Showing posts with label upset. Show all posts
Showing posts with label upset. Show all posts

Monday, November 17, 2014

Acts 23:1-11 Upset By The Truth

Acts 23:1-11 NIV
The truth has a tendency to upset people who insist on living their own truth, which is no truth at all; but, a justification for our sinful beliefs and lifestyles. They will rebel and this will attack those who speak the truth in attempts to make themselves look good and right.

With much turmoil, Paul testified to the resurrection of the dead in Jerusalem. The uproar that accompanied it was so horrific that the troops got Paul out of there for his own safety. "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and told said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'” (vs 11) And, so he will. Under guard Paul will be taken to Rome to testify to the truth in Jesus Christ again. He will witness to the resurrection and eternal life in Christ even as he makes that journey.

Where is our journey taking us? Along "The Way," will we be witnesses of the love of God in Christ Jesus; regardless, of how many might attack us because their lives are upset by the truth? How many lives will be changed by hearing the Word?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Psalm 140 - Pray For Your Enemy

We find the author of Psalms a little more than upset this morning. That person wants vengeance in a big way.... "May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise." (Psalm 140:10 NIV)

I'm not saying that I've never thought this way. But, I'm thinking there is a more excellent way.  According to Jesus, we are to "...love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matt 5:43-45)

It is undeniable that there are many who persecute those who love the LORD. The arrogant lay out snares for the innocent seeking to damage or utterly destroy them. But, anger and vengeance only propagates the enmity. Pray for peace. Pray for protection, pray for mercy, pray that the LORD will be your strong deliverer, but pray for your enemy. as well. Pray that those who hate and persecute you will come to know the LORD and you will have lost an enemy and gained a brother or sister.

God's Peace - Pr. J