful. They make swift progress to the most important city in the world. Paul must have been feeling the weight of this journey. He had requested a hearing by the emperor and now he is nearing the end of this journey as a prisoner. 
  • v.14-15 tell of how they encountered other believers in Puteoli. Puteoli was about 120 miles from Rome and was a major seaport, considered the port of entry for Rome. The church is already established in Puteoli and the fellow believers here that Paul has arrived. We even forget that Paul is a prisoner as we read about the other Christians welcoming him and inviting him in. This event of meeting fellow Christians along the way has a powerful message. William Barclay, in this Daily Study Bible Series writes of the significance:
    • The Christian is never alone. (i) He has the consciousness of the unseen cloud of witnesses around him and about him. (ii) He has the consciousness of belonging to a world-wide fellowship. (iii) He has the consciousness that wherever he goes there is a God. (iv) He has the certainty that his Risen Lord is with him. 
  • How does the thought that you are never truly alone affect you? Have you thought of this before? Does this bring you comfort? 
Pray. Loving one, I give you thanks for the community of believers that have come before me and are around the world. Help heal the divisions we see in the church, so that we can more fully come together to celebrate your presence. Amen. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Bobby Roberts. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Jeff. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family.
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MONDAY - September 21

9/21/2020

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Read. Acts 28:1-10

After reaching land safely, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. Because it was rainy and cold, they built a fire and welcomed all of us. 3 Paul gathered a bunch of dry sticks and put them on the fire. As he did, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, latched on to his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer! He was rescued from the sea, but the goddess Justice hasn’t let him live!” 5 Paul shook the snake into the fire and suffered no harm.6 They expected him to swell up with fever or suddenly drop dead. After waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to claim that he was a god.

7 Publius, the island’s most prominent person, owned a large estate in that area. He welcomed us warmly into his home as his guests for three days. 8 Publius’ father was bedridden, sick with a fever and dysentery. Paul went to see him and prayed. He placed his hand on him and healed him. 9 Once this happened, the rest of the sick on the island came to him and were healed. 10 They honored us in many ways. When we were getting ready to sail again, they supplied us with what we needed.

Reflect. When the travelers crash into the shore of Malta they are looking for a place to stay for the winter, and the people of Malta show them “extraordinary kindness.” In many places, Paul has been show kindness by nonChristians. Many times it has been the Romans who have saved Paul’s life, and now he and the others are experiencing kindness from other pagans. What do you see as the significance of this? Why would Luke (the author of Acts) paint nonChristians in such a favorable light? 
  • In 28:8 we learn that Paul carries out a medical or healing ministry on the island. We learn that all who were sick are healed. Though Paul has spent his last several years preaching and sharing about the love of Jesus, he does things differently here. He acts out the healing ministry of Jesus without any documented preaching. 
  • Though he does not engage in missionary preaching during his time on Malta, the ministry of Paul makes a large impact. The impact of this stay on Malta is not recorded in the Bible; however, later tradition tells of what happened. Now, the traditional site of the wreck is known as St. Paul’s Island. Additionally, Publius (whose father was healed by Paul) is told to have converted to Christianity and became the first Bishop of Malta. As Christianity would later spread through the Roman Empire, Malta became the first Roman colony to convert to Christianity. 
  • How was the message of Christianity spread even though Paul didn’t “preach”? How can this help you share the love of Christ, today? 
Pray. Jesus, your love changes hearts and lives. Help me to live as one changed by your love, so that I may help your love change the hearts and lives of others. Amen.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Bobby Roberts. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Jeff. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family.
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MONDAY - September 7

9/7/2020

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Read. Acts 21:1-16

 After we tore ourselves away from them, we set sail on a straight course to Cos, reaching Rhodes the next day, and then Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, boarded, and put out to sea. 3 We spotted Cyprus, but passed by it on our left. We sailed on to the province of Syria and landed in Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We found the disciples there and stayed with them for a week. Compelled by the Spirit, they kept telling Paul not to go to Jerusalem. 5 When our time had come to an end, we departed. All of them, including women and children, accompanied us out of town where we knelt on the beach and prayed. 6 We said good-bye to each other, then we boarded the ship and they returned to their homes.

7 Continuing our voyage, we sailed from Tyre and arrived in Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers and sisters there and spent a day with them. 8 The next day we left and came to Caesarea. We went to the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who were involved in the work of prophecy. 10 After staying there for several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 He came to us, took Paul’s belt, tied his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In Jerusalem the Jews will bind the man who owns this belt, and they will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the local believers urged Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 Paul replied, “Why are you doing this? Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I’m ready not only to be arrested but even to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.”

