Delays

So if you haven't noticed, my homiletics have not been quite on schedule.  I could give you a list of excuses but they would be just that, excuses.  There has been a lot going on and I have been busy but it still would be excuses.  The one I just posted was actually written a couple of weeks ago.  As I typed it in this evening I was challenged by the content.  I have chosen other things over diligent bible reading/study and prayer.  I know this does not alter my salvation or God's love for me in any way.  But I do think it contributes to why  I have felt so much stress.  Plus it certainly doesn't give me the truth quickly in my head so that I may share it as Paul demonstrates in Acts 17.  So if I cross your mind and you send up an arrow prayer on my behalf, you can pray that I will want to make bible study a priority as well as I will work through my procrastination issues (which contribute to my not getting important things done.)

Watch for the next post.  It will give you a glimpse of one of my "excuses" for post delay.

Homiletics

 Acts 17:1-34

Content:

1. Paul preached in Jewish Synagogue @Thesalanica using scripture to prove Jesus as Christ. 1-3
2. Some Jews, God-fearing Greeks and prominent women joined Paul. 4
3. Jealous Jews started a riot rushing and terrorizing house of Jason, Paul's host accusing them of defying Caesar. 5-9
4. Following this, the brothers sent Paul and Silas to Berea where message was received eagerly and many believed. 10-12
5. Thessalonian Jews go stir up trouble in Berea causing Paul to be sent ahead to Athens. 13-15
6. Waiting in Athens for Timothy and Silas, Paul begins to reason with Jews and Greeks in Synagogue. 16-17
7. Paul caught attention of philosophers who invite him to the Areopagus to explain this foreign teaching.  18-21
8. Paul appeals to their religious nature as a lead to the gospel. 22-23
9. Paul explains that God who made heaven and earth does not live in a man made temple. 24
10. God made man and gave him breath determining his times and purpose. 25-26
11. God did this so we would seek him.  27-28
12. We are God's offspring called to repent from idol worship. 29-30
13. God will judge the world with his appointed and his proof is Jesus' resurrection. 29-31
14. As a result of Paul's teaching, some sneered and others followed him. 32-34

Divisions:

1.  Paul's preaching at Thessalonica results in new followers as well as riot prompting his leave. 1-9
2. At Paul's next stop, Berea, many diligently study scriptures leading many to believe. 10-15
3. Paul invited to address philosophers in Athens and he shares gospel meeting them where they are at. 16-34

Subject Sentence

• Believers result from Paul's teaching in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.

Aim:

• To cause me to teach truths of scripture to whomever I encounter seeking to meet them where they are.

Applications:

1. Am I faithful in proclaiming Christ or is it my own agenda?  Do I see opposition as a sign that I am speaking truth?
2. Do I receive the gospel message with eagerness and examine scripture daily for truth?
3. Do I seek to meet people where they are and address it with the truth of God.

The reluctant salesgirl

So one of the things I hate is soliciting or selling.  In Junior Achievement I would happily stay back and make fire starters with Dixie cups, wood chips and wax but beg " PLEASE don't make me go out door to door selling."  Several years ago, needing money I let someone talk me into peddling Melaleuca and I barely made it a month.  God knew how bad I was at soliciting and just brought the funds for my first 3 and half years of missionary life very easily and then for the final 4 gave me a salary so I didn't have to pursue support. 

I am a fan of personality test etc. and think often about why we do or don't do what we do.  I see it in this simplistic way.  We develop a pattern of thought that guides our choices and patterns.  These thoughts come from our hardwiring at birth and the voices and visions we see around us as we grow. You know the whole nature and nurture piece. I think we can get in a pattern of thought and autopilot throughout our lives.  When the patterns are negative or destructive there is a tendency to blame someone.  For example " it's how I was made" or "it's my parent's fault."  But if willing to engage and consider the thoughts behind the patterns, I think it is possible to move off of autopilot and reroute.  Now we know it's not  easy and takes effort to challenge, and as necessary, change thinking.  

