Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”—Colossians 4:17 “I gave your brother chores to do. Make sure he completes them before he goes out to play.” So were the words spoken by her dad as he was leaving for work. These chores were to a priority in the son’s life and not something left as the last to do because he had “better” things he wanted to be involved in like the neighborhood boys’ football game. No, he was to do the chores his dad gave him first and then he could play. How about you and I as followers of…

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves… —Colossians 1:13 We were being tossed about on a very rough ocean in the night. The twelve foot boat stalled hours earlier, would not restart and the sea had continued to get progressively more unsettled. Water was coming into the boat as waves washed over it. We had to bail out the boat regularly. At mid-night the anchor let loose and we drifted further out in the ocean. Fortunately, it caught bottom again. Then about 4am we saw a light on the horizon. We got their attention with light…

But our citizenship is in heaven. —Philippians 3:20 …my fellow workers, whose names are written in the book of life. —Philippians 4:3 When I travel from one country to another I have to show my passport. It identifies the country I am a citizen of and my birth information— showing that I am alive. But, my passport is only good for a certain amount of time that allows me to exit my home country and enter another one. But those who follow the Lord Jesus have a Passport that never runs out and allows the “holder” when they leave this life to enter heaven. According to the verses above those…

1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in 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. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have…

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. —Ephesians 1:13-14 You put a deposit down on merchandise and by so doing you are stating the intent of ownership. It could be a car, a house or anything else. You also get a receipt stating that you have put down a deposit and this guarantees that this object will be yours. The receipt is…

Paul tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. —Acts 28:23-24 Ten people told Thomas that they had seen the Lord. These were people that Thomas knew. They had spent much time together and had seen and experienced much together. But he was not convinced by them. No, he would not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he saw Jesus Himself. Well, Thomas did see Jesus a week later and said, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:24-29). Jesus said ”Thomas you believed because you have seen. Blessed are those who have not seen and believe.” According…

I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. —Acts 26:5 There are those who go through the motions of being a follower of Jesus Christ, but it is only a show. They go to church on Sunday and sometimes there are those who go many times during the week thinking that by doing so gives them favor before God. These are people when you ask them if they know Jesus they will say, “I am not as bad as some people.” These are people who conform to a set of “what to do and what not to do” listed by themselves, someone else or an…

Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” —Acts 24:24-25 What do people fear? Death or the way they may die? Cancer or some other illness? Tragic loss of a loved one? Loss of a job? The dark? What is fear? It can be something that is terrifying, something a person may dread, something that causes horror,…

I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. —Acts 21:13 Many people have died in the cause of freedom. Wars and demonstrations have taken place to promote freedom and peace and many end up dying seeking to obtain it. To be a free people, a free nation as the United States is, is wonderful, but so many have forgotten the cost of the freedom they enjoy. Even when people have the freedom to rail against this country, they forget that it is because of the sacrifice of many that they can be free to do that. In…

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. —II Corinthians 11:14-15 The account is told of King Ahab going into battle in disguise. He did not want the enemy to know he was the king and attract attention to himself. But an opposing soldier “drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the breastplate and the scale armor. The king told the chariot driver, “Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I’ve been wounded.” All day long…