LookingtoJesus

November 28

Bible Reading: Acts 27:27-38

Acts 27:34, “Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.”

Jesus is the best example to us in every virtuous thing, including in what it means to be a great leader.  As the “overseer of our souls,” He loves and cares and leads better than anyone else ever can (1 Peter 2:25).  Any other leader is effective to the extent that they follow in his footsteps, as under shepherds, directing others to look to the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).  In that way, a good leader cares for people, seeing to both their physical and spiritual needs.  As did Paul aboard the ship.

Humanly speaking, Paul was nobody among the crew.  There were 276 persons in all, including a captain and a pilot and crew men serving in various roles, but Paul was a mere prisoner.  Though he’d earned the trust of the Centurion, he was still at the lowest point of rank of all the people on board.  But over the course of the doomed voyage, Paul rose in influence to where he became the one leader to whom men looked for guidance and encouragement.  That happened not by man’s decision, but because Paul was there by God’s design and shared the heart of Jesus in his loving concern for others.

Following in the example of Jesus, with the wisdom and love borne in him by the Spirit, he led his shipmates on board the ship.  Good leaders possess a clear vision regarding where they are leading others.  Paul had prayed for his shipmates.  His goal, his vision, was to see them kept safe through the storm, so he took steps accordingly.  Good leaders find ways to encourage others.  Paul did that by his faith in God, and specifically the promise that God would protect them.  He intervened when some sought to escape the floundering vessel, thereby protecting their safety.  Good leaders show genuine concern for those they lead.  When they’d been fourteen days without food, Paul encouraged them to take some food for their strength, giving thanks to God “in the presence of all” for His provision (Acts 27:35). 

We all lead others at some time in some way.  Paul set forth a good example of some of the practical things a godly leader can do. He did things that we all, as believers, can do as we interact with others lacking direction and hope in this storm-tossed world!

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” –John Quincy Adams

OH! TO BE LIKE THEE
Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find. [Refrain]

Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above. [Refrain]

November 27

Bible Reading: Acts 27:13-26

Acts 27:25, “So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.”

Hope, as the term is used in Scripture, refers to a “favorable and confident expectation” and concerns that which “has to do with the unseen and the future” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of OT and NT Words).  It differs from the common usage in our vernacular because Biblical hope contains no element of doubt.  We might say, “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow,” but lacking any guarantee that hope cannot be deemed a “confident expectation.”

Biblical hope is sourced in God himself and is founded on His promises.  Its assurance lies not in the favorable winds of happy circumstances, but on the goodness and faithfulness of God.  Paul’s shipmates, encouraged by the south wind that blew gently, set sail (Acts 26:13).  But favorable winds soon turned to a lethal northeaster.  So, it is in life.  Circumstances in life are random and unpredictable.  To base one’s hope solely on the fair winds of today is to lose all hope in tomorrow’s tempest.  That’s what happened to the crew of Paul’s vessel, when at last they abandoned all hope of being saved (Acts 27:20).

Paul’s hope was anchored to God and his sure promises.  Paul belonged to and worshipped God.  And God sent an angel to reassure him that he would stand before Caesar, and thus survive the doomed voyage (Acts 27:24).  Not only that, but God also reassured Paul that the lives of his shipmates would be saved.  That God “granted (Paul) all those who sail with you,” presupposes that Paul must have prayed, asking God to spare their lives (Acts 27:24).

Paul told the crew to take heart.  His encouragement to them was not based on some fickle weather report or because he had a rabbit’s foot in his pocket.  His hope rested instead on the reliable promise given to him by God.  Likewise, the believer’s hope is well founded in the reality of who God is and the sureness of the promises He’s made.  There are few guarantees in life, but God’s promises hold true 100 percent of the time.  Hope in Jesus serves a “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19), that holds no matter the storm.  You’ve been blessed to possess such a hope, and when troubles come, it’s good to remind others of its source.

To base one’s hope solely on the fair winds of today is to lose all hope in tomorrow’s tempest.

