Christian Chains

Scripture
Acts 26:28-29

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You will soon persuade me to play the Christian.” Paul replied, “I would pray to God that sooner or later not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am except for these chains.”

Observation
What would Paul think about Christianity today?  I think he would be happy at how far and wide Christianity has spread.  We have come a long way since Paul was imprisoned and defending himself in court.  In some ways, Christianity has spread just like he wanted.  Many have listened to him and many have become like him without the chains. But unfortunately, people are still persecuted for being a Christian.  People are still killed for being a Christian.  How lucky are we to live in a nation where we have freedom of religion?  Yet even with that freedom, we are slowly being persecuted more and more. When will these chains finally come off, from all those who have suffered because of Jesus?  Well, I think the answer is simple, when Jesus returns and when we are resurrected on the last day.

Application
We must not give up hope.  I think a time is coming that we will be given even more challenges and it will be more difficult to be a Christian even in our great country.  There might come a time where we need to make a choice.  Do I listen to Paul and follow Jesus and risk being put in chains?  Or do I go with the flow, stay quiet and deny Him?  While I know we will each be challenged about our faith during our lives, this challenge could reach new levels.  Are we strong enough to meet that challenge?  I know I'm not strong enough on my own.  But with Jesus, I know I am strong enough.

Prayer
Jesus, stand beside me this hour and the next.  Help me to defend our faith in you and the good news that you bring.  How can people be so against the Good News?  It doesn't make sense except for the Evil One and his lies. Help defend me against satan and all his fallen.  Protect my family and my friends.  Keep all of us strong to do your Will.  If I should be challenged with my faith, I pray that you are there to help me face that challenge and to never deny you.  This I pray in your name, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Be Not Afraid

Scripture
Acts18:9-11

One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city.” He settled there for a year and a half and taught the word of God among them.

Observation
Do not be afraid.  This is a powerful message that God gives to us.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you always.  Do not be afraid, for I go before you.  Be not afraid... one of my favorite songs/hymns at church.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snmwD6d9Xo4

I applaud all those people that have the courage to stand up to society today and with love, tell the truth.  I don't see this often, but I've been very impressed with our current Pope Francis and his ability to speak with love and understanding and yet still speak God's truth.  It seems to upset people on the extreme left and right, but I think that means he's doing it right.

Application
How can I better proclaim the Good News? I usually avoid confrontational talk, but I should be better prepared to defend and proclaim the Good News when appropriate instead of just sitting or standing silently, looking on.  I should practice what I would say in different situations, so I don't say something completely offensive, or don't say anything at all. Everything should be approached with love, knowing that God will be with me when I need to speak on His behalf.  I'm still not sure how to do this, but I will be looking for ways to improve.

Prayer
Lord, help me to not be afraid of speaking your truth.  Help me to not be critical or shutdown when I hear people speaking your truth. I know I barely understand anything about You, and I'm just a human with faults.  You make me better.  Thank you for everything you do and I will follow you.   Amen.

Should we hate our family?

Scripture
Luke 14:26

If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

Observation
Is Jesus really telling us that we must hate our father, mother, wife, children, siblings and ourselves? What does he mean?  We can look back to Abraham, he was willing to give up his own son's life for God, though he wasn't enjoying it and his heart was broken, he put God above all others and his will remained true to God.  That's what this means.  God is everything and we cannot put anyone else above Him, not even ourselves.  Jesus is using strong language here to get this point across.  To trust in Him and to follow Him, wherever it leads.  I still struggle with this passage because I think fanatics can take this to an extreme.  You can't take this out of context from the rest of the bible.  Beware of evil masquerading as your salvation.

Application
When God calls, we are too busy.  We find excuses not to heed his call.  I too often find myself in this situation where God is calling me, but I have better things to do.  Usually with church. Sports, camping, events are always getting in the way of going to church.  We try and make different times, go on Saturday evening instead of Sunday morning, or go Sunday evening.  But if church doesn't fit our schedule, it loses out. Am I putting Him above all things?  I would make a very poor disciple.  We are invited to His house dinner, but will we come or will we excuse ourselves with some lame reason like those in Luke and those in my own life? We must remain vigilant and steadfast to God's will and this requires prayer.  Don't lose sight that God is more important than sports or camping.

Prayer
My Lord, we are all so very busy these days.  I am busy.  None of that matters.  Only you matter.  Help me keep this perspective each and every day.  Help me to keep your day holy. I pray I can become a better disciple as we are all called to be your disciples.  Mother Mary of God, pray for me.  All the angles and saints in heaven, pray for me.  Jesus, save me.  Amen.