Guilt By Association

August 21

(Acts 17:6-9 NIV) ““But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, {7} and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus." {8} When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. {9} Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.””

(Luke 21:12-19 NIV) “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. {13} This will result in your being witnesses to them. {14} But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. {15} For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. {16} You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. {17} All men will hate you because of me. {18} But not a hair of your head will perish. {19} By standing firm you will gain life.”

After Jason invited Paul and Silas to come to his house, he discovered that just being around committed Christians can cost you. A hostile mob invaded his home and when they didn’t find Paul or Silas, they dragged Jason and some “other brothers” to the authorities. Jason got in trouble for just hanging around with committed Christians. Today, some people will wrinkle up their noses when they find out that you go to church. You don’t even have to talk about Jesus, all you have to do is associate with people of faith, and you become a target for ridicule. Why is that? It’s because Satan knows that he cannot allow even one ray of light to invade his darkness. He fears the name of Jesus, and does not want people to even get near it. So he tries to keep people away from committed Christians. Our goal is to be committed enough that the devil must try to keep people away from us! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

 

Win Some Lose Some

August 20

(Acts 17:4-5 NIV) “Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. {5} But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.”

(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!”

(Luke 4:42-44 NIV) “At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. {43} But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” {44} And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.”

After being beaten and jailed in Philippi, Paul and Silas moved down the road to Thessalonica. They weren’t looking for a friendlier place, or a better deal -- they were looking for more people who needed the Lord. When they preached in Thessalonica, some received the truth and joined with them. Others chose to oppose the message of God and stirred up trouble. It has always been that way, and it will always be that way. We win some, and lose some. Some will respond to the gospel -- others will reject it. We don’t get to choose who does which. God’s Spirit opens the ears and eyes of some, but others will go to their graves deaf and blind to the grace of God. Nothing you or anyone else can say will soften their hard hearts. But still, we keep saying it. We cast out God’s seed and where it falls and sprouts is God’s business. We aren’t called to be successful -- we are called to be faithful. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Reason and Faith

August 19

(Acts 17:1-3 NIV) “When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. {2} As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, {3} explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," he said.”

(Matthew 16:13-18 NIV) “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” {14} They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” {15} “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” {16} Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” {17} Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. {18} And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

(Acts 10:39-43 NIV) “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, {40} but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. {41} He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. {42} He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. {43} All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Even though Paul was sent to evangelize the Gentiles, he never gave up on his fellow Jews, and often went to the synagogues to preach. At Thessalonica he taught three weeks in a row, reasoning with them “from the Scriptures”, or what we call the Old Testament. Using the Old Testament, Paul proved and explained that Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. Paul echoed Peter, who taught that all the prophets testified about Jesus and that through His name, all who believe in Him will receive forgiveness of sins. Some say reason and faith do not mix, but Paul would disagree. He often reasoned from the Scriptures to bring people to faith. He wanted everyone to believe that Jesus is the Christ, for through faith comes forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. That was true in Paul’s day, and it is still true today. Put your faith in Jesus Christ. It’s the reasonable thing to do. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Blessing of Persecution

August 18

(Acts 16:40 NIV) “After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.”

(Matthew 5:10-12 NIV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11} "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. {12} Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

(John 15:18-21 NIV)  ""If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. {19} If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. {20} Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. {21} They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me."

When Paul and Silas got out of prison, they went back to Lydia’s house for some renewal and rest. They met with the new believers there, and then headed out again to share the gospel in another place. Paul and Silas traveled a road that few are willing to travel. Instead of being thwarted by persecution, they were motivated. Persecution does a strange thing to a committed believer. Instead of silencing us, it often ends up strengthening us. If we are active enough to receive persecution, and we endure it with grace, it often gives us a greater platform from which to share the gospel. If you are undergoing persecution in some form, remember this story. Endure it with grace. Live with hope in your heart. Stand strong and humbly praise God. If you do that, your Jesus star will rise and be seen by more people than ever, and God’s kingdom will grow because of your faithfulness. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

So That Some Might Be Saved

August 17

(Acts 16:14 NIV) “One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.”

