Transferred Loyalty

November 12

(Acts 22:26-27 NIV) ““When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. "What are you going to do?" he asked. "This man is a Roman citizen." {27} The commander went to Paul and asked, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" "Yes, I am," he answered.””

(Philippians 3:18-20 NIV) “For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. {19} Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. {20} But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,”

A naturalized citizen has transferred their loyalty from one nation to another. In the past, the USA was a “melting pot”. People came from all over and melted together as citizens of one nation. Today, citizenship has been cheapened, and the nation is more like a “salad bowl” than a melting pot. Individualism reigns supreme. Assimilation is no longer necessary. Allegiance is no longer required, and loyalty has diminished. The same thing has happened in much of the church. We invite people to come join us, but “come as you are” has morphed into “remain as you are”. No change is required. No melting is necessary -- that would require heat, and we want to be seen as “cool”. Our Jesus offers a lot and demands very little. But this is not the Jesus or the church of Scripture. Citizenship in God’s Kingdom has requirements, discipleship is costly, and Christ commands a non-negotiable transfer of loyalty. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Citizenship Matters

November 11

(Acts 22:22-25 NIV) ““The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, "Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live!" {23} As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, {24} the commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and questioned in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. {25} As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?””

(Ephesians 2:11-13 NIV) ““Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)-- {12} remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. {13} But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”

(Ephesians 2:19 NIV) “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,”

Citizenship matters -- or at least it should! What many take for granted, others will risk death to obtain. It is that way with nations, and it should be that way with the Kingdom of God. Before we came to Christ, we were aliens to the Kingdom. We were outsiders. We were foreigners without hope. Then we became citizens of God’s kingdom, and when we did, we obtained not just the privileges of citizenship, but also the responsibilities of citizenship. We were no longer aliens. Once we lived far away, but then we were brought near. We found a new home. We began to learn a new language. We adopted the laws of the Kingdom as our own. People we formerly had no relationship with became like brothers and sisters to us. We began to behave as if we belonged, because our relationship had changed. We began to behave responsibly. Citizenship matters -- or at least it should! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Rid the Earth of Him

November 10

(Acts 22:14-22 NIV) ""The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. {15} You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. {16} And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' {17} "When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance {18} and saw the Lord speaking. 'Quick!' he said to me. 'Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' {19} "'Lord,' I replied, 'these men know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. {20} And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.' {21} "Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles. {22} The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, "Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live!""

(Luke 4:24-30 NIV)  ""I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown. {25} I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. {26} Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. {27} And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed--only Naaman the Syrian." {28} All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. {29} They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. {30} But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.""

Like Paul, we who believe have been chosen to know God’s will, and to speak the truth of Jesus. Our life’s purpose has changed. We have been chosen to have our sins washed away and to hear the words of God. We’ve been called to go to those in need of God’s grace. We’ve been commanded to love them and to share the story of God’s mercy. We will not always be well received or popular with the crowds. Many do not want to hear that God has mercy on the lost, the unclean, the hookers, the homeless, and the hated. Many do not want to hear that God has called us to repent and turn from sin. Some may turn on you and try to shout you down. Enemies of Christ’s name will judge you unfit to live and try to rid the Earth of you. But we have this calling, so tell the truth anyway. Be honest about your past, but also speak of the changes that have come through Jesus. Be His witness! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Helping Hands

November 9

(Acts 22:11-14 NIV) ““My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. {12} "A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. {13} He stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him. {14} "Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth.””

(Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV) ““For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. {12} Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. {13} You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.””

In our faith journey, many of us have had companions who led us when we couldn’t see well. We’ve had those special people that God sent at just the right time to speak truth, hope, and sometimes conviction into our lives. Ananias came to Paul at just the right time and provided God’s hand of healing and voice of calling. He gave Paul a hope and a future. There were others who showed Jesus to Paul, and who helped him grow and mature. He mentions some of them by name in his letters. When you share your story, tell about what Jesus has done for you through others since he lifted you up. You can share it without being proud or boastful. Thank those people who have helped you. Build them up. This cruel and harsh world will take care of tearing them down and humbling them. Let others know what they’ve meant to you, as you give glory to God for your growth. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

I Am Jesus

November 8

(Acts 22:6-10 NIV) ““About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. {7} I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?' {8} "'Who are you, Lord?' I asked. "'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. {9} My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. {10} "'What shall I do, Lord?' I asked. "'Get up,' the Lord said, 'and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.””

(Exodus 3:13-16 NIV) ““Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" {14} God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" {15} God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob--has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.””

