December 7th~A Light in the Night

Ephesians 3:1-5:14

We transitioned into the second half of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. In the first three chapters, Paul reminded his readers what Christ had done for them. Now, Paul challenged them to live in light of what He had done. He set the stage by writing, “Therefore, I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God” (4:1). Simply put, our lives should be a clear reflection of the work of Christ.

First, in regards to our old self, we should “no longer walk as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their closed minds are full of darkness. They are far away from God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against Him. They don’t care about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways” (4:17-19).

After describing the unworthy walk of those without Christ, Paul charged believers to live in the opposite way. “This isn’t the way you were taught,” he wrote. “Throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness — righteous, holy, and true” (4:20-24). To summarize, our lives in Christ should reflect a genuine change from the old self to the new.

Finally, Paul wrote, “Though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Find what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the deeds of evil and darkness... Where your light shines, it will expose their deeds” (5:10-14).

Daily Reflection

It is our wholesome lifestyle that sets us apart from the world. We stand out as bright spots in our darkened work places, neighborhoods, campuses, organizations, teams, etc. When we shine that light, it causes others to notice and it provides opportunities for us to speak of the truth (Matthew 5:14-16).

The problem is that many of us are not “bright” enough. We look too much like the darkened world, and when the world sees us doing and saying the things that they do, then they notice nothing different. Why, then, would they want to be Christian? The most treacherous tool against Christianity is Christians who claim Jesus with their lips but deny Him with their life- style.

Are you a bright spot in your darkened world? Do your words and actions stand out in contrast to those around you? If not, why not? If so, describe how.

You are not living in stark contrast to draw attention to yourself, but rather to draw attention to the Lord and what He has done in your life? How should you respond when someone notices a difference and asks you about it?

BiAY.org | Day 341 — 24 Days to Go

December 6th~Preaching From Prison

Acts 28:1-31

Ephesians 1:1-2:22

After having to stay three months on the island of Malta, Paul and the others arrived safely in Rome. Though he was technically a prisoner awaiting a trial before Caesar, “Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier” (Acts 28:16). He would live there for the next two years.

For most of us, being a prisoner of Rome would mean the end of all things normal to us, but Paul didn’t let it stop him. His ministry continued despite his circumstances. In fact, “He welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the Kingdom of God with all boldness and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ...” (v.30, 31). He even invited Jews from the city to come and listen to the Gospel. “A large number of people came. He told them about the Kingdom of God and taught them about Jesus from the Scriptures...” (v.23).

In his spare time, Paul wrote letters to churches he had started. For example, today we read from his letter to the Ephesians. His letters are rich with spiritual truths and encouragement, priceless pieces from prison. “Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ; and this gave Him great pleasure” (Ephesians 1:4, 5).

Paul also wrote these wonderful words, “God saved you by His special favor when you believed; and you can’t take credit for this. It is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (2:8-10). Prison did not keep Paul from ministering to others for the Lord.

Daily Reflection

Most of us, including me, if we landed in prison would consider that to be the end of the line. We would be more concerned about our well-being than the well-being of others. Our attitude would be “Woe is me.” But, Paul viewed prison as an opportunity to meet people he couldn’t have otherwise, just another avenue to influence others for the sake of Christ. Later, in his letter to the Philippians, Paul reported that even the Roman guards were getting saved (1:13). How is it that he could view such a negative situation in a positive light?

Have you ever watched God use a “negative” situation to produce positive results? Explain.

We regularly ask for opportunities to share Christ with others but when the Lord provides them, we are seldom prepared to use them. What can you do to solve this problem?

BiAY.org | Day 340 — 25 Days to Go

December 5th~Strength in the Storm

Acts 27:1-44

After Paul made an appeal for Caesar to hear his case (25:11), the guards made preparation to transport him to Rome. Since they did not have the luxury of flight, as we do, the trip would be by ship and would last several weeks. All 276 passengers on board endured one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

Though our passage was full of nautical phrases and was difficult to understand, it was not difficult to comprehend that the trip was dangerous. “We had several days of rough sailing; and after great difficulty we finally neared Cnidus. But, the wind was against us... We struggled along the coast with great difficulty... We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for long voyages by then, because it was so late in the fall” (27:7-9).

What immediately became apparent on this trip was Paul’s impact on the passengers, particularly when the situation became perilous. When things were going smoothly, Paul had the attention of his commanding officer (who treated him kindly, 27:3), but when things grew tense and people’s lives were in danger, Paul had the attention of everyone. It was as if the storms gave Paul an opportunity to minister to every person on board. The circumstances shed light on his character and faith. His words and inner strength encouraged everyone.