STANDING ON THE PROMISES
Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

November 26

Bible Reading: Acts 27:9-12

Acts 27:12, “…the majority decided.”

The headline described the tragedy this way: “450 sheep leap to their deaths in Turkey.”  The article explained what happened.  In July 2005, in the Turkish village of Gevas, one sheep went over the cliff, enticing nearly fifteen hundred others to follow.  By the time 450 died, the pile of sheep carcasses at the bottom of the cliff grew large enough to cushion the fall for the rest.  Hundreds of sheep died.  It was a heartbreaking loss for the 26 families, each possessing, on average, 20 sheep.  Collectively, they lost about $100,000 worth of sheep.

This tragedy reminds us that the majority is not always right.  Biblically speaking, we know this to be true because it’s the majority that travel obliviously on the broad path that leads to destruction, whereas it’s a narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).  Paul had the advantage over his fellow shipmates, for he was a man who was trusting in God.  Indwelt by the Spirit, he had the advantage of seeing things from a higher perspective.  From that vantage point, he perceived that voyage was doomed to suffer much loss, both of ship and cargo and lives.  But the centurion preferred the counsel of the pilot and shipowner, and in the end, “the majority decided” to put out to sea.

In the end, Paul’s perspective proved true, leading to his own “I told you so” moment (Acts 27:21).  And dire circumstances would ultimately lead to even greater opportunities for Paul to exercise leadership.  But let’s not miss this important point—in your life, you will undoubtedly find yourself in the minority when it comes to issues pertaining to faith in Christ. 

It’s not easy to speak out against the majority.  Consider Paul’s situation.  He was not a sailor by trade.  He lacked the experience of the pilot or ship owner.  He was merely a prisoner on board.  But nonetheless he courageously voiced what he believed to be true.  You’ll no doubt find yourself in the position of affirming truths pertaining to Jesus and salvation and trust in Him.  There’ll be times, on that narrow way that leads to life, that you’ll need to warn others regarding the path on which they are headed.  You might even find yourself being scorned or laughed at.  But better to speak out against the majority than to remain quiet as they plummet over a cliff to their doom.  Paul spoke the truth in love because he cared.  He was constrained by the love of Christ to do so.  As are you.

“What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.” – Albert Einstein

I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

November 25

Bible Reading: Acts 27:1-8

Acts 27:1-2, “And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius.  And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea.”

Paul’s voyage to Rome was beset with challenges and ultimately led to a shipwreck.  Though Paul, humanly speaking, held no important position on the ship (he was just a prisoner; not the captain or pilot or even a member of the crew), he ultimately became the most important person on board.  That’s because he was a man of faith in God, and God used him to exercise a positive influence on the others.

The book “We Thought We Heard the Angels Sing” by James C. Whittaker, recounts the true story of World War II pilots who survived 21 days adrift in the Pacific after their B-24 bomber crashed. Their amazing story highlights themes of faith, survival, and God’s provision in the darkest moments.

On October 21, 1942, seven men, including Eddie Rickenbacker, a famous World War I ace, departed on a secret mission. Due to navigation errors and equipment failure, they missed their island destination and crash-landed at sea. Miraculously, the crew survived and took refuge on two small life rafts, with minimal supplies: four oranges, a few tools, and one man’s pocket New Testament.

Adrift for weeks, they faced blistering heat, hunger, thirst, and relentless sharks. Their greatest resource proved to be faith in God, spurred by Johnny, a crewmate (not the famous WW I ace or a pilot) who carried the New Testament. Though not all were religious, the crew began daily prayer and scripture reading, drawing comfort and hope from passages like Matthew 6, which speaks of trusting God for provision.

Their prayers were answered in remarkable ways. After praying for food, a faulty flare startled fish into their raft. When desperate for water, a rainstorm provided relief. Even when hope seemed lost, prayers led to further miracles, including their eventual sighting of land and a miraculous final effort to reach shore, aided by newfound strength after another prayer.