Paul never forgot the misdeeds of his past. Most of us can identify. But he also never forgot the day he met Jesus. It was the defining moment in his life. You don’t come face to face with the great I Am and not remember it. It wasn’t a pleasant moment, but it was a blessed moment. Paul was knocked to the ground and blinded by one who said, “I Am Jesus.”, and then lifted up and given eyes to see by the mercy and grace of our Lord. How we met Jesus is a crucial part of every Christian’s story. Think about it… when you think of Paul, what comes to your mind? Do you think persecutor/murderer? No! You think Damascus Road. Culture even uses the term “Damascus Road Experience” to describe a dramatic turn-around in a person’s life. We would do well to spend less time remembering how bad we were, and more time testifying to the life change that came when we met Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Powerful Testimony

November 7

(Acts 21:37-40 NIV) ““As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, "May I say something to you?" "Do you speak Greek?" he replied. {38} "Aren't you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the desert some time ago?" {39} Paul answered, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people." {40} Having received the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic:””

(Acts 22:1-5 NIV) ““Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense." {2} When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: {3} "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel, I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. {4} I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, {5} as also the high priest and all the Council can testify. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.””

Once again, under difficult circumstances, Paul shares his personal testimony. Paul’s testimony serves as a model for us. A powerful testimony speaks in a language people can understand -- a language that quiets people and causes them to listen. It’s ironic, but the longer we are in the church, the greater is the danger that we will begin to speak a language which is foreign to the lost. We can begin to speak “Church-ese”, a language laced with big words that the unsaved ear cannot comprehend. Work at keeping it simple. A powerful testimony also deals honestly with our past. Paul didn’t whitewash his past, but neither did he come across as the worst sinner ever to live. He didn’t boast of his badness. He shared the truth, without all the dirty details. People don’t need to hear every page in your diary to know that you were a sinner. Be honest, but get to the good news as soon as possible. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

What Goes Around

November 6

(Acts 21:31-36 NIV) ““While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. {32} He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. {33} The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. {34} Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.” {35} When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. {36} The crowd that followed kept shouting, "Away with him!””

(Acts 7:51-58 NIV) ““You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! {52} Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him-- {53} you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." {54} When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. {55} But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. {56} "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." {57} At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, {58} dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.””

(Mark 15:9-15 NIV) ““Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, {10} knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. {11} But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. {12} "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them. {13} "Crucify him!" they shouted. {14} "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" {15} Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.””

“What goes around comes around.” seemed to be playing itself out in Paul’s life. He had been a persecutor, and supervised the mob action that took Stephen’s life. Now his life was in danger for his faith in Christ. But rather than being “bad karma”, this incident simply illustrates how far some religions will go to eliminate the competition. It happened to Jesus as the mob shouted, “Crucify Him!” It happened to Paul as the crowd yelled, “Away with him!” And we see it happening today as people are shot, hung, drowned, and burned alive for not believing the same way that those in power believe. It’s an age old problem and symptomatic of a religious cancer that plagues mankind. There are those who really believe their religion can be furthered by hating and killing those who don’t believe like them. This is not the Jesus way. Love, not hate, is Christ’s way of changing the world. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Religious Chaos

November 5

(Acts 21:30-31 NIV) “The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple and immediately the gates were shut. {31} While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.”

(Acts 19:24-32 NIV) ““A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. {25} He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. {26} And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. {27} There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty." {28} When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" {29} Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia, and rushed as one man into the theater. {30} Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. {31} Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater. {32} The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there.””

(Matthew 27:17-26 NIV) ““So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" {18} For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. {19} While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him." {20} But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. {21} "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered. {22} "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!" {23} "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" {24} When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" {25} All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" {26} Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.””

Religion promises order, but generally ends up delivering chaos. The Jews in the days of Christ and the early church were some of the most religious people in the history of the world, but they were continually at the center of chaos and disorder. Religion often divides more than it unites. It can bring the illusion of peace and order through coercion and intimidation, but it is actually not that much different than the Pax Romana which the Jewish people lived under in the days of Christ. Religion cannot bring peace any more than Roman rule brought peace. They offered a semblance of order, but ruled with an iron fist. It was a peace enforced by the sword and spear. It was a fear-induced peace, not the peace of God. Only Jesus can bring true peace and order as God’s Holy Spirit works from the inside out. Seek God’s peace, not the peace promised by world governments. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Unfit for the Kingdom

November 4

(Acts 21:28-29 NIV) “… he has brought Greeks into the temple area and defiled this holy place." {29} (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple area.)”

(Matthew 9:10-13 NIV) "While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. {11} When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" {12} On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. {13} But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.""

(Matthew 21:28-32 NIV) ""What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' {29} "'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. {30} "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. {31} "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. {32} For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."

Paul was accused of defiling the temple area by bringing a Greek there. Greeks were considered unfit to enter the holy places of the Jews. This is another negative aspect of religion -- it declares certain people to be unfit for the Kingdom. The Jews didn’t think Greeks were fit to be near God. Jesus was also criticized for hanging around with hookers, lepers, and tax collectors, all of whom the religionists had declared unfit for God. The Lord would never come near or speak to people like these. This is what religion does -- it categorizes, separates, and judges. It declares some people unfit for the church. We must guard against adopting these same religious attitudes. Jesus came to save sinners. No one is unfit for the Kingdom until God pronounces judgment on the last day. Do not partner with a religion that declares some to be unfit for God’s mercy. That mindset is not of Christ. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

People, Practices, Positions, Places

November 3

(Acts 21:28 NIV) "Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place.”

