See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands.

Colossians 1-4, Philemon 1

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Colossians 2:8-11

Day 347 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning I start with two of the Prison Epistles: Colossians and Philemon, which my commentary* indicates "[d]uring these two years of house arrest, generally believed to be about A.D. 61–63, Paul writes four letters which have come to be known as the Prison Epistles. Two of them, the letter to the Colossians and the letter to Philemon, are probably written at the same time. Although Paul has never visited Colossae, one of his companions during this time, Epaphras, has been preaching in the towns of Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Epaphras has evidently informed Paul of the pagan secularism which threatens the churches in that region." 

With Paul's letter to the church in Philemon, my commentary* indicates "[b]efore coming to Rome and being converted by Paul, Onesimus had been a slave of a Christian named Philemon. Onesimus (whose name means “useful”) had run away from Philemon and had evidently taken some money or property belonging to his master. Paul now writes to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus and asks that Philemon accept Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. The letter is an insightful study in personal relationships among Christians and contrasts the freedoms that come when one is under bondage to Christ."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

As Paul writes the church in Colossae, he warns the church about pagan worship and its "deceptive" philosophy.  He then makes it clear who Christ is and our focus with our life should be on Him. Peter also warns us about how we can be deceived.   

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Comment and discuss this post here!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who helps protect me from the prince of this world - thank You Jesus!  I desire to focus on You as You created me, bless me, and died for me - thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin continues, including selfishness, etc.  Please forgive me.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Acts 27-28

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! Acts 28:30-31

Day 346 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning my focus returns to Acts where Paul sails to Rome based on his appeal to Caesar.  While in Rome, Paul continues to share the gospel during house arrest.

What is remarkable about Paul is his endurance (in suffering) and persistence in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. His voyage to Rome is calamitous from start to finish but Paul uses all of these opportunities to endure and share Jesus either through words or actions.

But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” Acts 27:22-26

Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Acts 27:33-36

But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. Acts 28:5-6

There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. Acts 28:7-10

He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. Acts 28:23

What a witness!

Regardless of where we find ourselves we should hope and pray that we can demonstrate God as Paul does!

Comment and discuss this post here!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God and Your Word is incredible as I am inspired and encouraged by Paul.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how the Holy Spirit works to give me the Word and to better understand the Word.  I often place my earthly comfort and earthly distractions (idols!) above You - including today!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Acts 24-26

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:28-29

Day 345 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning my focus returns to Acts where Paul has been arrested and taken from Jerusalem to Caesarea and my commentary discusses Paul's defense before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. 

Once again, as I posted yesterday, we see (Acts 26:1-29) Paul boldly proclaim his testimony before Festus and Agrippa. Luke's final recorded statement before Festus and Agrippa demonstrates in Paul what God wants in all of us - a persistent and unwavering determination to be in action to expand God's kingdom...whether it be in words or actions.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

Acts 21:17-23:35

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11

Day 344 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning my focus returns to Acts where my commentary* notes: '[t]he prophecy of Agabus is soon to be fulfilled. Upon his return to Jerusalem, Paul now finds himself being arrested and attacked by local Jews who have been stirred up by certain men from Asia. Fortunately, however, Paul will be rescued by Roman soldiers acting under Claudius Lysias, the local Roman commander. The historical record sets forth Paul’s attempt to defend himself before a mob which is demanding his death, and indicates a fair reception to his discourse until he mentions being God’s messenger to the Gentiles. Angry crowd reaction to that assertion forces Claudius Lysias to take Paul into protective custody. On the following day, the record reveals that Paul is put on trial before the Sanhedrin Council, in much the same way that Jesus himself had been tried years earlier. By referring to his own heritage as a Pharisee, and to his belief in a resurrection after death, Paul adroitly sets the Pharisees in controversy against the Sadducees, who do not believe in a resurrection. In the debate which ensues, no charges are brought and Paul is returned to custody. When a plot to kill Paul is uncovered, Paul is secreted away by night to Caesarea, where he will later be brought before the governor, Felix. Now, as Luke records Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem before his arrest, an effort is made by James and the elders at Jerusalem to calm the anxiety of Jewish Christians, who are uncertain about Paul’s teaching."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

In Acts 21:40-22:41, Paul, in his defense, boldly tells his story to his accusers. God wants all of us to be able to tell our testimony - boldly (see also Acts 4:20) - just as Paul (and Peter, etc.) tells his story to his accusers.  On the subject of how to prepare to give our testimony, John Piper provides this excellent post which encourages us to not be anxious or to overly prepare in advance - instead we are to lean on Him and the Word to guide us in our words.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I am humbled how You have used me and my story to reach others.  I've been blessed by the experiences I've had and I hope I have been a blessing to others. Thank You Jesus for the blessings You have provided me and for guiding me in the process...and for all the blessings You continue to provide and have so richly already provided - it is overwhelming.  I am not deserving of such blessings. I worry, I gossip, I place other cares and concerns above You, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Acts 20:3-21:16

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

Day 343 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning my focus returns to Acts where Paul leaves Corinth (where Romans was likely written) enroute to Syria as my commentary* notes "...Paul addresses the elders from the church at Ephesus and tells them that he anticipates possible imprisonment and persecution upon his return to Jerusalem. Paul undoubtedly also warns them of the danger of falling away from the teaching of Christ—a concern which he will address at length in various letters later in his life. Sadly, concluding his close association with the church in Ephesus, Paul leaves resolutely to face whatever outcome awaits him in Syria." While in Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus prophecies that Paul will be bound and handed over to the authorities in Jerusalem. Yet Paul is not concerned.

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

All of us will encounter troubles in our lives (see also John 16:33, , ) and we can look to Paul for encouragement in how he modeled his race.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who will never leave or forsake me.  I know that whatever challenge I encounter, You are with me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love. My sin continues.  I worry and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your word for me today and every day.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 12-16

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:8-10

Day 342 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this evening the focus is chapters 9-11 of Paul's letter to the believers in Rome. In these chapters, Paul starts but pointing us to "true and proper worship" by "offering our bodies as a living sacrifice" (vs empty ritualistic/ceremonial sacrifices - see also Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:13). The implication here is that we are to develop healthy spiritual disciplines of daily Bible study, prayer, corporate worship, service, etc. and seek Him (see also recent post on daily renewal). Paul then moves on to how are to form the church through use of our different gifts and how these gifts mutually support each other.  We are instructed to love above all, including to our enemies.  We are to show respect and support to civil authorities as these are authorities placed above us by God.  We are to support those with weaker faiths by building them up (discipleship).

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God - the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  You came to earth to seek and save me...and You suffered a brutal and humbling death, even though You lived a sinless life.  Of course I am grateful but I am undeserving of all that You are and do for me. My sin continues...selfishness, etc.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion".... Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden....“God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.

Romans 9-11

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion"....  Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden....“God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day. Romans 9:15, 18, 11:7

Day 341 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this evening the focus is chapters 9-11 of Paul's letter to the believers in Rome. Paul expresses anguish over the Jewish nation and their general hardening towards Christ. Paul makes it clear, just as he does in Ephesians 2:8-9 that faith is a gift by indicating that God can have mercy on anyone, not just Jews but also the gentiles (quoting Exodus 33:19).

I don't know why God gave me faith but I am grateful that God gave me faith.  For those who don't believe pray to God that He will give You faith.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an awesome God who gave me faith and a growing desire for You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin continues, including worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.