On November 11, islanders rescued the surviving crew, and the author later reflected on the impact of Johnny’s faith: “Prayer led us to safety.” Johnny’s example showed how one person’s trust in God can inspire and sustain others through life’s storms.  If you are a man or woman of faith, you’ve your own sphere of influence.  Amidst the trials we all face, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to bless others as you trust God among them.

“The faith you exercise today will influence others tomorrow.”

MAKE ME A BLESSING
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Refrain:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and his love,
Tell of his pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust him if only you prove
True, ev’ry moment you live. [Refrain]

Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true. [Refrain]

November 22

Bible Reading: Acts 25:19-31

Act 26:14, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”

Have you ever been called crazy for the beliefs you hold as a follower of Jesus? If so, you are in good company, for they said the same about Jesus and about the Apostle Paul (Mark 3:21, Acts 26:24).

Festus’ reaction to Paul’s defense before King Agrippa is a sentiment that still echoes today. The message of the cross is, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, “folly to those who are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Many mock it, laugh at it, or ignore it altogether—but for those who believe, it represents “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). There can be no salvation apart from the gospel. By its power, sinners are delivered from darkness to light, from the dominion of Satan to the power of God. Paul himself experienced such a deliverance through the gospel, which he described as the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

These are sober, weighty truths. Insanity, as the saying goes, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Sin, in this sense, is the ultimate form of insanity. It is madness to live in rebellion against God and expect no judgment from the Creator. The hedonistic mindset of “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Corinthians 15:32) is insanity in action. This is the very mindset Festus, King Agrippa, and Bernice had embraced. Blinded to the truth, enslaved to sin, and under the power of Satan, they could not see the folly of their ways.

But Paul’s defense before King Agrippa was not merely a legal argument; it was an invitation to salvation. Paul turned the tables on their investigation. Addressing King Agrippa directly, he asked, “Do you believe the prophets? I know you do” (Acts 26:27). What began as an interrogation of Paul’s faith became an evangelistic opportunity. Paul didn’t just defend his innocence—he sought to persuade Agrippa, Festus, and all who were listening of the truth of the gospel. Agrippa, perhaps feeling the weight of Paul’s words, responded: “In a short time, would you persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28).

Paul’s reply was profound: “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains” (Acts 26:29). Paul was living proof of the power of the gospel to transform lives. Festus thought Paul was mad, but Paul, in his chains, was the clearest demonstration of what the gospel can do—freeing a soul from sin and death.

Sin is the true insanity. The gospel alone offers the cure. While the world may scoff, mock, and misunderstand the gospel, it is the one true way of salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). It is through the cross of Christ that the power of sin is broken, the veil of blindness is lifted, and eternal life is offered to all who believe.  The world might deem you crazy for your Christian beliefs, but true sanity is gifted by God to those who have come to their senses unto faith in Christ (Luke 15:17).

“But when he came to his senses, he said…’I will set out and go to my father’.”—Luke 15:17-18a

HEAVEN CAME DOWN
O what a wonderful, wonderful day
Day I will never forget
After I’d wandered in darkness away
Jesus my Saviour I met
O what a tender, compassionate friend
He met the need of my heart
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart

Refrain:
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul (filled my soul)
When at the cross my Saviour made me whole (made me whole)
My sins were washed away
And my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul

Born of the Spirit with life from above
Into God’s fam’ly divine
Justified fully thru Calvary’s love
O what a standing is mine
And the transaction so quickly was made
When as a sinner I came
Took of the offer of grace He did proffer
He saved me, O praise His dear name [Refrain]

Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure
After the passing of time
I have a future in heaven for sure
There in those mansions sublime
And it’s because of that wonderful day
When at the cross I believed
Riches eternal and blessings supernal
From His precious hand I received [Refrain]

Text and Music: John W. Peterson; Copyright 1961 John W. Peterson Music Company

November 21

Bible Reading: Acts 26:16-18

Acts 26:18, “…to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

In August 2010, a catastrophic mine collapse in Chile trapped 33 miners 2,300 feet underground. For 17 days, the world anxiously awaited any sign of life as exploratory boreholes were drilled, hoping against hope that the miners had survived. When it was confirmed that they were alive, a massive international rescue effort was launched. But the miners faced their own struggle for survival in the dark, oppressive depths of the mine.