(Acts 6:9-15 NIV) "Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)--Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, {10} but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. {11} Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God." {12} So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. {13} They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. {14} For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us." {15} All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel."

Religion enshrines people, practices, positions, and places, and attacks anyone who seemingly denigrates any of these four things. Paul wasn’t teaching against the faith he grew up in, he was teaching against the religion it had become -- a religion that enslaved people instead of freeing them. When people get religious, their gurus become infallible, their practices become required, their doctrinal positions become the voice of God, and their buildings become shrines. So we get holy mountains, holy men, holy temples, holy water, holy ground, holy smoke, holy cities, and the holy land -- yet our hearts remain sinful and empty. Salvation is not based on people, practices, positions, or places. It is based on the Prince of Peace. We must be careful not to elevate people, practices, places, or positions to the place where only God should be. If we do, we have become idolaters. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Religious Persecution

November 2

(Acts 21:27-28 NIV) "When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, {28} shouting, "Men of Israel, help us!

(Acts 13:45-52 NIV) "When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. {46} Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. {47} For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" {48} When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. {49} The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. {50} But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. {51} So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. {52} And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

(Acts 14:1-7 NIV) "At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. {2} But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. {3} So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. {4} The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. {5} There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. {6} But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, {7} where they continued to preach the good news."

Many Christians today think atheism is a great danger, but throughout the ages, the presence of religion has stirred persecution more than the absence of religion. Religion has tortured and killed more Christians than atheism. Religion persecutes those who think differently. It never works alone. It stirs up the crowd. It has to have a following. It has to be in control. Religion can’t function unless someone is obeying rules. That’s why it can justify using intimidation and beatings to force submission. Religion is more about hoarding followers than about following Jesus. It’s more about corporate compliance than personal piety. It doesn’t care about what’s in your heart -- it cares about how you behave on the outside. It sees going through the motions as a good thing, and highly values everyone looking and acting the same. Beware of the “groupthink” that comes with religion. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Down Side of Denominations

November 1

(Acts 21:17-26 NIV) "When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers received us warmly. {18} The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. {19} Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. {20} When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. {21} They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. {22} What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, {23} so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. {24} Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everybody will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. {25} As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality." {26} The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them."

(Galatians 3:28 NIV) "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, he went to James and the elders of the church to report on his ministry among the Gentiles. They praised God, but there was a problem. The church in Jerusalem had also been growing, and they were insistent that the Law of Moses should be observed. This differed from Paul’s teaching that circumcision was no longer needed for one to be obedient to God, and that salvation was by faith alone. This may be the first denominational disagreement. The Jewish Church and the Gentile Christians worshipped the same Jesus, but they practiced their faith differently. Some just cannot seem to get by this. This is the downside of denominations. Rather than focusing on our commonality in Christ, we tend to dwell on our differences and diminish those who are different. Be cautious! This does not usually end up advancing the Kingdom of God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Living for Jesus

October 31

(Acts 20:22 NIV) "I am compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there."

(Romans 14:8 NIV) "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."

(2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV) "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. {15} And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."

(Galatians 2:19-20 NIV) "For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. {20} I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

As he set out for Jerusalem, Paul was willing to die for Jesus. Down through the centuries, many have been willing to do the same. Not every Christian will be called upon to die for Jesus, but every Christian is called to live for Jesus! And living for Jesus may prove to be as difficult as dying for Jesus -- perhaps even more difficult. If it is not more difficult, then why do so many Christians today find it nearly impossible to do? Why is it so hard to live fully for Christ? Why is it so difficult to sell out completely to the Lord -- to share the gospel with our lives and our words, regardless of the consequences? Perhaps we are not yet “compelled” by the same Spirit as Paul was. He was not chomping at the bit to die for Jesus, but he was compelled to live for Christ. The rest was up to the Lord. Do you feel compelled to live for Jesus today? Will you? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Ready to Die for Jesus

October 30

(Acts 21:13-15 NIV) “Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. {14} When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." {15} After this, we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.”

(Acts 20:24 NIV) “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”

(Luke 9:23-24 NIV) “Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. {24} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”

(Revelation 12:11 NIV) “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Paul was ready and willing to die for Jesus, but he had really died on that road to Damascus years earlier. He had died to himself and had become a new man. God had placed him on a different road. His life had changed course, and staying alive was no longer his chief concern. Death no longer held sway over him. Paul did not die in Jerusalem, as his friends feared, but was taken prisoner and shipped to Rome, where he was martyred for his faith. But he was prepared because he had settled the issue of what he was willing to die for. He had decided that he was willing to die for the gospel of Jesus. In his heart of hearts, Paul counted his life worth nothing to himself, and laid it down for Christ. He was willing to carry the cross, even if it led to his death. How about you? Have you decided what you are willing to die for? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Phillip’s Four Gifts

October 29

(Acts 21:9 NIV) “He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.”

