Author: looking2jesus13

September 24

Bible Reading: Acts 18:5-11

Acts 18:9-10, “And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you.”

As a hospice chaplain, a passage I often turn to when sitting with those nearing the end of life is Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”  I’ve witnessed it many times…Illness may have slowly robbed you of your health. Life, once vibrant, now gently ebbs away. You are bed-bound, your strength fading, and one by one, the plans and hopes you once held dear have slipped from your grasp. The prospect of a last farewell to loved ones draws near. In days past, you made your own choices, forged your own path. But now, you find yourself obligated to follow a challenging path towards an unseen destination. It is an unfamiliar journey, and yet, if you have Jesus, you do not walk it alone.  There’s comfort in knowing that He walks with you.  Often, I pray with this reality in mind, asking God to comfort the patient in the awareness of His presence, as He works to bring them safely home to His heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18).

God reminded Paul of these twin truths—He need not fear because God was with him.  By this point in the Acts account, Paul had already faced many fearful challenges.  He’d been shunned, opposed, threatened, abused, stoned, reviled, beaten, and imprisoned; not to mention the other trials he experienced along the way simply for preaching about Jesus.  Other greater threats lie on the horizon, but the Lord had a message for him: “Do not be afraid…for I am with you” (Acts 18:9)!  Keep on speaking.  I’ve got others in this city who will stand alongside you.

Someone has pointed out that the Bible contains the command “do not fear,” in one manner or another, some 365 times, once for every day in a year.  Do not fear, for God is with you!  He was there with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace.  He was there with the disciples when the storms threatened to sink their boat.  And he was there with the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys amidst all the ongoing opposition and threats he faced.  Take courage then, for you also face threats and opposition.  You’ve set your course to live for Jesus and share His truth.  Remember that you are not alone, for the Lord walks with you and He can well keep you safe along the way.

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.”—The Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:18)

LIKE A RIVER GLORIOUS
Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace,
over all victorious in its bright increase:
perfect, yet still flowing fuller every day;
perfect, yet still growing deeper all the way.

Refrain:
Trusting in the Father, hearts are fully blest,
finding, as he promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of his mighty hand,
where no harm can follow, in his strength we stand.
We may trust him fully all for us to do;
those who trust him wholly find him wholly true. [Refrain]

September 23

Bible Reading: Acts 18:1-4

Acts 18:3, “Because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.”

Our family once tent-camped at the Deschutes River State Park, located at the mouth of the Deschutes River. The Columbia River Gorge is known for its strong winds, and on that occasion, the gusts seemed so fierce that they might lift our tent off the ground. Tents, being temporary structures, are vulnerable to the elements and limited in their ability to provide comfort and shelter.  Across the river from Deschutes River State Park lies the Maryhill Museum of Art. We once visited the museum, which was built to endure for “1000 years.” Despite its impressive stature, the Maryhill Museum is not immune to the disturbing and decaying forces that affect all creation (Romans 8:21; 2 Peter 1:4). But God has marvelously provided, through Jesus, a means through which the believer will one day exchange the earthly tent, which is our body, for the glorious mansion He’s prepared for us in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla, making tents.  In those days, tent-makers used knives and awls to cut and sew together tents made of animal hair, leather, or linen. Despite his lofty role as the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul labored doing the menial task of tent-making. Paul made tents so that He could fulfill that mission, just as many labor in “tent-making” jobs even today so that they can afford to preach the word.  He labored and endured much, motivated by his desire to “preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8).  He not only preached about Jesus to churches, but he also wrote many epistles to the churches to instruct and encourage them in that regard.

Ancient letter writing was neither cheap nor easy.  There was papyrus and ink to buy, and labor involved in composition.  Some estimate the costs associated with preparing Paul’s letter to the Romans to be over $2,000.  The money had to come from somewhere, and tent-making helped Paul to gain the funds. Paul labored making tents to move people, by way of trusting in Jesus, from their earthly tents into mansions in heaven.  Paul’s epistles, now available to you in your own Bible, originated from his personal sacrifice because he longed for you to know Jesus and encounter the riches that can only be found in Him.  Remember that as you read God’s Word, for many, like Paul, labored hard and sacrificed much to avail the riches of truth to you!