(Acts 16:16-18 NIV) ““Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. {17} This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." {18} She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.””

(Acts 16:29-33 NIV) ““The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. {30} He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" {31} They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." {32} Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. {33} At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.””

(Matthew 7:13-14 NIV) “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. {14} But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

(1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV) “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. {20} To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. {21} To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. {22} To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. {23} I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

When Paul and Silas went down to the river and met Lydia, she responded to the gospel. Others were there and heard, but we have no record that anyone else was saved. When Paul and Silas delivered the slave girl from demonic spirits, there were many witnesses. But not everyone who saw the miracle was converted. When Paul and Silas led the Roman jailer to Christ, there were others who heard the truth. But not everyone at the jail became a believer. Even though God so loves the world and Jesus died for the sins of the world, not everyone in the world will be saved. Jesus said the road is narrow and only a few will find it. Paul recognized that even with the best of preaching, “by all possible means”, only “some” would be saved. Be faithful in sharing the gospel, but do not be discouraged when only a few respond. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

ACTS: Admit, Commit, Transmit, Submit

August 16

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

(Acts 16:29-34 NIV) ““The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. {30} He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" {31} They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." {32} Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. {33} At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. {34} The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.””

(Matthew 7:20-21 NIV) ““Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. {21} "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.””

The conversion of the Roman jailer provides a template for evangelism. First we must ADMIT. The jailer admitted his need for a Savior. The second step is to COMMIT. The jailer was called to “believe in the Lord Jesus.” This was a commitment to follow Christ as Lord -- to be His disciple. The third step is to SUBMIT. The jailer was baptized in obedience to Christ and began to minister to Paul and Silas. Conversion brings life change as we submit to Christ’s call to serve. “By their fruit you will know them.” The fourth component in evangelism is to TRANSMIT. Paul and Silas “spoke the word of the Lord to him.” They had first transmitted the gospel with the fruit of joy displayed in jail, then later, with words of truth. They reflected the Way and the Truth well, and thus were believed when they spoke the truth about the way. Admit, Commit, Submit, Transmit -- one template for evangelism. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Praise Quotient

August 15

(Acts 16:25 NIV) "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."

(Hebrews 13:15 NIV) "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name."

(Psalms 34:1-4 NIV) "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. {2} My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. {3} Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. {4} I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Acts 16:25 is an astounding verse. After Paul and Silas were beaten and confined to a jail cell, they had a worship service. There was no bitter complaining about the injustice -- just praise to God in such a public way that others around them could hear it. They responded to a life that is unfair, by giving glory to God. They didn’t question God’s goodness -- they praised God’s greatness. They thanked God for a demon cast out, for souls saved, and for a new church plant. They had surrendered their lives to the glory of God. How are you doing at this? What was your praise quotient last week? Our praise quotient is the number of times we praise God, divided by the number of times we complain about God -- the bigger the number the better. Raise your quotient. Praise more and complain less. You’ll be noticed by those around you, and some will be drawn to the One you praise. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

An Earthly Reward for Faithfulness

August 14

(Acts 16:19-24 NIV)  "When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. {20} They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar {21} by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice." {22} The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. {23} After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. {24} Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks."

(Acts 7:54-60 NIV) "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. {59} While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." {60} Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep."

This may come as a surprise, but the earthly reward for faithfulness may be hate and persecution. Sharing Christ may get you a kick in the stomach, rather than a pat on the back. Paul and Silas saw a woman who needed to be set free from a dark spirit, and for their act of mercy, they were beaten and arrested. This still happens in many parts of the world today where Christians refuse to compromise their faith and witness. Not everyone will be happy that Jesus set you free -- it threatens the spirit of darkness in their lives. People you partied with will often view your conversion with disdain, rather than as a touching story of a soul set free. Tell your story anyway. Sing God’s praises even in the dark places of life. Love people. Tell them why you’ve changed when they notice you are different. Don’t let the hate discourage or silence you. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Great Melting Pot

August 13

(Acts 16:14 NIV) “One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.”