(Luke 2:36-38 NIV) “There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, {37} and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. {38} Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

(Judges 4:4-5 NIV) “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. {5} She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.”

God had given Phillip gifts of compassion and evangelism, but he had also received four other gifts from the Lord. Phillip had been given four daughters with prophetic gifts. The biblical gift of prophecy is not just about seeing the future. Those with prophetic gifts have the ability to speak the word of God into the lives of others in a way that brings conviction and change. These four women had been given the gift of preaching God’s word with power. Many have strong feelings about women in ministry, but what is clear is that these four women, along with others in Scripture, had prophetic gifting. It is also obvious that Phillip had not kept them locked up in a closet. They had been using their gifts, prophesying in their community. God does not give us gifts just so we can say we have them. God gives men and women gifts to use for the glory of His kingdom. Use yours! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Growing the Church

October 28

(Acts 21:4 NIV) “Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days.”

(Acts 21:7-8 NIV) “We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. {8} Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven.”

(Acts 16:5 NIV) “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”

Paul and his fellow workers had scattered seeds of the gospel all around the Mediterranean Sea, and those seeds had taken root and grown. When Paul began he was the first Christian to enter many cities. But as he headed back to Jerusalem, he found Christians almost everywhere. The infant church was reproducing itself. When Paul reached Caesarea, he stayed at the house of Philip, who was one of the seven men chosen to run the church’s feeding program for widows and orphans back in Acts, Chapter 6. Phillip had compassion gifts, and had been called to a “hands on” service ministry. But Phillip had other gifts as well. This man who waited on tables had also been given the gift of evangelism, and led many to Christ. What are your gifts? You likely have more than one. Be sure to discover them and use them for the glory of God. It’s both our privilege and our calling. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

A Face Like Flint

October 27

(Acts 21:1-6 NIV) “After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. {2} We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. {3} After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. {4} Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. {5} But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. {6} After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.”

(Acts 21:10-12 NIV) “After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. {11} Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” {12} When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.”

(Acts 20:23 NIV) “I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.”

(Isaiah 50:7 NIV) “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.”

The prophet Isaiah once said that he had set his face like flint and would not be disgraced. Today we see Paul ignore the pleadings of friends, set his face like flint, and head for Jerusalem. The prophet Agabus warned Paul that he would be bound and imprisoned by the Gentiles. But Paul already knew that “prison and hardships” faced him wherever he went (Acts 20:23). He had looked death in the face several times and not flinched. He had counted the cost and was willing to pay it. Paul went to Jerusalem with full knowledge of what awaited him there. The counsel of friends and family can be good, but often they love us more than they love God, and they want us to love them more than we love God. They worry more about our personal safety than about the mission God has given us. Paul’s friends forgot that he loved Jesus more than he loved his life. We are called to that same love! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Sting of Love

October 26

(Acts 20:25, 36-38 NIV) “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again… {36} When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. {37} They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. {38} What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.”

(Matthew 16:21-25 NIV) ““From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. {22} Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" {23} Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." {24} Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. {25} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.””

As Paul prepared to leave for Jerusalem, he dropped a bombshell -- he told his friends that he would never see them again. There were tears, hugs, and kisses, but they knew these were not just idle words. Love is a double-edged sword. It is great to love and be loved, but love causes pain when it comes time to part ways. If we truly love, we will eventually weep, because nothing lasts forever here on Earth. There will come a day when we see those loved ones for a final time on this side of eternity, and that can cause deep anguish. But we should still love! We should love each other so much that it hurts to say goodbye. We should love people in such a way that it is painful to lose them -- or for them to lose us. How many will shed tears when you depart? We should live and love in a way that causes that number to continuously grow. Love can sting, but it is well worth the pain. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Grace and Giving

October 25

(Acts 20:33-35 NIV) “I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. {34} You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. {35} In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

(Mark 10:17-23 NIV) ““As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" {18} "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. {19} You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" {20} "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." {21} Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." {22} At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. {23} Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!””

(2 Corinthians 8:1-7 NIV) “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. {2} Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. {3} For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, {4} they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. {5} And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. {6} So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. {7} But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us --see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

Paul calls the Ephesians to display a proper attitude toward money and possessions. We would be wise to hear his call as well. Resist the covetousness that is prevalent in modern culture. It is the tap root of greed, envy, and theft. The silver, gold, and clothing of others is of no interest to those living in God’s Kingdom. We are called to work for our daily bread. By the grace of God, our hands supply our own needs, and the needs of others. Kingdom people are giving people, not taking people. The sense of entitlement we see today is a product of living on the wide road to destruction. Those on the narrow road that leads to life, will excel in the grace of giving. Seeking treasure in heaven, they will be richly generous with ministry and money. They know that more blessing is found in giving than in receiving. This was the attitude of Jesus. Is it your attitude? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Grace and Holiness

October 24

(Acts 20:32 NIV) "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

(Romans 15:15-16 NIV) "I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me {16} to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit."