The mandated escape ladders had never been installed, so the miners were forced to rely on each other. The duty shift supervisor, acting as their de facto leader, gathered the job men into a small, secure room, organizing them and their limited resources to ensure their survival. The room, barely 540 square feet, contained only two benches and little in the way of comfort. Food was scarce, and each miner lost an average of 18 pounds before their rescue. The oppressive heat and humidity left them drenched in sweat, while the lack of ventilation made breathing difficult. The miners would periodically venture into the tunnels, hoping to find a breeze, but the constant fear of further cave-ins kept them on edge.

Sanitation was another major problem, leading to the onset of health issues. Two miners developed silicosis, one contracted pneumonia, and others suffered from eye and dental problems. But despite these overwhelming challenges, the men clung to that hope that a rescue was on the way. Chile’s government, NASA, and a host of international corporations worked together to drill a rescue shaft large enough to lower a specially designed capsule. After 69 agonizing days underground, the first miner was lifted to the surface. The rescue, watched by an estimated 1 billion people worldwide, culminated with the last miner’s dramatic ascent to safety.

When the final miner emerged, the workers still underground raised a sign for the cameras, reading, “Mission Accomplished Chile.” On the surface, the world erupted in joy—cries, hugs, and cheers filled the air. It was an extraordinary rescue, one that captured the world’s attention.

But for the believer in Christ, this miraculous deliverance pales in comparison to the salvation that Christ offers: a deliverance from darkness and the power of Satan, to light and to God. While the miners’ rescue was a remarkable feat of human ingenuity and determination, the salvation Christ provides is the ultimate rescue, one that brings forgiveness and eternal life and hope, not just temporary relief.  The believer in Christ has experienced such a rescue, one which should overflow his heart with gratitude (Colossians 2:7)!

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son!”—Colossians 1:13

GLORY TO HIS NAME
Down at the cross where my Savior died,
Down where for cleansing from sin I cried,
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to his name!

Refrain:
Glory to his name,
Glory to his name;
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to his name!

I am so wondrously saved from sin,
Jesus so sweetly abides within;
There at the cross where he took me in;
Glory to his name! [Refrain]

Oh, precious fountain that saves from sin,
I am so glad I have entered in;
There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean;
Glory to his name! [Refrain]

Come to this fountain so rich and sweet,
Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet;
Plunge in today, and be made complete;
Glory to his name! [Refrain]

November 20

Bible Reading: Acts 26:12-15

Acts 26:14, ”It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

Recently one of my hospice patients teasingly shared with me she was in an ongoing discussion with God about her circumstances, but that so far, He had changed nothing.  Perhaps you’ve found yourself in a similar “Job-like” situation. But in the end no one has ever won an argument with God.

Plowing at night through rough, foggy seas, a battleship’s radar suddenly indicates an object directly in its path. The ship’s captain sends a radio signal, “We are on a collision course. Advise you to change course 10 degrees north.”  A response crackles over the radio: “Negative. We advise you to change course 10 degrees south.”  The captain can now see a blinking light from the approaching object. Perturbed, he bellows a reply: “I’m a ship’s captain. Change course 10 degrees north, now!”  “I’m a seaman second class,” comes the reply. “Advise that you change course 10 degrees south to avoid imminent collision.”  The captain is furious. He blurts another command: “This is a battleship! Change your course immediately!”  Back comes the calm reply: “This is a lighthouse.”  The battleship changed course.

Jesus confronted Saul, admonishing him that “it is hard for (him) to kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14).  A goad was a stick with a sharp point on the end to prod an ox when plowing.  The farmer would prick the animal with the goad to steer it in a certain direction.  If the animal kicked against the goad, it would be driven even further into the flesh, causing more pain.  Saul was passionately going his own way in his fight against Christianity, but not in the direction God wanted for him to go.  In fact, Saul’s path was hopeless inasmuch as Jesus had promised to build His church despite all the devil’s opposition. The esteemed Gamaliel wisely argued that if the cause of the Christians was from God, then those opposing it would find themselves “fighting against God” (Acts 5:39).  And that’s exactly where Saul found himself. 