Paul labored making tents, so you could one day trade in your tent for a mansion.

MANSION OVER THE HILLTOP
I’m satisfied with just a cottage below,
A little silver and a little gold;
But in that city where the ransomed will shine,
I want a gold one that’s silver-lined.

Refrain:
I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop,
In that bright land where we’ll never grow old;
And someday yonder we will never more wander,
But walk the streets that are purest gold.

Tho’ often tempted, tormented and tested
And, like the prophet, my pillow a stone,
And tho’ I find here no permanent dwelling,
I know He’ll give me a mansion my own. [Refrain]

Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely,
I’m not discouraged, I’m heaven bound;
I’m just a pilgrim in search of a city,
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown. [Refrain]

September 20

Bible Reading: Acts 17:25-34

Acts 17:25, “Nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”

In Latin, “quid quo pro” means “something for something,” and speaks to an exchange or services between two parties.  That was the way it worked for the Athenians and their gods.  The gods demanded attention, so the people gave offerings and such.  In exchange, the people supposedly benefited inasmuch as the gods were pleased and caused no havoc.  In contrast, the One true God needs nothing and yet gives everything.

An attribute of God is something true about God, and one thing that’s true about God is that He is self-sufficient.  Unlike the demanding false gods, the True God doesn’t need anything.  Arthur W. Pink has commented on this: “During a past eternity, God was alone: self-contained, self-sufficient, self-satisfied; in need of nothing. The creation of the universe, angels and mankind, when He did, added nothing to God essentially…That He chose to do so was purely a sovereign act on His part, caused by nothing outside Himself, determined by nothing but His own good pleasure.”

Again, in contrast to the false gods worshipped by the Athenians, the true God only gives.  All that we have has come from His hand.  He is good and does good (Psalm 119:68).  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).  Not only does He give us “life and breath and everything,” He gave His only begotten Son to save us from our sins (John 3:16).  The giving nature of God was made fully manifest in the life of Jesus, who only ever gave and sought nothing in return (Acts 20:35).  Our relationship with God is no quid quo pro, for He has already lavished His grace on us (Ephesians 1:8).  There are plenty of good reasons to live to please God, but attempting to get something out of Him is not one of them.

“No one can outgive God!”—Jim Thompson

I SING THE MIGHT POWER OF GOD
We sing the mighty power of God
that made the mountains rise,
that spread the flowing seas abroad
and built the lofty skies.
We sing the wisdom that ordained
the sun to rule the day;
the moon shines full at his command,
and all the stars obey.

We sing the goodness of the Lord
that filled the earth with food;
he formed the creatures with his word
and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how your wonders are displayed,
where’er we turn our eyes,
if we survey the ground we tread
or gaze upon the skies.

There’s not a plant or flower below
but makes your glories known,
and clouds arise and tempests blow
by order from your throne;
while all that borrows life from you
is ever in your care,
and everywhere that we can be,
you, God, are present there.

September 19

Bible Reading: Acts 17:22-24

Acts 17:23, “For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”

In the sixth century B.C., Athens was struck by a devastating pestilence. The Athenians, who worshipped a multitude of gods, believed that the plague was a sign of divine displeasure. To address this crisis, the city sought the counsel of a priestess, who recommended a ritual purification. They summoned Epimenides, a man from Crete, to perform the necessary rites.

Epimenides took both black and white sheep and released them to roam freely across the city. Followers were instructed to mark with an altar the locations where each sheep was laid down as an offering to the local deities. To ensure that no god was overlooked, they also erected altars to an “Unknown God” as a precautionary measure.