So what does this have to do with me being a reluctant salesgirl?  I am currently in the position of needing to promote my "side hustle" of Child Life Coaching that I embarked on a year ago.  I had delusional thoughts that business would generate itself.  It is almost a year later, it hasn't.  I have received some referrals through others at the practice I work out of but it alone will not build my business.  I invested in cutesy promotional postcards this June of which the majority of are still in a box  in my home office. And I have painfully come to the conclusion that either I am going to have to sell and promote my services or close up shop.  I finally sent out packets of cards to some elementary schools and preschools trying to name drop people who know me along with them.  Guess what??? It worked!  As a result I have received some really positive responses and even a couple of clients.  

So this positive response has motivated more cards going out as well as thinking.  I am analyzing, what is it about promoting a product or services that is so challenging for me.  I realize it has a lot to do with my "thoughts."  So wherever they come from (nature or nurture) I have thoughts like this in my head.  "I don't want to bother or inconvenience people." "I don't want people to do anything out of obligation."  " No one is going to want to (nor should) pay for this - it's not worth the money." "I don't want to be thought of poorly or rejected. I want everyone to like me." "There are other people out there offering this so they won't need mine."  Really it  basically boils down to fear of rejection or concern for my reputation. I don't want to be judged, such as to be  thought of as a pushy or even be pitied, 

But what I am learning is that there are people who are interested in the services I offer.  There are people who think what I am offering is valuable.  BUT if they don't know its there, they can't take advantage of it.  So I am working to get over my phobia of rejection to willingly make myself known.  I am not responsible for what people do with it or me.  But I am responsible for sharing the information.

This certainly applies to what I know about Christ.  As I consider both my preschool job and the child life coaching, I often feel inadequate or unqualified.  Yet although there is much I don't know I know the main thing - Jesus love me, Jesus saved me and Jesus has a plan for me.  And that truth can apply to EVERYONE I encounter.  I decided that my goal when I work with kids at school and as a coach is for them to know Jesus loves them, is for them and with them. My job is to let people know and they are responsible for what they do with it.

So I am going to apply this principle one more time here. I am going to tell you that  I am having an online Thirty-One party this week.  You know those cutesy bags and storage containers that can be monogrammed.  I am having the party because I like bags,  I want more bags, and I like things at bargain prices.  Being a hostess has monetary perks.  But all the thoughts in my head say, "Linda if you tell people they will feel obligated or think you are pushy and so forth".  But then I heard this thought.  "What if one of your friends LOVES Thirty-One products and have been thinking to herself, " gee I wish I knew someone having a Thirty-One party to order from."  Therefore here it is!  I am having a Thirty-One Party throughout the week on Facebook.  If you like that kind of thing and haven't been invited, let me know.  Or here is this shopping link if you want to simply order something -  Linda's Thirty-One Party  I don't want anyone to think I am pushy or presumptuous but if you do, it's okay.  I DONT want anyone to buy anything out of obligation or pity but if you do it's on you not me, right? 

Thanks for being my friend in spite of me,  

With Love Linda

Homiletics

 Acts 16:1-40

Content:

1. At Lyshe Paul chooses reputable , young Greek/Jew, Timothy and after circumcising takes him on missionary journey. 1-3
2. Churches encouraged as Jerusalem counsel decision is shared. 4-5
3. Holy Spirit keeps Paul's missionary team from entering Asia at Bithynia. 6-7
4. At Troas, Paul has dream of man in Macedonia beckoning so they immediately head there. 8-10
5. From Troas through Samathrace and Neapolis they reach Philipi in Macedonia 11-12
6. On Sabbath, Paul 's team gathered for prayer At River with many women including Lydia. 13-14
7. Lydia persuades them to come and stay with her. 15
8. Psychic slave girl pesters Paul and team with her knowledge of them as God's Servants until Paul sends spirit out of her. 16-18
9. Perturbed owners of girl drag Paul and Silas to face authorities. 19-21
10. Flogged and beaten Paul and Silas are put under severe jail watch. 22-24
11. While Paul and Silas were praising God , a violent earthquake opens doors. 25-26
12. Paul saves Jailer from ending his life in fear prisoners have left. 27-28
13. Jailer and family are saved as he cares for Paul and Silas wounds. 29-34
14. Magistrate tries to dismiss case but Paul does not allow and uses Roman citizen "card." 35-37
15. Fearful magistrate seek to appease. 38-39
16. Paul and Silas go to Lydia's briefly before leaving the area. 40

Divisions:

1. Paul follows Holy Spirits leading making missionary journey to Macedonia. 1-15
2. Paul's healing of possessed slave girl leads to imprisonment. 16-24
3. Miraculous deliverance from jail results in salvation of jailers family. 25-40

Subject Sentence:

• Paul led by Holy Spirit to Macedonia, experiences persecution and fruit.