Job argued with God.  The Psalmists sometimes questioned God about things.  Jonah dismissed God’s command and headed in the opposite direction.  The problem with resisting God is that He always gets His way in the end, and kicking against His goads is painful.  Come to think of it, it’s a good thing that God has His goads—lest we wander unimpeded.

“I have strayed like a lost sheep.  Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.” – Psalm 119:76

HE LIFTED ME
In loving kindness Jesus came
My soul in mercy to reclaim,
And from the depths of sin and shame
Through grace He lifted me.

Refrain:
From sinking sand He lifted me,
With tender hand He lifted me,
From shades of night to plains of light,
O praise His name, He lifted me!

He called me long before I heard,
Before my sinful heart was stirred,
But when I took Him at His word,
Forgiven He lifted me. [Refrain]

His brow was pierced with many a thorn,
His hands by cruel nails were torn,
When from my guilt and grief, forlorn,
In love He lifted me. [Refrain]

Now on a higher plane I dwell,
And with my soul I know ’tis well;
Yet how or why, I cannot tell,
He should have lifted me. [Refrain]

November 19

Bible Reading: Acts 26:9-11

Acts 26:9-11,“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.”

In the recent election, millions of Americans cast their votes for various candidates.  Some candidates won, some lost.  Winners will be privileged to serve in their new roles, whatever they might be.  Saul casts some votes too, but it was the very lives of Christians that hung in the balance.

Our passage speaks to the depth of Saul’s depravity.  Sent out under the authority of the chief priests, his mission was to hunt down and imprison Christians.  Though these folks had committed no crime, they had identified themselves to be followers of Christ, and that was enough.  With raging fury, Saul pursued them with vengeance.  When brought before the court, Saul tried to make them blaspheme.  When the vote was taken whether to put them to death, Paul voted against them.  He joined with others in that wicked enterprise.  Imagine the terror that was visited upon those folks and their families!  And Saul was at the heart of it.

The Lord Jesus was well aware of all that was happening.  In persecuting Christians, Saul was persecuting Christ Himself, as Jesus made clear: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me” (Acts 26:14)?  Every true believer is intimately united with Christ in a relationship that cannot be broken (Romans 8:37-39).  The evil leaders may have cast their vote against those Christians, but God had already decreed and won their victory (Romans 8:37).

In his wicked conflict against Christians, Saul engaged in an unwinnable war.  The Lord Jesus intervened and saved Saul in miraculous fashion, transforming the worst enemy of the church into the church’s best friend.  The fact that the Lord worked to save and transform such a man testifies to the riches of His grace and mercy (1 Timothy 1:14).  Evil men cast wicked votes.  But the Lord has the final say.  Saul was Christian enemy #1, but then God turned Him around.  His ability to save and transform knows no limits.  Think back to how God intervened in your life (Ephesians 2:1-3) and give thanks again for the miracle of your salvation!

“Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.” –Proverbs 16:33 (The Message)

IT IS NO SECRET
The chimes of time ring out the news
Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell
Was that someone you?
You may have longed for added strength
Your courage to renew
Do not be disheartened
For I have news for you
It is no secret what God can do
What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you
With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do

There is no night for in His light
You never walk alone
Always feel at home
Wherever you may go
There is no power can conquer you
While God is on your side
Take Him at His promise
Don’t run away and hide
It is no secret what God can do
What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you
With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do

November 18

Bible Reading: Acts 26:1-8

Acts 26:8, “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?”

She was tired, in pain, and dying.  She told me so.  Her discomfort was plain for me to see.  Doctors and nurses were doing their best to help alleviate her pain, but there was nothing to be done about her failing heart. In her 90s, she’d lived a rich, full life, but her journey was nearing the end.  It’s a scenario I’ve witnessed countless times.  Questions rise to the surface.  “Why am I still here?”  “Is God mad at me about something?”  “What’s going to happen to me?”  Situations like that remind us of how precious the gospel message is.  That Jesus Christ died for sins and rose from the dead represents a glorious message of hope for all who believe.  Death is not the end; a future resurrection awaits.  Yet not all share in such hope.