(1 Corinthians 1:2-4 NIV) "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours: {3} Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. {4} I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus."

(Hebrews 12:14 NIV) "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

Paul speaks here of receiving sanctification through being built up in the word of God’s grace. Sanctification is being made holy. Sanctification and holiness are interchangeable words. We are sanctified by the Holy Spirit when we are saved by grace, through faith. But then we are called by God to grow in grace -- to grow in holiness. This takes effort on our part. Many today want God’s grace, but balk at doing the work of pursuing holiness. We want the inheritance that God promises, without having to be in a relationship that changes our lives. We want the benefits of sanctification, without the discipline of living a life apart from sin. We can never achieve perfection here on Earth, but we should strive toward holiness as we endeavor to live a life that is pleasing to God. We are called to become more and more like our Master as we daily grow in grace and holiness. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Enemy Within

October 23

(Acts 20:30-31 NIV) “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. {31} So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.”

(2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV) “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. {2} Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. {3} In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”

Paul the apostle understood human nature. He knew that there would always be some who were more interested in having a following, than in doing the following. They would be far more interested in gathering disciples than in making disciples. It’s an ego thing, and it’s always divisive and harmful. Some people just have the need to control others, and they will even distort the truth (which is lying) in order to gain influence and exert power. Watch out for these false teachers, but moreover, be careful you don’t become one of them. Most of us need correction at times. Be honest about your errors and failings. Do what it takes to correct your course… if you are off course and have followers, then they are off course too, and you are responsible for their souls. So watch yourself, and be on guard. Heed Paul’s warning. Keep your eyes on Jesus and not the crowd. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Shepherds of the Church

October 22

(Acts 20:28-29 NIV) “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. {29} I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.”

(Matthew 10:16-20 NIV) “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. {17} Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. {18} On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. {19} But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, {20} for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

(1 Peter 5:1-11 NIV) ““To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: {2} Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; {3} not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. {4} And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. {5} Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." {6} Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. {7} Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. {8} Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. {9} Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. {10} And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. {11} To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.””

Paul and Peter called on elders to protect their flocks, but every disciple of Jesus should be prepared to help with this. Paul tells them to “keep watch” over themselves. You cannot lead others to Jesus if you yourself are not being led by Jesus. You cannot teach what you have not learned. Do what it takes to get strong and stay strong. God has called us to defend His sheep against “savage wolves”. The battle is not over just because we said the “sinner’s prayer” one Sunday. Believers will be attacked by the Enemy. Satan is like a roaring lion who roams the Earth looking for someone to devour. That someone may be your child, your mate, your friend, or your neighbor. Are you prepared to take on the wolves and lions, or will you tuck tail and run when you hear their snarls? Put on the armor of God. Be ready to fight the good fight. With training, we can all help protect the flock. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

No Hesitation

October 21

(Acts 20:27 NIV) “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.”

(2 Peter 3:9 NIV) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

(John 3:16 NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

God’s will for those who are lost is that they be found. God does not want anyone to perish. He sent His Son Jesus to rescue us. God gave the life of His Son so that we could be found -- so that we could have life. Jesus died to pay for our sin. This provides all people with the opportunity to obtain eternal life. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, providing both the awareness of being lost, as well as the desire for rescue. But the lost must hear the truth, and we who have believed are the truth-tellers. We have been called to provide the proclamation and the witness -- our lives, our words, laid out for the glory of God. The church is God’s rescue team – sent out to proclaim the gospel. As Paul neared the end of his life, he could say with integrity, “I have held nothing back.” Will you be able to say that? Paul had not hesitated to proclaim the whole will of God -- neither should we! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Innocent of the Blood

October 20

(Acts 20:26 NIV) "Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men."

(Psalms 19:9-14 NIV) "The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. {10} They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. {11} By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. {12} Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. {13} Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. {14} May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Paul testified that he was innocent of the blood of all men. But before he became a believer, Paul had incited violence against the church and stood in approval of Stephen’s stoning. So when Paul says he is “innocent of the blood of all men”, he must be speaking spiritually. He was saying that when he stood before God, he would never be accused of not trying to lead people to Jesus. He did his best to persuade everyone to be saved. If they refused to believe, their blood would be on their own hands. Paul would be found “innocent of the blood of all men” because he shared the gospel with everyone he came into contact with. He preached salvation by grace through faith everywhere he went. Can you say that? This world would be a much different place if all Christians could stand before God and honestly declare along with Paul, “I am innocent of the blood of all men.” -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Radical Single-Eyed Mission

October 19

(Acts 20:22-23 NIV) "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. {23} I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. {24} However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

(1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV) "Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!"