Epimenides’ was credited with saving Athens from the plague, and he was hailed as a prophet. However, like with other such outbreaks, it eventually merely subsided on its own.  Not only was Epimenides revered as a prophet, he was a famed poet.  In fact, the words, “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28) were from him.

Epimenides came to Athens to address a pestilence that threatened the city’s health, employing rituals to appease a multitude of deities. In contrast, Paul arrived in Athens sent by the Holy Spirit to address a far greater issue: the spiritual plight of its people. The numerous false gods of Athens could not stop the pestilence, as they were mere fabrications. However, the God previously unknown to the Athenians, now revealed by Paul, offers a solution to a universal affliction of a different nature.

Jesus’ resurrection stands as undeniable proof of the acceptance of His sacrifice for sin. The pandemic of sin, which affects all of humanity, finds its remedy in the blood of Jesus. While Epimenides sought to placate a host of imaginary gods, Paul proclaimed the good news of a real God who sacrificed His only Son to redeem us from our sins. How wonderful it is that this God is not unknown to us!

In creation, God shows us His hand; in redemption, He shows us His heart. – Dennis J. De Haan

HOW GREAT THOU ART
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Refrain:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. [Refrain]

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin. [Refrain]

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!” [Refrain]

September 18

Bible Reading: Acts 17:16-21

Acts 17:21, “Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.”

According to a Pew Research Center study, Americans spend on average 70 minutes watching, reading and listening to news on any day.  Another study found that more people are turning away from the news, describing it to be depressing, relentless and boring.  Perhaps you can relate, for as Solomon once said, “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).  The news is rather predictable.  If it “bleeds it leads,” so the bad news gets the most attention, and in this sin-broken world, there is plenty of that to go around.  But they are all recycled stories.

The Athenians had an appetite for news.  In fact, they “spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21).  They didn’t have TVs or radios or the internet to inform them, what they heard was by word of mouth (Luke 13:1-5).  Worshiping a plethora of gods, the Athenians were “in every way…very religious” (Acts 17:22).  According to their thinking, their mythical gods were the ones pulling the strings.  The news was not just about what was happening amongst them, but what the gods were up to behind the scenes.  We’re more sophisticated these days. People ascribe such things not to mythical gods, but to karma, astrology, or good old-fashioned luck, be it good or bad.

Nothing could have prepared the Athenians for the news story they heard from the lips of the Apostle Paul.  His news was of the one true God who created everything, has need of nothing, and gives to man both life and breath (Acts 17:24-25).  His news was of the need to seek this God (Acts 17:27), the one who commands all to repent in view of the coming judgment (Acts 17:31).  His news was about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (Acts 17:31-32). 

No news story like that had ever crossed the wires of the Athenian news network before!  That story, the gospel, is the preeminent of all news stories, for it is both glorious and powerful to save (1 Timothy 1:11; Romans 1:16).  Two thousand years removed, that news story is as relevant now as it was then.  I’m thinking we perhaps spend too much time watching and thinking about the news of the day, when it’s the news of salvation from sin and deliverance to heaven that has captured our hearts.  The God who knows the details of every bad news story this broken world has even ushered forth, is the God who responded by sending His Son to die for sins and rise from the dead.  That story, the gospel, is news worth telling and hearing!

The bad news in this sin-broken world works to make the good news even more glorious and relevant!

JESUS SAVES!
We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward!—’tis our Lord’s command;
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Sing above the battle’s strife,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
By His death and endless life,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Sing it softly thru the gloom,
When the heart for mercy craves,
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves.

Give the winds a mighty voice,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Let the nations now rejoice.
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Shout salvation full and free,
Highest hills and deepest caves,
This our song of victory,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves.