“Take courage,” he said. “None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. Last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me... [and told me that] God in His goodness has granted safety to everyone. So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as He said” (v.22-26). Everyone was encouraged. By the end of the whole ordeal, Paul had become valuable to both the commander and the crew (v.43).

Daily Reflection

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a group of strangers because of some abnormal circumstance (weather event, stalled elevator, black out, wreck, etc.)? How did you react? Was it different than the reaction of others? Did you interact with people? Why or why not?

What is it about Christians, that we can bring calm and encouragement in situations like these, when most people tend to panic?

While most people view situations like these as terrible and inconvenient, Paul viewed the storm as another opportunity to express the difference that Christ can make in one’s life. God simply arranged for him to have the chance to impact strangers for good.

If you believe in a God of providence, that He arranges situations for a purpose, how must you perceive these times when you find yourself in the midst of a “storm” with others?

BiAY.org | Day 339 — 26 Days to Go

December 4th~On Trial

Acts 24:1-26:31

Paul was still in jail in Caesarea, which was headquarters for the Roman governors. He had been transferred there after the leading Jews tried to kill him in Jerusalem. He had been in jail so long that he had been tried by two different governors — Felix and Festus. Neither of these men found Paul to be guilty of any crime; in fact, they would have released him had he not appealed to have his case tried before Caesar. Now, Paul would get an all-expenses-paid one- way ticket to the capital of the empire. Thus, Paul would get to see Rome after all (23:11).

As I read about the trials that Paul experienced, I was reminded of the importance of being able to make a defense for our faith. In this bitter and biased world, it seems that the followers of Christ are always on trial somewhere, giving reasons for the hope that they have in Him, just as Paul did (24:10; 26:1).

Did you notice that Paul’s accusers resorted to name-calling and scare tactics? They had already threatened to kill him a couple of times and, during a trial, they said, “We have found him to be a troublemaker” (24:5). After listening to Paul’s story, Festus even shouted, “Paul, you are insane!” (26:24). The world cannot effectively argue against what it does not understand. The facts do not support their claims. Therefore, they must resort to intimidation and name-calling. They must silence us with fear.

On the other hand, if we watch how Paul defended his faith, we will notice that he was a good ambassador for the Lord. He was diplomatic in his approach, he appealed to the facts, and he demonstrated good character. He said, “I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and everyone else” (24:16). Because of the way that he interacted with the nay-sayers, Paul earned an audience with those who would listen.

Daily Reflection

In one of his letters, Peter wrote, “If you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it; but, you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then, if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ” (1 Peter 3:15, 16).

You should always be ready to explain the hope that you have, your faith in Jesus Christ. Do you feel prepared to do that? Why or why not?

What do you think it means to explain your beliefs in a gentle and respectful way?

What do you think it means to keep a clear conscience before God and men?

Take courage. Truth is on your side. But, do not be boastful, condescending, or hateful. Be prepared to receive harsh treatment from the nay-sayers, but do not return their fire.

BiAY.org | Day 338 — 27 Days to Go

December 3rd~Targets for Trouble

Acts 21:37-23:35

We witnessed the hostile environment that Paul faced while in Jerusalem. He was warned several times by friends and prophets not to go there. Their concerns were justified and their predictions were true. The Temple crowd beat him and abused him, the Roman guards arrested him and nearly flogged him, the Sadducees and Pharisees argued over him and almost tore him limb from limb, and, finally, forty Jewish zealots vowed to kill him.

What was it about Jerusalem that it harbored such hatred for Christ, for His followers, for Paul, and for the Gospel? These were God’s chosen people who disdained His representatives and despised the only way of salvation. The answer could only be that the enemy, Satan himself, had managed to gain control of these people and, therefore, expel anything that was contrary to his goals.

Jerusalem is a microcosm of the world at large.

Satan, the “god of this world” has a great deal of influence on the views and ideals of the majority of people living here. The world system that he has developed represents his lies and goals. Anything, then, that does not align itself with his evil plans is utterly despised, discredited, and destroyed. Therefore, as God’s representatives on earth, Christians are a primary target for persecution. We should not be surprised by the anger, animosity, or abuse that we receive from the people of this world.