(2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV) "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. {7} I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. {8} Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Paul had a double-barreled message and a double-barreled method, but he was single-minded in his mission. Compelled by the Spirit to preach the gospel, he was determined to finish the race and complete the task Christ had given him. He considered his life worth nothing, laying it on the line daily as he testified to the gospel of grace. He was consumed with completing his mission. He could not focus on anything else. Paul sacrificed his life for the sake of his calling. He was a radical for Jesus. Are you a radical? The word “radical” has taken on a negative connotation today, but most of the world’s great people were radical in their vision, their approach, and their sacrifice. Are you willing to consider your life worth nothing to yourself? Do you feel compelled, no matter what the cost, to testify to the gospel of grace? If so, then you could become a single-minded radical for Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Double Barreled Message

October 18

(Acts 20:21 NIV) "I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."

(Romans 3:21-24 NIV) "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. {22} This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, {23} for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, {24} and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

(2 Peter 3:9 NIV) "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

Paul had a double-barreled method -- he shared Jesus in public places and in private homes. He had a double-barreled audience -- he shared the gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. Paul also had a double-barreled message -- turn to God in repentance, and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance is more than being sorry for our sins -- it is a willingness to turn away from sin, and turn toward Christ. Who we turn toward is as important as what we turn away from. The gospel is accessed through repentance, and is completed with faith in Jesus. If our faith is not in Christ, we do not have a Christian faith. Jesus loves us. Jesus died for us. Jesus rose for us. Jesus calls to us. Jesus saves us. Jesus walks with us. Is your faith in Him? This is the double- barreled message that Paul preached: earnestly repent of sin, and in faith, sincerely turn to Christ. Is this the gospel you have believed? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Double Barreled Witness

October 17

(Acts 20:20 NIV) "You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house."

(Acts 5:41-42 NIV) "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. {42} Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."

(Ephesians 4:15 NIV) "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."

Paul was a double-barreled witness and preacher. He never hesitated to speak what he thought would be helpful to those listening. He preached the truth in love -- a double-barreled combination that’s hard to beat. Paul also had a double-barreled method of witnessing and preaching. He took the gospel into the public square, sharing Jesus with the crowds. But Paul also took the gospel from house to house. He spent time in homes, sharing the truth about Jesus. This is a great lesson for us. It’s good to invite people to church. Every Christian should be an inviter. We should be willing to witness in public -- on street corners, at Wal-Mart, at the lake, or at the ballgame. But it is also effective to invite people to your home, or to go to their homes, and share the truth of Jesus with them. It’s the double-barreled, public and private approach of Paul, and it is still effective today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Enduring Service

October 16

(Acts 20:19 NIV) "I served the Lord with great humility and with tears although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews."

(Acts 20:23 NIV) "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me."

(2 Corinthians 6:3-10 NIV) "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. {4} Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; {5} in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; {6} in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; {7} in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; {8} through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; {9} known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; {10} sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

Paul was “severely tested”, even to the point of tears. God told him that he would suffer, yet he forged ahead. He endured beatings, prison, hunger, pain, and other hardships, but his love for Jesus and his calling to preach the gospel just got stronger. When things got tough, Paul endured. Genuine disciples expect some pain and difficulty. They work through adversity, rather than being defeated by it. They expect the road to be rough, and yet they press on. This is our calling. Tune out those teachers who promise unending spiritual bliss if you buy their book and follow their advice. That is unbiblical teaching. Every true disciple will endure some hardship and pain. Stop whining and start working! Consider those who’ve gone ahead of you and who’ve suffered greatly for the cause of Christ. Draw strength from their example. Accept what comes, and give glory to God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Humility

October 15  

(Acts 20:19 NIV) "I served the Lord with great humility…"

(Philippians 2:3 NIV) "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

(Colossians 3:12 NIV) "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

(James 3:13 NIV) "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."

Pride is a church killer. It has been called “the deadliest sin”. It is certainly at the root of many other sins. Pride can cause us to look down on others, and to think we ought to be in a higher position than we are. It can draw us into thinking that we have not received the respect due to us -- that we deserve much better than what we have now. If anyone had reason for pride, it was Paul. His credentials were second to none, and his record of service was exemplary. But he was a humble man. He knew where his blessing and authority came from. He knew that whatever he received, it was better than he deserved. Is that how you think? Are you genuinely humble, or has pride crept into your life like a cancer? Maybe it’s time to get off the high horse and assume a kneeling position. Ask God to cut away the pride in your life, but don’t expect it to be a pleasant experience. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Living Consistently

October 14

(Acts 20:13-18 NIV) "We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. {14} When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. {15} The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Kios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus. {16} Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. {17} From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. {18} When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia."

