Philippians Chapter 1:1-2 16-18 One day, on our way to the place of prayer, a slave girl ran into us. She was a psychic and, with her fortunetelling, made a lot of money for the people who owned her. She started following Paul around, calling everyone’s attention to us by yelling out, “These men are working for the Most High God. They’re laying out the road of salvation for you!” She did this for a number of days until Paul, finally fed up with her, turned and commanded the spirit that possessed her, “Out! In the name of Jesus Christ, get out of her!” And it was gone, just like that. 19-22 When her owners saw that their lucrative little business was suddenly bankrupt, they went after Paul and Silas, roughed them up and dragged them into the market square. Then the police arrested them and pulled them into a court with the accusation, “These men are disturbing the peace—dangerous Jewish agitators subverting our Roman law and order.” By this time the crowd had turned into a restles

Bible References:  Ezra 10:1-44; 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 7 Ezra confronted the people over their sin especially with their marriages to foreign women.  Why?  Because unlike Ruth, who had chosen “You God will be my God and Your people, my People”, these foreign women had brought their gods and culture into the homes of the Jewish people. They did not live in the ‘temple’, which we today are called to live in.  So Ezra had to confront the problem which took a lot of courage.  God didn’t want the people to just confess their sin, He wanted them to repent.  When someone confesses they say “I’ve done the wrong thing” however, unless a person repents, they will eventually repeat the sin.  Repentance is about turning away from what you are doing wrong and going God’s way. The men listed in Ezra Chapter 10 had to not only confess their sin of marriages of foreign women, but they had to divorce the women and send them and any children from that marriage away!  This seems a harsh decision, bu

Job 5:1-27 Do you know people you find wearying?   They incessantly 'share' stories of the personal wrongs done to them with anyone who will listen, and frankly, they become a burden. These people weary you, so you avoid them. Yes, I know that's not what Jesus would do. However, if we are truthful, it is what we do.   We all know others in far worse circumstances than these people - yet they who endure such circumstances are often the ones we delight to be around. Why?   Their lives exude joy! They encourage you, and you come away with a renewed sense of purpose, an uplifted spirit, and a smile.   Certainly, they're wounded, and they know it. But those who are a delight to be around even in the midst of their difficulties, don't bathe in that woundedness and others are drawn to them because of their joy. We cringe from the attitude of those who weary us and we're attracted to the attitude of those whom even in the trials of their own lives, encourage u

Job says, Ï know that my Redeemer lives"..  Do you know this?  "As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,          And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. "  Job 19:25 In tough times do we remember that our redeemer lives, and that we will yet see God?   We can hold onto the promises of God’s Word during the difficult times in our lives. It’s easy to become defensive or strike out with harsh words when we are under stress.   I know because I have done this. I have also had to live with the consequences of such actions – broken friendships, distrust of others because of their actions, being defensive about what I am doing or decisions I’ve made.   But hurting others with words doesn’t build people positively, it hurts and builds wall between people.   Job wanted God to answer him.   Plain and simple Job wanted God Himself to explain why he had to go through such dark times.    Job sought God during this time of great suffering and misery.   His friends

If I follow Jesus I need to fulfill my Mission.  It is a priviledge to share the Good News.  We are Christ's Ambassadors. Ezekiel 3 Romans 1:16 Ephesians 2:12 Romans 1:14 Acts 4:12 Romans 10:13 1 Timothy 2:4 2 Peter 2:9 Colossians 3:24 Acts 1:6-8 God doesn't give us Jesus to sit on a mantle at home.  He gave us His Son to impact our lives.   What will be my response?  We have a mission to tell others about God's kindness towards them.  God has a special way of doing things (through JC).  What has God done for you?  This is your story of your salvation - this is what people want to know.  How has meeting JC impacted your life? Luke 15:11 1 Peter 2:9 Psalm 103 (The Message) 1-2 O my soul, bless God . From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!    O my soul, bless God ,       don't forget a single blessing!   3-5 He forgives your sins—every one.       He heals your diseases—every one.       He redeems you from hell—saves your life!       He