Persecution is not a sign that we are doing something wrong. It is a sign that we are doing something right. The enemy is trying to scare us and silence us. Paul wrote later to Timothy, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus told us to expect persecution. Since they hated Him, they will hate us; and, since they persecuted Him, they will persecute us (John 15:18, 19). If we condoned the views and ideals of the world, the people of this world would welcome us; but, since we are not of this world and do not embrace this world system, the world hates us.

Daily Reflection

Have you ever faced persecution for believing or speaking up for the Gospel of Christ? What have you learned from this experience?

Jesus said that those who are persecuted for His name sake will be blessed (Luke 6:22). As much as we dislike it and as strange as it sounds, we must recognize that there is value in persecution. How could we possibly benefit from being persecuted?

Paul rejoiced when he “shared in the suffering of Christ” (Philippians 1:7). Why?

BiAY.org | Day 337 — 28 Days to Go

December 2nd~On to Jeruselum

Acts 20:13-21:36

We witnessed the end of Paul’s third missionary journey and his return to Jerusalem. He had an overwhelming sense that he was supposed to go there. “I am going to Jerusalem,” he told the elders of Ephesus, “drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me... The Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead” (20:22, 23).

On his way back to Jerusalem, he was warned by friends several times that he was headed for trouble. The disciples in Tyre prophesied that Paul should not go to Jerusalem (21:4). The daughters of Philip the Evangelist had the gift of prophecy; no doubt they warned him as well (21:9). Finally, Agabus tied Paul’s hands and feet with a belt and told him, “The owner of this belt will be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans.” When his friends heard this, they begged Paul not to go (21:10-12).

However, Paul remained resolute in his decision. “You are breaking my heart,” he said. “For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord, the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love” (20:24; 21:13).

Daily Reflection

I admire Paul for his steadfast courage in the face of difficulty and danger. He was compelled by his conscience to follow the Lord’s will, no matter what happened to him. Life and death seemed to matter little. What mattered most was that he was obedient to God and that he did right by Him. “Let me say plainly that I have been faithful... I did not shrink from declaring all that God wants... I never shrank from telling the truth...” (20:20, 26, 27).

Describe a time when you sensed that inner compulsion to do something that the Lord had given you to do, no matter how difficult.

We may call this inner strength that Paul demonstrated many things — guts, courage, bravery. Noah Webster called it fortitude. Here is his definition: “The strength or firmness of mind or soul which enables a person to encounter danger with coolness and courage, or to bear pain or adversity without murmuring, depression, or despondency. Fortitude is the basis or source of genuine courage in danger, of patience in suffering, or forbearance under injury, and of magnanimity in all conditions in life” (1828 Dictionary).

Is fortitude a natural or supernatural quality? Explain your answer.

What motivated Paul to go to Jerusalem was his view that his life was worth nothing unless he was using it for the Lord’s work. What does that “work” look like for you? Have you ever shrunk from doing what God has given you to do?

BiAY.org | Day 336 — 29 Days to Go

December 1st~Danger: A Bump-Free Road

2 Corinthians 11:1-13:13

Acts 20:7-12

We finished Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. In his closing, he defended his ministry against the false apostles who had descended upon their congregation after Paul’s departure. “I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent. You seem to believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach... I don’t think I am inferior to these ‘super apostles’” (11:3-5).

Paul went on to boast about all that he had experienced and endured, something that he hated doing. “Such bragging is not something the Lord wants,” he wrote (v.17). “If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am” (v.30). He explained that boasting causes people, including himself, to get “puffed up” or prideful, and that pride leads to self-reliance and neglect of God. However, he noticed that “to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in the flesh... to keep me from getting proud” (12:7).

While Paul did not like his “thorn,” whatever it was, he did notice that it caused him to “beg the Lord to take it away” (v.8). In other words, his trial caused him to turn his attention to the Lord and away from himself. Whatever the difficult circumstance was, it moved him to rely upon God instead of his own abilities. Therefore, Paul wrote, “Now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know that it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities, for when I am weak, then I am strong” (v.9, 10).

Daily Reflection

Webster defined boasting as “to brag, to exalt or magnify one’s self, to make a display of one’s worth, property, or actions” (1828 Dictionary). Why is boasting a waste of time? How does boasting appear in the eyes of others? What about in the eyes of God?

What exactly does it look like to boast in your weaknesses?

We like it so much better when life goes smoothly, when everything happens the way it’s supposed to happen, when things are good. However, what does a bump-free life develop in you? Why is it better to rejoice in the bumps?

Are you praising God for your smooth road or for all of the twists, turns, and bumps?

BiAY.org | Day 335 — 30 Days to Go