(Acts 16:16 NIV) “Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.”

(Acts 16:29-34 NIV) ““The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. {30} He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" {31} They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." {32} Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. {33} At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. {34} The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.””

The early church was a melting pot. In Philippi, God put an upper class wealthy female business executive together with a formerly demon- possessed slave girl and a sturdy middle class Roman jailer. People who would never have associated before Jesus came together around the cross of Christ. Lives that had nothing in common except salvation had their hearts melted together by the fire of the Holy Spirit. What a grand idea! Christ still wants His church to be a melting pot. But today, instead of asking God, “Where could I be used the most for the glory of your Kingdom?” we go church shopping for the group that is most like us. We look for a church that will serve our needs, rather than a church where we can serve the needs of others. We end up in churches with a common income level, a common skin color, and a common family status. And we’re all poorer for it. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

The Greatest Question

August 12

(Acts 16:23-34 NIV) “After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. {24} Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. {25} About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. {26} Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. {27} The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. {28} But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" {29} The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. {30} He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" {31} They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." {32} Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. {33} At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. {34} The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV) “Be joyful always; {17} pray continually; {18} give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

After Paul and Silas freed the slave girl from an evil spirit, they were arrested, beaten, and thrown into jail. Later, they were heard singing praises to God. Light can shine, even from dark prison cells. One of those listening was the Roman jailer. Rome had strict rules for jailers. If anyone escaped during your watch, you were executed. So when an earthquake came, and the cell doors sprang open, the jailer assumed everyone had escaped. He was about to kill himself when Paul assured him that no one was missing. Realizing it was a miracle, the jailer fell on his knees and asked the greatest question one can ever ask: “What must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas shared the gospel with him, and he and his household became believers. We can learn from this. When we praise God in difficult times, He can make great things happen. And if you haven’t asked the greatest question… ask it! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Gospel for Those in Bondage

August 11

(Acts 16:16-18 NIV) “Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. {17} This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." {18} She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.””

(Luke 4:31-37 NIV) ““Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. {32} They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. {33} In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, {34} "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" {35} "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. {36} All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!" {37} And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.””

Jesus came to set the captives free. He died for the poor as well as for the wealthy. He saves the weak and the powerful. Paul’s first convert in Philippi was a wealthy businesswoman… his second was a spirit-possessed slave girl. That’s diversity! The slave girl would have been the polar opposite of Lydia. She was part of a lower class of people who were seen as human chattel by those who owned them. To her owners, she was a possession, not a person -- but Paul saw a woman possessed by more than just men. She had an evil spirit that told fortunes, and her owners used her to make money. She was a spiritual prostitute. But then she heard the name of Jesus as Paul spoke freedom into her life, silencing the voices of darkness that came from her mouth. The Most High God set her free. Christ wants to do that for you. Are you free? In the name of Jesus, be free! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Gospel for the Wealthy

August 10

(Acts 16:11-15 NIV) ““From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. {12} From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. {13} On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. {14} One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. {15} When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.””

(Luke 19:1-10 NIV) ““Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. {2} A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. {3} He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. {4} So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. {5} When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." {6} So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. {7} All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'" {8} But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." {9} Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. {10} For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.””

(James 2:19 NIV) “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

Paul’s mission team traveled to Philippi in Macedonia, where they met a woman named Lydia who was a “dealer in purple cloth”. Purple cloth was worn by royalty, high government officials, and the very wealthy. Lydia didn’t just run a small retail store, she was a wholesaler. This means that a wealthy business woman was Paul’s first convert in Macedonia. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just for the poor. Jesus also died for those who are rich. Lydia believed in God, but was not a Christian. She was “a worshipper of God”, but still needed to hear the gospel, believe, and be born again. Many people today say they believe in God, and think that this makes them a “Christian”. But believing in God, even being a worshipper of God, is not enough. We must be saved by grace, through faith, and surrender our lives to Jesus Christ. Rich or poor alike must come to know and follow the Son. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

God Knows Where

August 9

(Acts 16:6-9 NIV) “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. {7} When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. {8} So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. {9} During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

(Jonah 3:1-5 NIV) ““Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: {2} "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." {3} Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city--a visit required three days. {4} On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." {5} The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.””

