Daily Encouragement

April 5, 2009 - The Felix Syndrome

Meditation on Acts 24

Paul now stood on trial before the Governor, Felix. The Jewish authority wasted no time to come down to Caesarea to prosecute him for violating their religious laws. But Paul soundly refuted their false arguments. He used the opportunity to talk about his belief in resurrection and judgment.

Governor Felix was quite interesting. He had heard the message of Jesus before and even wanted to hear more from Paul privately. But He did not want to commit himself to anything. He did not want to hear Paul's messages on righteousness, self-control and judgment. He was good in delaying judgment. (see v. 23) Since he himself was a former slave, he honored liberty. He granted Paul the freedom to receive provision from friends and relatives. But he was a promiscuous man. His wife number three, Drusilla was not even twenty years old who was lured by him from her former husband. He loves money and was expecting Paul to give him some. Finally he tried to please the Jews in order to hold on to his position, so he kept Paul in prison even thought he should release him.

Felix's problem is like many people in our culture today. They love democracy and freedom. They always look for ways to get some more money. They are very loose in their personal morality. They will do anything to keep their own position. They are very smart in pushing away responsibility and decision. One author and commentator calls this the Felix Syndrome. May God help us to wake up others not to fall into this disease.

April 6, 2009 - God's Strategy Of Winning His Own In Rome

Meditation on Acts 25

When Governor Festus succeeded Felix, he, being a shrew politician, went up to Jerusalem right away to develop relationship with the Jews. However, he did not consent to bring Paul back to Jerusalem but rather asked the Jewish high council to come down to Caesarea. Thus, Paul was protected from another assassination attempt by the Jews. (v. 3)

During the trial, Festus in order to please the Jews, asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem? Paul of course did not want to go but he appeal to Caesar since he had the right to as a Roman citizen. Festus granted the appeal.

Back in Acts 23:11, we remember that God had already told Paul that he would bear witness for Jesus in Rome. As he could not be released from prison, he was then able to go to Rome through government expense and protection. God was in control of what's happening so His will could be accomplished. So Paul finally ended up in Rome. The word of God said this about Paul's way to accomplish God's mission, "Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, ³¹ preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him." (Acts 28:30-31 NKJV)

Else where in Philippians 1:12-14, Paul wrote that through his imprisonment, the whole palace guard as well as many others had heard the Gospel. Many other saints were emboldened to speak the word of God. Those Praetorian Guard were elite soldiers of the Roman army. I believe many of the several thousand of them had taken turn to be chained to Paul in their watch while he was the prisoners. They became Paul's captive audience! Also Philippians 4:22 indicated that those who are of the Caesar's household had also come to know the Lord.

Wow, what a strategy to reach the Roman Empire! As a result of Paul's appeal to Caesar, the Gospel was being preached to the Roman soldiers who in turn spread Christianity to the whole Roman world.

God today can use anyone of us to reach people. Though some Christians may be in suffering or in jail, God can use them to win the hearts of those around them. The Gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16a)

God can use you to win the world.

April 7, 2009 - Boldly Witness For Jesus

Meditation on Acts 26

The Book of Acts has presented Paul's testimony at least three times. It must be very important for us to learn from Paul's way of witnessing. When he stood before King Agrippa, not only he defended his own innocence, he addressed his audience with courage and evangelistic method. Let us see how he witness for Jesus.

He began by pointing out the common knowledge he and the audience had. (v. 1-8) He admitted his own guilt and crime against the Christians before his conversion. (v. 9-11) Then he shared the experience of his conversion as well as how he was sent to witness for Christ. (v. 12-17) He told them the blessings of believing in Jesus. (v. 18) He explained the way to accept Christ. (v. 20) Finally he showed them the power of God and His word because God helped him, the prophecies had been fulfilled and Jesus was resurrected. (v. 22-23)

It seemed that the result was only causing Festus to accuse him of being mad and Agrippa was only almost persuaded. But Paul' appeal was confirmed and he eventually got to Rome and led many to Christ there.

