Every Breath

"About that time there arose 

a great disturbance about the Way.

A silversmith named Demetrius,

who made silver shrines of Artemis,

brought in no little business for the craftsmen.

He called them together,

along wit the workmen in related trades,

and said: 'Men, you know we receive a good

income from this business.

And you see and hear how this fellow Paul

has convinced and led astray large numbers of people

here in Ephesus 

and in practically the whole province of Asia.

He says that man-made gods are not gods at all.

There is danger not only that our trade 

will lose its good name,

but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis

will be discredited,

and the goddess herself,

who is worshiped 

throughout the province of Asia

and the world,

will be robbed of her divine majesty.'"

Acts 19:23-27

Demetrius began an uproar based on his own best interest.  He was looking out for the well-being and success of his business, not so much what was good and right, and definitely not what would please God.  In fact, it seems this entrepreneur would not even consider the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be true because he knew that would mean he would have to give up his lucrative trade.

How easy it is to get caught up in a similar way of thinking and making decisions, placing me in the position of working counter to God and His ways.

I decide to take a promotion because it will mean greater wealth and prestige.  I fail, however, to seek God's will, leaving Him out of the equation. (Proverbs 3:6)

I enter into a close relationship with someone because I enjoy her company and I figure I can witness to her about Jesus while I spend time with her.  Sadly though, I do not take into account this friend's Godless mindset and how it would put me at risk for getting sucked into a form of atheism that would lead me away from Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:33)

I choose entertainment based on popularity and reviews.  Unfortunately, I grieve God when I fail to guard my heart from worldly contamination. (Proverbs 4:23)

Christmas is a busy time of year.  As the big day draws near and my mind tends to lean toward near-panic mode, it is my intention that I turn my heart toward Jesus, spending time worshiping Him in the way I live my life and only doing what He calls me to do.  I can guarantee this will cause me to look different than those around me, but I'll be at peace as I make decisions based on pleasing God instead of making myself happy, comfortable and successful.

Just as the wise men chased the star so they could worship the King of kings, so will I run after Jesus with every breath that I take.

Personal Faith

"God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,

so that even handkerchiefs and aprons

that had touched him were taken to the sick,

and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits

tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus

over those who were demon-possessed.

They would say,

'In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches,

I command you to come out.'

Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

One day the evil spirit answered them,

'Jesus I know,

and I know about Paul,

but who are you?'

Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all.  He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding."

Acts 19:11-16

The seven sons of Sceva tried to mimic the great works Paul was doing without knowing Jesus for themselves.  The evil spirits recognized their pretense and took advantage of their vulnerability.

There are times when I'm at risk of doing the same thing.  I notice and admire the good things my brothers and sisters are doing and try to generate the same kind of good works.  In so doing, I am not recognizing that those deeds are as a result of God working through them: This I can't fake!

Either I'm led by God's Spirit or I'm following my own common sense and understanding. (Galatians 5:16)

Either I'm acting out of obedience to my Lord and Savior or I'm trying to do what I think is best. (John 14:21)

Either I'm doing as a result of God's love flowing through me or I'm trying to behave in a way that looks loving. (2 Corinthians 5:14)

As Christmas approaches and my mind is preoccupied with many things, may I take some time to focus on my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, letting Him take the lead.  Then I will enjoy the stroll along the quiet waters that bring peace to my soul. (Psalm 23:2)

May this Christmas be a time of wonder and awe as I experience the power of His love working through me.