Scripture often tells of God calling someone to go somewhere to do a task for Him. Then that person either goes or refuses to go. But today, Paul is ready, willing, and able to go, and God stops him from going. The Holy Spirit kept Paul from preaching in the province of Asia, and then the Spirit of Jesus stopped Him from entering Bithynia. God prevented Paul from going places where there were certainly lost people. God made one place a priority over others. Why? This may come as a surprise to some, but God knows more than we do. He knows where hearts are open to truth. He knows where He wants us to be and who is open to the gospel. God knew Macedonia was fertile soil, just like God knew the Ninevites were ready to repent in Jonah’s day. All God needed was obedient preachers. God knows a place and a people where your witness is needed. Listen for Him and go there. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Stop and Go God

August 8

(Acts 16:6-12 NIV) “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. {7} When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. {8} So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. {9} During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." {10} After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. {11} From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. {12} From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days."

(Jonah 1:1-3 NIV) ““The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: {2} "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." {3} But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.””

God kept Paul from going to Asia and Bithynia, but called him to Macedonia.  We don’t know how God communicated the message in each case, but one thing is clear: Paul heard God because he was listening. Three times God spoke to Paul -- three times Paul heard and obeyed. Christians, we must learn to hear God. We cannot live with godly wisdom until we learn to hear the Lord. This is not natural for us. It is a discipline. We must practice at it. Sometimes God stops us from going where we think we ought to go. When this happens, we must stay put and wait for direction. Sometimes the Lord sends us to where we never thought we would go. When that happens, we must go. If we fail to listen and obey on either side of this equation, like Jonah, we are doomed to end up on roads we were never supposed to take, and in places we were never intended to be. Listen and obey. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Growing Churches

August 7

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

(Acts 2:46-47 NIV) “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

(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.”

Sometimes ministries get out of focus and become more about numbers than about people. But the opposite is also true. There are far too many churches today that are apathetic about numbers. God wants us to grow. It’s the natural result of prayer, proclamation, and discipleship. It’s a part of organic Christianity. Scattered throughout the book of Acts are verses about continual growth in number. God wants His kingdom to grow, and when His kingdom grows, His church grows. There are some mechanics involved in this, but if every Christian in your city was praying, witnessing, loving, evangelizing, and discipling, churches in your city would be growing. Very few believers set these kinds of spiritual goals for themselves. Other things dominate our thinking and consume our time. Grow the kingdom. It’s one of the signs of life. Things must grow, or they die. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Teacher and Leader

August 6

(Acts 16:4 NIV) “As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.”

(Hebrews 5:11-6:3 NIV) “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. {12} In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! {13} Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. {14} But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Paul was both a teacher and a leader. He was willing to get out in front and say, “Here’s the way we should go.” He went from town to town delivering decisions, and declaring, “Thus saith the Lord.” That can be uncomfortable at times, and it can make you a target, but it was his calling. We are all called to teach and lead someone in some way. Christians are called to do more than just accumulate knowledge and faith -- God calls us to pass it on. We should all be teaching someone. We may never lead big groups or preach to large crowds, but we can all lead someone. Look for opportunities to teach and lead. God has enough reluctant believers who want to just kick back and enjoy the ride. What the Lord needs are Christians who will do more than follow and learn. Jesus needs disciples who will lead and teach. He needs disciples who will disciple. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Disciple Maker

August 5

(Acts 16:1-3 NIV) "He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. {2} The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. {3} Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.”