Our testimony of conversion may be quite different from Paul. But we should do well to include the points he made while preparing it.

April 8, 2009 - How To Face The Storm Of Life

Meditation on Acts 27

The voyage to Rome was full of difficulties for Paul and his shipmates. They ran into a typical storm in the Mediterranean Sea.

Through God's protection and answer to Paul's prayers, they were saved. We might also run into storm in our lives whether it is a physical storm or some type of sudden disaster in life. The world today is going through a financial storm. Many people have lost their jobs, homes or retirement saving. How do we deal with it? Let us meditate the following pointers from God's word:

1. It is better to face the storm with some Christian companions. (v. 2-3; cf. Ecclesiastes. 4:9-12)

2. Listen to the advice of godly people. (v. 9-10; cf. Proverbs 11:14)

3. It is O.K. to get rid of the unnecessary things in life. (v. 18-19; cf. Hebrews 12:1)

4. We need the prayers and encouragements of godly people. (v. 22-23)

5. Never give up but rather take courage. (v. 20, 25)

6. God will give you the answer at the appropriate time. (v. 24-25; cf. Psalm 50:15)

7. We should stay together to help each other. (v. 30-31, cf. Galatians 6:1-2)

8. We should pay attention to our eating. (v. 33-36)

9. Trusting God to deliver you and He will. (v. 43-44; cf. Isaiah 43:2, Hebrews 13:5)

April 9, 2009 - Let Us Build The Fire Together

Meditation on Acts 28

The Mediterranean Sea was huge and had few islands. The fact that Paul and the other 275 people on the ship could land on Malta was a miracle of God. The natives there showed them unusual kindness, Luke said, for they kindled a fire and made them all welcome because it was raining and cold.

Here is something that we can all learn from Paul. He too had gather a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire. (v. 3a) In order to get warmth and comfortable, Paul contributed his part. It was a simple task. But it was significant. Today our churches and society needs warmth after the shipwreck in the economic storm. Let everyone of us do our part in building up a fire of revival in our churches. Let us bring care to people and lead them to our Christian fellowship.

It is not unusual that a snake would come out in the fire of a church revival as Paul was bitten by one because of the heat. But God would protect the church from Satanic attack just as Paul suffered no harm from the snake. As a result of this, the natives recognized God's protection upon Paul.

I believe God had used both Paul and Luke, the physician to bring healing and therapy to the islanders. (v. 8-9) In turn the natives provided the things the shipmates needed.

Whatever ability and gifts God has given to each of us, we can use it to help one another. But first of all let us build up the fire so we can engage in the Mission for God.

April 10, 2009 - The Power Of The Gospel

Meditation on Romans 1

The great book of Romans has its theme in 1:16-17, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith. '" (NKJV)

The latter half of chapter one details the deliberate sin of mankind to the point of God gave them up. But thank God that when by faith anyone hears the Gospel and believes; the power of God would save this person. God will give him the righteousness in Jesus Christ and continue to grant him faith to live in God's righteousness. That is because of the grace and might of God who loves us through the coming of His Son and the death, burial and resurrection of His Son. He justifies us and will sanctify us to live for Him no matter who you are.

Praise the Lord for His Gospel and His power of love.

April 11, 2009 - How Does God Judge Us?

Meditation on Romans 2

We are often asked by unbelievers this question, "What about the people who had never heard of the Law of Moses or the Gospel, how would God judge them when they die?" Romans 2 provides the answer. Verse 12 says, "For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law." (NKJV) Paul continues to explain in verse 14 and 15, "for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them." So God has put into every heart a conscience that knows God's standard instantly.

The Word of God in Romans also emphasizes that God is interested in our doing of the law and not just hearer only. (v. 13) Furthermore, the outward observance of the law such as circumcision is not enough. God is looking at our hearts and our spirit of obedience of the law. So even one who is not circumcised in flesh as the Jews but is circumcised of the heart, meaning to obey God sincerely in our daily walk, is a truly a Jew. (v. 25-29)

Can anyone be justified then? Let us read Romans 3!