Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Acts 25-26
Saturday: Revelation 12-17
Sunday: Song of Solomon 5-6
American politics is not the only group which abuses or misrepresents God appointed representatives of its own group. Independent, Fundamental, Baptist, or the greater body of Christianity have been guilty of the same thing. In chapter 25, the Jews continued to press for the execution of Paul, one of the greatest scholars and teachers who ever taught. They had exiled him from their holy city and their religion, but that was not enough. They wanted him dead, so they would hear no more about this Messiah who died and rose again and whose death had been caused by the emotional and volatile temperaments of His own people.
Perhaps it is not an exaggeration to think of thousands upon thousands of Christians in churches around the world who have “dropped out” of serving the Lord because they have been disappointed or perhaps even mistreated by other Christians. Often that abuse comes from leaders, even from pastors who have been called by God to care for the flock. Unfortunately, we could also look at the shattered lives of hundreds of pastors who, disheartened and depressed because of their abuse by church members and other agenda driven Christians, were driven out of the ministry and with crushed spirits now sell real estate, used cars, or insurance.
We can certainly relate to such stories and we can criticize such a situation, and we can ask God to never allow us to be part of discouraging the life and ministry of another. However, we must also watch our own lives and service. Somehow, we need to learn the joy of Paul who, as we see in the next chapter, took delight in his chains for they gave him such a magnificent opportunity to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ in places he could never have gone while a free man. Remember the genius of God is eternity as we have learned on Wednesday nights. We must live in light of eternity. Do you think that the Holy Spirit can give us that kind of positive outlook today? Of course we know He can and certainly wants to help us in every situation; but we will have to be just as committed to Jesus and just as dependent upon God’s grace as the apostle Paul.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to have a testimony of trusting you in every situation.
- Lord, please help me to faithfully serve and stay steadfast in the midst of mistreatment or tribulation.
- Lord, please help me to show the joy of the Lord as I serve you.
Political
- Representative Alex Garza
- Representative Sherry Dagnogo
- Senator Erika Geiss