The Apostle Paul was not on trial for any crime he’d committed, but for his belief in Jesus.  Certain Jews despised him for his outreach to the Gentiles, and for his message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone.  According to Paul’s own words, he was “on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers” (Acts 26:6).  Foundational to that hope was the resurrection of the Jesus Christ.

Paul spoke to a room full of doubters, religious folks who believed in God, but didn’t accept Paul’s message.  Their God was too small.  His question to them is a question pertinent to many, for many profess faith in God, but are skeptical regarding such miracles.  Why would anyone think it too difficult for God to raise the dead?  Why question the ability of the One who created the heavens and the earth and who gives life to all (Isaiah 42:5)?  He is the Lord omnipotent whose power knows no limits.  Nothing is too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17)!

“The immeasurable greatness of his power,” “according to the working of his great might,” worked to raise Christ “from the dead and seat him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19-20)! What He did with Christ, He’ll do for those who belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-21). And that’s good news for the living and the dying!

It is not at all incredible to believe that the God who created all things can raise the dead!

AH, LORD GOD
Ah, Lord God, Thou has made the heavens
And the earth by thy great power
Ah, Lord God, Thou has made the heavens
And the earth by Thine out – stretched arm

Nothing is too difficult for Thee
Nothing is too difficult for Thee
Great and mighty God
Great in counsel and mighty in deed
Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing
Nothing is too difficult for Thee

By Don Moen; Copyright 2002 Integrity Music

November 15

Bible Reading: Acts 25:23-27

Acts 25:23, “So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city.”

Pomp, defined as a grand and ostentatious display, is exemplified in Acts 25:23, where King Agrippa and Bernice entered the audience hall with great spectacle, surrounded by military tribunes and prominent citizens. This moment contrasts sharply with the life of the Apostle Paul, whose humble ministry unfolded amid significant trials.

After his conversion, God informed Ananias that Paul would be a chosen instrument to proclaim His name to Jews, Gentiles, and kings (Acts 9:15). Paul’s journey was fraught with difficulties, yet each circumstance was part of God’s predetermined plan to spread the message of Jesus in unexpected ways.

During his two-year imprisonment under Felix, Paul faced many serious charges that his opponents could not prove (Acts 25:7). Ultimately, he chose to appeal to Caesar rather than return to Jerusalem (Acts 25:8-12). When Agrippa arrived in Caesarea, he expressed a desire to hear Paul, leading to a grand assembly filled with political elites.

King Agrippa, a man of significant power and influence, was accompanied by his sister Bernice, whose tumultuous personal life was the subject of scandal. Their ostentatious entrance was designed to impress, but in that audience hall, Paul stood as the most powerful figure, despite his lack of worldly status. While Agrippa was adorned in physical splendor, Paul was spiritually so in Christ and had been used by Christ to beautify countless souls.

Though Paul’s appearance lacked pomp and circumstance, his faithful devotion left a profound legacy (2 Timothy 4:7-8, 18). Like Jesus, whose ministry was marked by humility (Isaiah 53:2), Paul exemplified a true and lasting spiritual beauty before God, showing that greatness in God’s kingdom often comes without outward display.  Inside his ordinary and fragile jar of clay, Paul possessed the treasure of the “knowledge of the glory of God I the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:7)!  And that’s true splendor!

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”- The Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 4:7).

GOD OF GRACE AND GOD OF GLORY
God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your pow’r;
crown your ancient Church’s story,
bring its bud to glorious flow’r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.

Lo, the hosts of evil round us
scorn the Christ, assail his ways.
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.

Cure your children’s warring madness;
bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
lest we miss your kingdom’s goal,
lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.

Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of your salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
serving you whom we adore,
serving you whom we adore.