(1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV) "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

(Galatians 6:9 NIV) "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

In good times and bad, Paul stayed the course, and modeled for us what it means to be a faithful servant of the Lord. One of the marks of a faithful disciple is consistency. When the elders of Ephesus came to see Paul, he boldly told them to consider his life as evidence for the grace and power of God. He basically said, “Look at how I have lived among you. My life is an open book. I have lived consistently. I am proof that Jesus lives, because you can see how He lives in me.” Could you say that? Are you confident that if someone watched how you live on a daily basis, they would see what it means to live like Jesus? Could anyone see Jesus through the consistency of your life witness? If not, what is it that blurs the image of Christ in your life? What is causing your witness to be sporadic rather than consistent? There is where change must begin. Ask God to start there. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Sleeping With Eyes Open

October 13

(Acts 20:9 NIV) “Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.”

(Romans 13:11-14 NIV) “And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. {12} The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. {13} Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. {14} Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

(Revelation 3:1-3 NIV) “To the… church in Sardis… I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. {2} Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. {3} Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”

There are some today like this young man who fell asleep, tumbled from a third-story window, hit the ground, and died. They have been asleep and have fallen hard. They are part of the living dead and need a resurrection. They need Jesus to breathe life into them, or they will be lost forever. But there are also many in the church today who are sleeping with their eyes open. They have received that touch from Jesus, and they have the appearance of being awake, but they are asleep in the light. Jesus may have opened their eyes once, but their ears and their hearts have been disengaged for years. They no longer hear the word of the Lord. They no longer see His glory. They no longer feel the Spirit moving. If this describes you -- if you were alive to Christ once, but have been sleeping in church with your eyes open, God says, “Wake up!” Spiritual sleep walking is dangerous. Wake up! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Dangerous Dozing in Church

October 12

(Acts 20:6-12 NIV) ““But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days. {7} On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. {8} There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. {9} Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. {10} Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" {11} Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. {12} The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.””

(Luke 8:49-55 NIV) ““While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher anymore." {50} Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." {51} When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. {52} Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep." {53} They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. {54} But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" {55} Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.””

(1 Thessalonians 5:3-9 NIV) ““While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. {4} But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. {5} You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. {6} So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. {7} For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. {8} But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. {9} For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.””

When Paul preached at a Sunday night service in Troas, they didn’t get the “Reader’s Digest” version -- they got the full unabridged novel. Paul preached “on and on”. He was leaving the next day and wanted to share everything he could about Jesus. Around midnight, a young man who was sitting in the third-story window, fell asleep and was killed when he fell to the ground. Paul went down, prayed life back into him, then went back upstairs and preached until daybreak. It’s amazing what someone rising from the dead can do. That’s still true today. Dozing off in church can be dangerous. It can even cause death. Here, the death of Eutychus -- today, the death of one’s faith. When we sleep in the presence of God’s word long enough, we can eventually stop hearing, lose spiritual consciousness, and suffer a serious fall. Keep your eyes open, and remain alert. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Second Generation Honor Roll

October 11

(Acts 20:4-6 NIV) "He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. {5} These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. {6} But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days."

(Acts 6:7 NIV) "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."

(Luke 10:1-3 NIV) "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. {2} He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. {3} Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves."

A few chapters ago in Acts, it was just Silas walking with Paul. Now the one has become seven. Not only are more and more people being saved, more are serving as ministers with Paul. This list of names is like an “honor roll” of second generation apostles -- men who had never personally seen Jesus, but who laid their lives on the line and who had the faith to preach the gospel. Some of these names are never mentioned again in Scripture, but are immortalized here. We don’t know their fate, but it’s likely that some gave their very lives as heroes for Christ. That raises a question. If you had lived during this time would your name have made it into the Book? When you are gone, will your name be remembered for your exceptional service to the church? Serve in such a way as to earn a place with those at the honors banquet on the other side. You won’t be sorry you did. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Dangerous Way

October 10

(Acts 20:2-3 NIV) "He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, {3} where he stayed three months. Because the Jews made a plot against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia."

(Matthew 12:9-16 NIV) "Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, {10} and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" {11} He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? {12} How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." {13} Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. {14} But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. {15} Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, {16} warning them not to tell who he was."