14 Since we couldn’t talk him out of it, the only thing we could say was, “The Lord’s will be done.”
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15 After this, we got ready and made our way up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and led us to Mnason’s home, where we were guests. He was from Cyprus and had been a disciple a long time.

Reflect. Previously, in 20:22, Paul is “compelled by the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem. He doesn’t know what is ahead of him, but he also knows that it is not going to be easy. He knows that “prisons and troubles await.” 
  • “Luke, (the author of Acts) believes in divine revelation through prophecy… Yet he also knows that such oracles must be evaluated and interpreted (see 1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20), [and] that sometimes (as we see here) prophecy stands against prophecy.” (Boring, Craddock, The People’s New Testament Commentary).
  • In this passage we find a case where prophecy stands against prophecy. Paul has received his prophecy (20:22) to go to Jerusalem; yet here, his companions receive a different prophecy in 21:4. Paul’s companions are “compelled by the Spirit” to encourage Paul not to go to Jerusalem. This seems as if it could lead to confusion. What do you make of this? Does God ever give people competing visions of what should happen?
  • Imagine that you are in the position of Paul’s companions. You have known Paul for several years, and love him dearly. What do you make of being given a competing vision to Paul? What do you do with this? How do you try to convince Paul to not go to Jerusalem? After Paul refuses to listen, what do you do? What questions does this leave you with? 
Pray. Lord, sometimes the way forward can seem very confusing. Help me discern the path you desire me to walk this day. Amen. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug Lawson. Bobby Roberts. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Clyde & Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Jeff. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Thompson family. The coming birth of Titus. Family of Eddie Rynes.
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FRIDAY - September 4

9/4/2020

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Read. Acts 20:13-38

13 We went on to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we intended to take Paul on board. Paul had arranged this, since he intended to make his way there by land. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we sailed from there and arrived opposite Chios. On the day after, we sailed to Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he wouldn’t need to spend too much time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by Pentecost Day.

17 From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus calling for the church’s elders to meet him. 18 When they arrived, he said to them, “You know how I lived among you the whole time I was with you, beginning with the first day I arrived in the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears in the midst of trials that came upon me because of the Jews’ schemes. 20 You know I held back nothing that would be helpful so that I could proclaim to you and teach you both publicly and privately in your homes. 21 You know I have testified to both Jews and Greeks that they must change their hearts and lives as they turn to God and have faith in our Lord Jesus. 22 Now, compelled by the Spirit, I’m going to Jerusalem. I don’t know what will happen to me there. 23 What I do know is that the Holy Spirit testifies to me from city to city that prisons and troubles await me. 24 But nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission. This is nothing other than the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus: to testify about the good news of God’s grace.

25 “I know that none of you will see me again—you among whom I traveled and proclaimed the kingdom. 26 Therefore, today I testify to you that I’m not responsible for anyone’s fate. 27 I haven’t avoided proclaiming the entire plan of God to you. 28 Watch yourselves and the whole flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as supervisors, to shepherd God’s church, which he obtained with the death of his own Son.[a] 29 I know that, after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and won’t spare the flock. 30 Some of your own people will distort the word in order to lure followers after them. 31 Stay alert! Remember that for three years I constantly and tearfully warned each one of you. I never stopped warning you! 32 Now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all whom God has made holy. 33 I haven’t craved anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that I have provided for my own needs and for those of my companions with my own hands. 35 In everything I have shown you that, by working hard, we must help the weak. In this way we remember the Lord Jesus’ words: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

36 After he said these things, he knelt down with all of them to pray.37 They cried uncontrollably as everyone embraced and kissed Paul.38 They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see him again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Reflect. In this passage we read of Paul’s farewell with the church in Ephesus. Paul is about to make a turn to Jerusalem that will lead to his imprisonment and later is his execution. Paul cannot know the fullness of what is to come for him, but he knows that prisons and troubles await (v.23). He also knows that he will not again be with his beloved brothers and sisters in Ephesus. 
  • Toward the end of this passage we see the love that existed in the Ephesian church among the believers and with Paul. A deep embrace and grief fell upon the community as their brother and leader, Paul, would not be returning to them. This deep love is not just a love for the church in Ephesus, it is a love that should be present in every church. 
  • How have you seen love present in your community of faith? How has your faith community or you failed to fully live into this same sense of love? What can you do to share the love of Jesus with those in your faith community? How can you walk the way of love, today, with those that are close to you. 
Pray. Pray for love to grow deeply in your and in your faith community. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Thompson family. The coming birth of Titus. Family of Eddie Rynes.
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