September 17

Bible Reading: Acts 17:10-15

Acts 17:11, “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

My good friend was struggling to understand a difficult passage in the Bible, so he asked his pastor about it.  The pastor’s response surprised him; instead of offering his own opinion, the pastor told my friend that it would be more beneficial if he searched the Scriptures for himself to gain an understanding.  That encounter has since worked to bear much fruit, for in the many years since, he has built a well-founded understanding of the Scriptures, which is clear in his ability to teach and his extensive Bible knowledge.  There’s a difference between knowing what we know because some human has told us and knowing what we know because the Spirit has taught us through the Word!

The Jews in Berea were more noble than those in Thessalonica because they heard eagerly and examined carefully.  To be a “Berean” is to follow in their example, just as 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 encouraged us to do: “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”  We are exhorted to “test everything,” by passing it through a “but what does the Bible say?” filter.  That’s what the Bereans did!  They listened attentively to what the Apostles were saying, but then they measured what they said against the standard of the Scriptures.

Those folks did not possess any Bible study tools like us, but they had, in the “analogy of Scripture,” a principle that we all have if we own a Bible.  Put simply, the principle states that the Scriptures are the best interpreter of the Scriptures.  Since all Scripture is inspired, all parts of the Bible are equally inspired (2 Timothy 3:16).  Scripture doesn’t contradict itself, and that reality can help in the study of the Bible.  Most Bibles cite cross references alongside the Bible text.  It’s good practice to look those up, comparing Scripture against Scripture in gaining an accurate understanding.  The key is to guard the treasure of a heart that longs for truth (1 Peter 2:2).

A more noble response to the Scriptures is to hear eagerly and examine carefully.

SPEAK, O LORD
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of Your holy Word
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All Your purposes for Your glory

Teach us, Lord, full obedience
Holy reverence, true humility
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
In the radiance of Your purity
Cause our faith to rise, cause our eyes to see
Your majestic love and authority
Words of pow’r that can never fail
Let their truth prevail over unbelief

Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds
Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time
That will echo down through eternity
And by grace, we’ll stand on Your promises
And by faith, we’ll walk as You walk with us
Speak, O Lord, ‘til Your church is built
And the earth is filled with Your glory

Songwriters: Keith Getty / Stuart Townend
Speak, O Lord lyrics © Thankyou Music, Thank You Music Ltd.

September 16

Bible Reading: Acts 17:1-9

Pineapple Upside Down cake is yummy, though “upside down” because the idea is to bake it that way.  But with humans, it is better to have our lives flipped around by God, so we are right side up.

Because of its central location, the city of Thessalonica served as a valuable epicenter from which to spread the gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8).  Paul and Silas came there and spent three Sabbath days in a synagogue reasoning with the Jews from the Scriptures (Acts 17:3).  Some were persuaded and joined them.  Many devout Greeks did too (Acts 17:4).  But some jealous Jews formed a mob and caused a riot.  Having dragged some brethren before the city authorities, they cried out, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also” (Acts 17:5-6).

They said what they said derisively.  It was an accusation meant to trouble Paul and Silas before the civil authorities, but there was truth to it—they had indeed “turned the world upside down,” or, actually, “right side up.”  J. Vernon McGee said of their statement, “Now don’t put that down as an oratorical gesture or hyperbole.  When they said that these men were turning the world upside down, that is exactly what they meant.  When Christianity penetrated that old Roman Empire, it was a revolution.  It had a tremendous effect.”

And, of course, it wasn’t ultimately the men themselves who were doing it, but the Holy Spirit and the message of the gospel He empowered them to proclaim.  It was the Risen Christ who was at work radically transforming the lives of those who placed their faith in Him.  It is sin that works to put things in a radical topsy-turvy state. The gospel alone can set things aright.  It is as A. W. Tozer explained: “Why did Christ come?  Why was he conceived?  Why was he born?  Why was he crucified?  Why did he rise again?  Why is he now at the right hand of the Father?  The answer to all these questions is, ‘in order that he might make worshipers out of rebels; in order that he might restore us again to the place of worship we knew when we were first created.” 

There was a day when you heard and believed the good news of Christ’s death for sins and resurrection from the dead.  Praise God that He worked to flip your upside-down life around! 