Everywhere Paul went, people were saved and churches were started. But everywhere Paul went, he also faced plots against his life. He faced this stressful dilemma on a daily basis. His steps were ordained by God, but his way was continuously dangerous. If we share the gospel, our road will also be dangerous. There will be some who plot to do us harm. As a result, many Christians try to remain anonymous. If God gave awards for flying under the radar, many in the church would have a full trophy case. How else can one explain the fact that most believers quake in their boots at the thought of witnessing, and have never led another person to Jesus Christ? It is good that Paul and the other apostles were not like this, or Christianity would have died as an infant in Jerusalem. The Jesus way can certainly be dangerous, but it is our glorious calling to walk in it. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Encouraging Words

October 9

(Acts 20:1-2 NIV) "When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia. {2} He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece,"

(Romans 15:4-6 NIV) "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. {5} May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, {6} so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

(Hebrews 3:13 NIV) "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

Paul was an exhorter, a great public speaker, and a devastating debater. Many of Paul’s messages and letters were confrontational in nature, so we can get this image of him as a negative kind of guy who was always on somebody’s case about something. But Paul also had a positive side. You didn’t want him on your case, but you were definitely blessed to have him on your side. As he returned to some of the churches that he had planted, he encouraged them. There is a fine line between exhortation and encouragement, but we need both at times. There are so many things in this world that tear us down. We all need someone who will build us up with encouraging words and exhort us to keep going. When was the last time you encouraged anyone inside or outside the church? Be an encourager in someone’s life. Make that call. Write that note. Just do it. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Responsible Government

October 8

(Acts 19:36-41 NIV) "Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash. {37} You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. {38} If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. {39} If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. {40} As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of today's events. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it." {41} After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly."

(Romans 13:1-7 NIV) "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. {2} Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. {3} For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. {4} For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. {5} Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. {6} This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. {7} Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

(Matthew 22:21 NIV) "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

The God of Scripture is a God of order, not chaos. The mob mentality seen in Acts 19 and that we see on our news broadcasts, is not of God. Responsible government will favor order over chaos, but remain neutral regarding the establishment of religion. The city clerk in Ephesus reminded the mob that it was not the government’s business to judge one religion as better than another. Government’s role is to protect and maintain order. He told them that if laws had been broken, the offenders could be taken to court in an orderly fashion. But the government would not punish people just for having a different religion, nor would it allow any kind of rioting or mob action. Good government will not legislate or mandate religious beliefs. It will not bless a particular religion, nor will it display hostility toward religion. Instead it will protect and work for the good of all. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Grace Out of Darkness

October 7

(Acts 19:35 NIV) “The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: "Men of Ephesus, doesn't all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven?”

(Ephesians 2:1-9 NIV) “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, {2} in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. {3} All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. {4} But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. {6} And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, {7} in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. {8} For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- {9} not by works, so that no one can boast.”

One of the greatest truths of Scripture comes from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. This “amazing grace” letter becomes even more significant when you consider that Ephesus was a very dark and idolatrous city. The Temple of Artemis was huge and ornate. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The worship of Artemis was sophisticated, upscale idolatry, but idolatry nonetheless. Those who worshipped at her altar were part of the darkness. They were even willing to kill for her, as evidenced by the mob that went after Paul. But God poured out His grace at Ephesus -- people were saved, and a church grew there. The love of God overcomes the hate of the world. Light dispels darkness. Darkness may despise the light, but the light continues to shine. This is our calling as disciples of Jesus. Shine! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Religious Competition

October 6

(Acts 19:33-34 NIV) ““The Jews pushed Alexander to the front, and some of the crowd shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. {34} But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!””

(Matthew 24:7-14 NIV) “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. {8} All these are the beginning of birth pains. {9} "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. {10} At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, {11} and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. {12} Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, {13} but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. {14} And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

When religion drives the hearts of people and their economy, it will not tolerate dissent. It is easier to eliminate those who challenge the system than to compete in the marketplace of ideas. Mob violence becomes a standard response. We see it here in the near-death experience of Paul and his friends in Ephesus. We see it in the killing of Jesus, and in the angry crowd surrounding the cross. We see it in our world today in the public beheadings of those considered infidels, and in the sinister character assassination of anyone foolish enough to challenge the secular gods of political correctness. Even Christianity, when twisted just a bit, can become a toxic religion that burns heretics at the stake, and drowns those suspected of witchcraft. This is not the way of Jesus! He offers love, and heals hearts with grace and forgiveness. We should do the same. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Chaos Reigns

October 5

(Acts 19:29-32 NIV) “Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia, and rushed as one man into the theater. {30} Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. {31} Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater. {32} The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there.”

(Romans 1:18-23, 28-31 NIV) “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, {19} since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. {20} For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. {21} For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. {22} Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools {23} and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles…. {28} Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. {29} They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, {30} slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; {31} they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”

The God of Scripture is a God of order. Chaos is of the devil. Mob violence is evil -- it is not of God. Where people are in an uproar and rush as one man to ruthlessly destroy and do senseless harm, Satan has taken control. When people reject divine guidance, one finds heartless depravity, futile thinking, and confusion about purpose and direction. Chaos reigns, and we end up not even knowing why we are here. This can happen with crowds, and with individuals. God offers peace and light, but we are addicted to chaos and darkness. We turn away from God, and then can’t figure out why our lives are so disordered and empty. We worship false gods, and our main purpose in life becomes survival. There is a better way. Jesus offers peace and light in the place of calamity and darkness. Let Christ reign instead of chaos. Embrace Jesus and be set free. Our God reigns! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day