2015 Day 201 – Acts 26

20 Monday Jul 2015

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Paul knew the sacrifices he was making for the Kingdom of God were worth it. He knew it didn’t matter what was needed, he was willing to do it and he hoped that others would feel the same, though he hoped for a day when the suffering would not be necessary. Acts 26:29says, Paul replied, Short or long – I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Paul wants other believers to experience victory at any cost, but he hopes it does not cost suffering. Paul’s true heart is revealed in this statement.

2015 Day 200 – Thank God

19 Sunday Jul 2015

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It’s hard to believe today is the 200th day of the year. Let’s all take a moment to just thank God for everything He has done for us. It’s easy to get caught up in our needs and forget how bless we are because of God’s provision.

Thank You God

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.

2015 Day 199 – Acts 25

18 Saturday Jul 2015

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In today’s reading we see Paul is continuing to be held in prison for over two year. He refused to allow the Jews to manipulate the situation against him. In the end, Paul knew the accusations against him were wrong on both the civil and spiritual level. He was not afraid to stand before Caesar for the trumped up charges. Paul also knew all of these situations would be used for God’s glory. As an instrument being used by God, we can be very powerful if we align ourselves with God’s will.

2015 Day 198 – Acts 24

17 Friday Jul 2015

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There is no situation God cannot use for His glory and to reach people. Even when we find ourselves in a bad situation, God can make the most of it. In today’s reading, what looks like a bad situation where Paul is in custody for two years, God used Paul to speak about Him and the “Way” on a regular basis with Governor Felix. When we think we are in a hopeless situation, remember God can use you right where you are. It is all about God and His glory.

2015 Day 197 – Acts 23

16 Thursday Jul 2015

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In today’s reading I had an interesting thought. More than 40 men bound themselves to an oath to kill Paul and not eat until this was accomplished. When they were unable to fulfill their oath, did they end up starving to death? My understanding is that these oaths were taken very serious. I know this is probably a silly thought, but I can’t seem to get over it. It would seem these men were more willing to take an oath to sin against God’s law and commit murder than to seek the truth. When we choose to focus our energy it is best to focus on things that really matter. Choosing to hate instead of love in Jesus’ name is not only against everything Jesus stood for, it is foolish and a waste of time.

2015 Day 196 – Acts 22

15 Wednesday Jul 2015

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There is not a lot I can say about today’s reading in Acts 22. The only real observation I have for today is God’s protection over Paul. While there were times Paul received harsh treatment, on this day Paul’s Roman Citizenship kept him safe from be beaten and interrogated. Sometimes there is something placed in our lives and we don’t even know the significance until we need it. Paul’s citizenship gave him many things, but in this particular case it gave him the right to be found guilty before he could be punished.

2015 Day 195 – Acts 21

14 Tuesday Jul 2015

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As a reminder, this year we are reading the New Testament in Chronological order based on the date of events recorded along with when certain books were written. The book of Acts covers most of the New Testament time period. As we read certain books we come back to the book of Acts to tie the books together. Paul is the main character through most of the letters in the New Testament, but he is not the only one.

In today’s reading we see what happened to Paul when he returned to Jerusalem. While he tried to be respectful of the Jews and maintain the laws of purification, they still falsely accused him of stirring up trouble and even bringing Gentiles into the temple, which would have been a desecration of the temple..

One of the great lessons here is this: While Paul tried to do the right thing, he still suffered. We cannot assume because we do the right things we will be saved from suffering in this life. When we live our lives in such a way that is honoring to God, evil will still be present and most likely very active, but that should not deter us from doing what is right and honoring to God. Our reward is in eternity and in the relationship we are blessed to have with God.

2015 Day 194 – Romans 16

13 Monday Jul 2015

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As Paul finished out the letter to the Romans, he took the time to send greetings and encouragement to the believers. In doing so, he also made sure all glory goes to God. In Romans 16:27 Paul’s last words in the letter are, To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. Paul made sure people’s eyes turned to God and His name was glorified. This is a great example to all of us: we need to remember to turn all glory to God. All we are is because of the blessings we receive through Him.

2015 Day 193 – Russell Wilson Q & A The Rock Church

12 Sunday Jul 2015

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I don’t normally post long videos, but this is really special. This is an hour long interview of Russell Wilson, quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson is a professed strong believer and the interview was conducted by Pastor Miles McPherson of The Rock Church in San Diego, who himself played four years in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers from 1982-1985. I really enjoyed the interview. It was was very candid at times. I hope you enjoy it as well.

If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.

2015 Day 192 – Romans 15

11 Saturday Jul 2015

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Without the written account of everything we read in Scripture, we would not know of the hope that comes through the knowledge of all God has done for us. In Romans 15:4 Paul puts it this way, For everything that was written in the past was to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Our hope comes from the knowledge we gain by reading all God has provided through Scripture. May we never take it for granted what God has provided for us through the Bible, which is the best selling book in the history. It was written for our benefit to provide hope for our future because of what God has done and is able to do.