Daily Quiet Times (Acts 17:1-15, Matthew 10:14, Psalms 18:28)

"When I am afraid, I read my Bible and pray, the Lord restores my joy"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Acts 17

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.
So it sounds really good doesn't it?  They accepted Jesus as their Savior.  But, by now we all know there's always a catch...  Something that brings a challenge to us so our faith will grow.

5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
It seems like a good idea.  The leaders could either fan the flames of hostility in the crowd by attacking, or... simply let them go.  There wasn't a strong enough reason to hold them captive.  Out of sight out of mind.  Simple really.

10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair- minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
This is why it's good to study the Bible everyday.  So we can tell the difference between truth and a lie.  I usually read a paragraph or a Psalm in the morning.  Everyone is different though.  My husband is a night person, so it's best for him to study at night.  I worked so many years in Corporate Businesses, I still don't wake up after 6:00 AM.  So mornings are a good time for me.  I believe marking up your Bible  is an awesome way to learn and find the faith, hope and love of Jesus.  I bought an old traditional Hymnal and like to sing to the Lord.  As you've noticed I also love contemporary Christian music too.  

12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. 14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.

14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
(Matthew 10:14 NKJV)

There's a good reason that Jesus told the disciples this.  If we treat people who are not Christian in a mean spirited, or forceful way, we may actually keep them from believing.  If we are loving and respectful, a person can have time to think about it and change their mind.  When I was a little girl, some of the neighbors took me to their Church.  The experience was so great, I never forgot.  And accepted Jesus as my Savior much later (age 16) lol.

(Acts 17:1-15 NKJV)

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for providing our needs.  Just whispering Your name, "Jesus" brings peace.  You are never too busy for us, although sometimes I'm too busy for You.  Your love never ends.  I pray for the nations, that You will protect and save those who are in harms way.  Bless us all to be a light in the darkness.  Heal and restore those who are brokenhearted and lost.  Provide food, and water and set the captives free.  

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Here's a new song from the Newsboys : )  Guilty (link)