House2HouseMD

The Almost Converted King Agrippa Sometimes, God will allow us the opportunity to meet some of this world’s “important” people and/or “movers and shakers”. Paul’s trial is doing exactly that for him. Today, Paul meets the “who is who” – King Agrippa and his sister Bernice; governor Festus and other “great people” in the province. Paul was not here to collect autographs but will use this chance to speak boldly about Christ and the salvation He offers. May we never squander our own opportunities; whether it is meeting the owner of the company, the president of your institution or the CEO or any of the political leaders of our time. Our natural incline is to seek what “movers and shakers” can give/do for us (networking in today’s language), but we should give them what we have – Christ. Most often than not, they lack what we have. Let us be givers instead of takers. Acts 26 1Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Paul motioned with his hand a...

Paul at the Hands of Governor Festus the Nice Guy We will meet a lot of people along the journey of life who are just simply nice. God uses these people to further his call on our lives and advance his kingdom through us. They may not necessarily be Christians or believe the way we believe, but God have appointed them. Governor Festus is now in power in this province. The wishy-washy Felix is gone. He was relieved of his post by Rome for not handling some disturbances in a proper manner. What can we learn from Apostle Paul and Governor Festus during this phase of Paul’s trial and ultimate journey to Rome? We learn balance from Festus and steadfastness from Apostle Paul. We also us learn that death can come unexpectedly in the case of Governor Festus. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90: 12. Acts 25: 1-23 1Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2where the chief priests and Jewish leaders ap...

Paul at the hands of Governor Felix’s Political Correctness You may think political correctness started in our day. Not really. In our day, the issue of sanctity of marriage is being politicized. The politicians fearing backlash are willing to talk from both sides of their mouths. Some of them say they stand for marriage as ordained by God (man and woman) but are willing to appease the crowd with civil unions. They don’t even want to call it what it is, homosexual marriages. We see truth being veiled and justice denied or delayed in the hands of those who are in the power to do so. No wonder we are asked to first pray for our leaders so they will do what is right (1Tim 2:1-2). Lord, help our leaders to live Holy Spirit filled lives so as to have courage to do what is right. Amen. In today’s study, we come across Governor Felix who knows the truth but in order to appease the Jews would not deliver the right judgment on the case of Apostle Paul. He decides to keep Paul under house arrest...

GOD’S WILL FOR YOU IN 2010 How did you usher in the New Year? Well let me tell you about mine. We were invited to a birthday/end of year party at our across-the-street neighbor’s house. It was a great party and with lots of kids and adults. We had a good time getting to learn and eat food from a different culture than we are used to. Well it came time for the drinks and I reluctantly opted for half a glass of table wine. You see, I am very “lighted headed” so I know that I do not do too well with wine or any alcohol. I know some of you can handle it better than me. Anyway, the rest of the evening was different for me. The little wine took over and I became very sleepy. I did not last too long afterwards and we walked home (after we had prayed with everyone at the party). Subsequently, I went straight to bed. The Lord reminded me that this is how He wants me to be “controlled and influenced” by His Holy Spirit in 2010. This is God’s will for me and if you accept, for you in 2010. “For ...