“Once I was lost in sin’s degradation, Jesus came down to bring me salvation.”

NOW I BELONG TO JESUS
Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,
From Him no pow’r of evil can sever,
He gave His life to ransom my soul;
Now I belong to Him;

Refrain:
Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me,
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.

Once I was lost in sin’s degradation,
Jesus came down to bring me salvation,
Lifted me up from sorrow and shame,
Now I belong to Him; [ Refrain]

Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me,
Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me
His precious blood, He came to redeem,
Now I belong to Him; [Refrain]

September 13

Bible Reading: Acts 16:25-40

Acts 16:30-31, “Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'”

It was the Jailor’s job.  The authorities brought in the criminals; he would lock them up.  Likely, this man had dealt with many prisoners before, but never any quite like Paul and Silas.  Their crime?  They had upset the local economy when they exorcised a demon from a fortune teller.  The indictment against them?  “They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice” (Acts 16:21).  The magistrates ordered them to be beaten and thrown into jail.

The jailer threw them into the “inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks” (Acts 16:24), no doubt a dark and inhospitable place.  They had, in that setting, no earthly reason to rejoice, but that is exactly what they did.  Though their feet were bound, their hearts were not.  The prisoners were listening attentively, for nothing like that had ever happened before (Acts 16:25).  People are watching our response to difficult circumstances.  We are sometimes prone to grumble, yet the Fount of Blessing can tune our hearts to sing His grace. 

God caused a great earthquake which shook the prison and set the captives free.  Roused from his sleep, and supposing his prisoners to have escaped, the jailer was about to kill himself.  The penalty in that day for losing one’s prisoners was quite severe (Acts 12:19).  Paul intervened, cried out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here” (Acts 16:28).  The jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas (Acts 16:29).  “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” he asked (Acts 16:30).  Great question, one for which all should earnestly seek an answer.  Paul and Silas declared to the Jailer, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). And he believed (Acts 16:33).

We’re told nothing of the jailer’s background.  But it didn’t matter, for the remedy for sin remains the same for all.  With a mere ten words, Paul declared that all that was necessary to be saved was to trust in Jesus.  It is as simple as that; no long list of rules to obey or sacraments to observe.  Salvation is by grace through faith and that’s what happened with the jailer; he and his family were gifted with salvation as a result of placing their faith in Jesus.  He was saved in the same manner as any ever are—by trusting in Jesus! 

Trust in Jesus is the answer to life’s biggest question!

COME, EVERY SOUL
Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
There’s mercy with the Lord;
And He will surely give you rest,
By trusting in His word.
Only trust Him, only trust Him,
Only trust Him now;

Refrain:
He will save you, He will save you,
He will save you now.

For Jesus shed His precious blood
Rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
That washes white as snow.
Come to Jesus, come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus now; [Refrain]

Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way,
That leads you into rest;
Believe in Him without delay,
And you are fully blest.
Don’t reject Him, don’t reject Him,
Don’t reject Him now; [Refrain]

Come then and join this holy band,
And on to glory go,
To dwell in that celestial land,
Where joys immortal flow.
I will trust Him, I will trust Him,
I will trust Him now; [Refrain]

September 12

Bible Reading: Acts 16:25-40

Acts 16:25, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”

The worship service was anything but conventional. From a human perspective, it offered little to inspire or encourage praise and gratitude toward God. The Sanctuary was stark and unadorned, bordering on the severe. There were no song leaders, musical instruments, or hymnals. Instead, only two worshipers were present, adorned not in their Sunday best, but with cuts and bruises. Despite being imprisoned in a Philippian jail with their feet secured in stocks, these two individuals, Paul and Silas, were found “praying and singing hymns to God.” A massive earthquake that not only ended their service but also the prison itself abruptly interrupted their worship.