(Matthew 28:19-20 NIV) "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Paul didn’t just take his salvation and run. He didn’t just “pray the prayer” and continue living like he did before. His salvation was more than just fire insurance. Paul became a disciple, and then became a disciple-maker. He became a follower, and then produced more followers. He obeyed the Great Commission, which is a command of Christ. Paul was a leader, and he produced leaders. Silas and Timothy learned to follow Jesus by following Paul. He did not invite Silas and Timothy to become students -- he called them to become disciples. The two are not necessarily the same thing. A disciple is more than just a learner -- he is a follower, an adherent, and an imitator. The goal of a disciple is not just to know what the teacher knows, but to live like the teacher lives. We should be good disciples, but in time, we should become disciple- makers. Are you a disciple-maker? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Failure is Never Final

August 4

(Acts 15:39b-41 NIV) “Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, {40} but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. {41} He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."

(1 Peter 5:12-13 NIV) “With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. {13} She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.”

There is no doubt that Mark failed in his younger days. The biblical record is clear. But he wasn’t content to be known as a failure. Mark kept working at the faith. Over time he became a “go- to guy” in the church, and ended up writing one of the four gospels that we read today. This young man who bailed out early in his spiritual walk, ended up on the “A-List” of major apostles. Mark not only ended up on Paul’s list of friends, he became like a son to Peter. Perhaps Peter identified with Mark, as he also had a notorious failure in his past. If anyone understood overcoming failure, it would have been Peter. Failure is never final! It wasn’t for Peter. It wasn’t for Mark. And it need not be for you. The only way that failure is ever final is if you quit. Don’t do that! Don’t miss what God has for you down the road. If you have stumbled, get back up. Run again. Finish the race. Don’t give up! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Time Heals

August 3

(Acts 15:37-39a NIV) “Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, {38} but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. {39} They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.”

(Philemon 1:23-24 NIV) "Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. {24} And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers."

(2 Timothy 4:11 NIV) "Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry."

The passage of time can soften anger and heal wounds. Things that once seemed so important can seem trivial years later. This happened with Mark and Paul. Mark, who had caused a split between Paul and Barnabas, became someone Paul wanted by his side -- a trusted ally in the work of the gospel. In Paul’s letter to Philemon, Mark is listed as one of Paul’s “fellow workers”. And later, when Paul wrote to his young disciple Timothy, he mentioned Mark as being “helpful” to his ministry. We don’t know what happened, but somehow Paul and Mark had reconciled. Perhaps Paul realized that the grace he preached so vehemently needed to be applied to Mark. Maybe Mark matured, grew stronger, and proved himself to be reliable. The bottom line is that people can change. We can change. Things do not stay the same forever here on Earth. Thank God for that! Time heals. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Double Edged Ministry

August 2

(Acts 15:39b-41 NIV) “Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, {40} but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. {41} He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."

(Isaiah 61:7 NIV) "Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs."

(Hebrews 4:12 NIV) "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

God can redeem anything for His glory -- even sharp disagreements that would appear to weaken the church. When Barnabas and Paul went their separate ways, Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus where the work of the Lord expanded, and Paul picked up a young disciple named Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the church and winning many to Jesus. What looked like a victory for Satan instead became double trouble. One team had become two teams. Gospel proclamation had doubled overnight. Paul and Barnabas had become a two-edged sword. The gospel was now on the offensive on two fronts. It may not have been in God’s original plan for Paul and Barnabas to split up, but God used it to His advantage. God knows how to win with any set of circumstances. God can redeem anything for His glory, even our human failings. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Book of Truth

August 1

(Acts 15:37-40 NIV) "Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, {38} but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. {39} They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, {40} but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord."

(Colossians 4:10 NIV) "My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)"

The argument between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark was so serious that they parted company. How did two godly apostles reach this point? We find a clue in Paul’s letter to the Colossians -- John Mark was a cousin to Barnabas. Mark and Barnabas were family, and we all know the old adage about blood being thicker than water. Paul may have been stubborn, but Barnabas was working with a strong bias, and because of that they ended up at a fork in the road. This dynamic duo had what we call today an internal dispute, and it split the team apart. This was certainly not one of the church’s finest moments, but it is a good reason to trust the Bible. Scripture shows God’s people for who they are, warts and all. It doesn’t try to do a PR job for the church. God just lays it out there -- the good, the bad, and the ugly. We can trust the word of God to tell us the truth. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day