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

The Gods of Culture

October 4

(Acts 19:26b-29 NIV) “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."

(2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NIV) “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. {4} The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

(Deuteronomy 4:23-29 NIV) “Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. {24} For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. {25} After you have had children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time--if you then become corrupt and make any kind of idol, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord your God and provoking him to anger, {26} I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live there long but will certainly be destroyed. {27} The Lord will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the Lord will drive you. {28} There you will worship man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. {29} But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Many today would say they are not religious, but they are not being truthful. We are all religious in some way. We all worship something or someone. Some worship science. Some worship nature. Some worship the stars. Some worship money. Some worship sex. Some worship power. Some worship sports. Some worship their addiction. Some worship themselves. The gods of culture are many, and if you faithfully follow Jesus, you will come into conflict with these gods. As the influence of Christ grows in your life, the power of cultural gods will begin to wane. They will begin to get less of your time and money, and they will squeal their displeasure. They may even threaten you. The gods of the culture despise Jesus and those who serve Him, but remain steadfast. Those who worship the gods of culture will perish, while those who follow Jesus receive eternal life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Led Astray

October 3

(Acts 19:26 NIV) “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.”

(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.”

Anyone who takes their Christian faith seriously will begin to walk a different road than the rest of the world. In turn, popular culture will see you as “off the beaten path” or even as “off your rocker”. Christians have been labeled as “wacko” since the days of Jesus. If you haven’t been called a “wacko” or something worse, you have likely been hiding your light. Demetrius and the other establishment idol-makers saw the early believers as people who had been “led astray”. The “folly” of this new religious sect was found in their rejection of “man-made gods”. Those on the wide road to destruction cannot comprehend why disciples of Jesus persist in going a different direction, but we who follow Jesus have been commanded to walk the narrow road. If we obey, we are indeed guilty of “straying” from the wide road. We must learn to live with the world’s ridicule and disdain. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

A Different Kind of Buyer

October 2

(Acts 19:24-26 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.”

(Matthew 6:19-24 NIV) ““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. {20} But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. {21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. {22} "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. {23} But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! {24} "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.””

As more and more people in Ephesus were saved, a recession hit the idol making business. Paul taught that the silver idols of Artemis had no divine power, and people stopped spending money on them. Demetrius called the union bosses together and launched a public relations campaign against the Church. These new believers, led by Paul, were cutting into the idol- maker’s profits. They were taking their faith too seriously, and it was harming the local economy. These new people of the Way had changed their spending habits and had become a different kind of buyer. Every Christian should be a different kind of buyer. Money that was once spent foolishly will now be offered to Jesus, or wisely saved for future needs. If your God has not affected the way you spend money, your God is not the God of Scripture. Becoming a disciple of Jesus will make you a different kind of buyer. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Disturbing People of the Way

October 1

(Acts 19:23 NIV) “About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.”

(Acts 4:1-4 NIV) “The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. {2} They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. {3} They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. {4} But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.”

(Matthew 2:1-3 NIV) ““After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem {2} and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." {3} When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.””

The early church had been derisively called “Christians” at Antioch. In Ephesus someone decided to label them as “The Way”. Both labels were meant to be derogatory. Wherever those early disciples lived, they caused a disturbance as they lived out their faith. As others became believers, their lifestyle and spending habits changed. They were rocking the boat, messing with the system, stirring the pot, and this caused friction. They didn’t fit the mold, and what they had seemed to be contagious. They disturbed the status quo. Contrast that with many church people today, whose main goal seems to be blending in. We wouldn’t want anyone to think we are weird, and so we become adept at flying under the radar. Something has been lost in the translation. We were saved to shine! Live out your faith, and pray that you can become part of the disturbance in a way that honors the Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day