Worship is acknowledging God for who He is and what He does in what we say and what we do. Acceptable worship, as Jesus taught, must be in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). God is seeking worshipers who will worship Him in this manner (John 4:23). He has redeemed us for this noble purpose, cleansing us of our sins through Jesus and transforming us into true worshipers (Titus 3:3-7; 1 Peter 2:9).

It is only those who’ve born again who can worship God in an acceptable manner, and then only as they are led by the Spirit and by truth (Ephesians 5:18; Philippians 3:3). Despite being confined in a prison cell, Paul and Silas, filled with the Spirit, freely prayed and sang praises to God. When a person is filled with the Spirit and the Word (Colossians 3:16-17), worship naturally follows.

While having beautiful facilities, skilled song leaders, and meaningful hymns is a blessing, they are no substitute for the transformative work of the Spirit in our hearts. Paul and Silas worshiped God from their prison cell as the Spirit directed their hearts toward Jesus. This same opportunity is available to all of us. Worship is not confined to Sundays or church services; it can occur anywhere, at any time, under any circumstance (1 Corinthians 10:31). Are you filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)? Does the Word richly dwell within you (Colossians 3:16)? Then you possess all that is necessary to worship God even now!

As Paul and Silas worshiped from their jail cell, “the prisoners were listening to them!” In these challenging times, many are searching for direction. People are observing us. Do they see us worshiping God? If we are Spirit-led and deeply rooted in truth, they will. And by doing so, we will glorify God and maintain a credible testimony before others.

Worship is not confined to Sundays or church services; it can occur anywhere, at any time, under any circumstance!

COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING
Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

Here I raise my Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I’m come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.

September 11

Bible Reading: Acts 16:16-24

Acts 16:16, “As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.”

She was being exploited by her masters for profit, for she had a “spirit of divination,” which was believed to be inspired by Apollo, the god associated with giving oracles. People referred to fortune tellers like her as “ventriloquists” because their predictions seemed to come from some unseen, external source.

In that era, fortune-telling was highly regarded, with even emperors consulting oracles before making significant decisions. A slave girl with clairvoyant abilities was, therefore, a tremendous asset for her owners. She had multiple masters, all of whom profited handsomely from the many who sought her supposed supernatural guidance.

Enslaved by cruel masters, she was also bound by sin and demonic forces (2 Timothy 2:26). Each day, she had no choice but to follow the commands of her employers, her soul darkened by an evil spirit that guided her in peddling her predictions. While her masters reaped the rewards, she was just a tool.

Daily, as Paul and his companions went to the place of prayer, the demon within her would cry out, declared them to be servants of the “Most High God” (Acts 16:17).  The demon’s outbursts irritated Paul, who eventually commanded the spirit to leave her. The spirit departed that very hour (Acts 16:18).

She told others their fortunes, but her own fortunes were far from favorable.  Darkened in her understanding, exploited by others, and divorced from God Himself, she faced a foreboding future.  And there was no one to remedy her situation or change the trajectory of her life.  But then Paul and his friends came bearing good fortune in the good news of forgiveness and freedom from sin.  Jesus’ power to save knows no bounds, reaching even the direst situations. Once freed, the former slave girl’s tongue, once commanded by demonic forces, no doubt henceforth sang the praises of the One who had set her free.  As do all those who have been transferred from the domain of darkness into the loving arms of Jesus (Colossians 1:11)!

There is deliverance and freedom in the name and by the power of Jesus Christ!

JESUS, THE NAME HIGH OVER ALL
Jesus, the name high over all,
In hell, or earth, or sky:
Angels and men before it fall,
And devils fear and fly.

Jesus, the name to sinners dear,
The name to sinners giv’n;
It scatters all their guilty fear,
It brings them peace of heav’n.

Jesus the prisoner’s fetters breaks,
And bruises Satan’s head;
Pow’r into strengthless souls He speaks,
And life into the dead.

Oh, that the world might taste and see,
The riches of His grace!
The arms of love that compass me,
Would all mankind embrace.