Aim: 

1. TCMT to seek to follow the Holy Spirit's leading to serve others trusting in times of affliction as well as fruitfulness.

Applications:

1. Do I see closed doors as God's leading?  Am I listening for the Holy Spirit speaking to my spirit for direction?
2. What is my response when following Holy Spirit leads to affliction? Will I praise him in the midst of it?
3. Am I looking to make the most of every opportunity to share the salvation message?  What difficulty do I need to stay in, trusting that God will use for his glory?

Peach State Challenge

Last Sunday I crossed the finish line at the Georgia - South Carolina State Line after walking up the 180 miles of I-85 that spans the state of Georgia.  Okay so it was in a figurative  way but I covered the milage during the past three months none the less.

The Peach State Challenge virtual race offers several options including covering the distance of Georgia's 285, I-85, I-75 or a combination of all.  Last summer I attempted to run the distance and failed when I hit a health snafu.  At the end of the time frame they sent me a medal and shirt for my effort.  Since I had not accomplished it, I threw away the medal and gave the t-shirt to Goodwill.  This year when I received info on the challenge, I knew running it would not happen but I felt like walking the 180 miles in three months was a doable challenge.  Basically it broke down to an average of 2 miles a day during the time period of June 21 to September 21.

Most of the miles were accomplished while circling the Brenau Mile, a mile loop around Brenau University which starts just yards from my house. These miles were gained while I talked on the phone, walked with a friend, listened to music or books and occasionally just practiced the art of being. Some of the miles were gained while circling the preschools playground as I supervised kids during our outside time.  This usually meant an accompaniment of  little people as I did so.  Basically I walked the  miles  just when and wherever I could fit it into my schedule.  Sometimes it felt like a burden yet it helped keep me accountable to keep moving.  My goal after accomplishing the 180 miles is 7 miles a week - one mile a day.  With the habit in place, it seemed so reasonable.  Okay so this week I think I only got in about 2 miles.  Lets just call it a bye week and I'll try again next week. 

I confess I am pretty proud of my accomplishment.  I didn't run it nor was my walking pace fast but I completed the challenge.  Its amazing what laying down $40 and the promise of a shirt and medal will do to keep me motivated.

 

Homiletics

 Acts 15: 1-41

Content:

1. Some Judean believers in Antioch teaching circumcision required for salvation. 1
2. Paul and Barnabas sharply disagree and lead delegation to Jerusalem to seek Apostles 2-4
3. Pharisee believers said gentile believers must follow Jewish law. 5
4. Peter says Gentiles are purified by faith just as Jews. 6-11
5. Paul and Barnabas tell of God's work among Gentile believers. 12
6. James points to Old Testament prophets for affirmation of God receiving Gentiles. 13-18
7. James lays down simple instructions for Gentile believers excluding circumcisions'. 19-21
8. Paul, Barnabas, Silas and Judas carry letter to Antioch. 22
9. Letter from Jerusalem confirms the senders 23-27
10. Instructed to abstain from idol sacrificed food, blood, meat of strangled animals and sexual immorality. 28-29
11. Antioch church encouraged by letter and the messengers. 30-32
12. Judas and Silas return as Paul and Barnabas continue Antioch ministry. 33-35
13. Barnabas and Paul's disagreement over John Mark lead to parting company. 36-39
14. Barnabas and John Mark head for Cypress. 39
15. Paul and Silas go through Syria and Cilica 40-41

Divisions: 

1. Disagreement over salvation requirements send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem seeking apostles help. 1-12
2. Apostles use God's word to conclude salvation does not require following Jewish law . 13-35
3. Paul and Barnabas disagreement lead to separate ministries. 36-41

Subject Sentence:

•  Resolving  theology disagreement unifies believers then personality disagreement divides ministries.

Aim: 

• TCMT to trust that God uses disagreements to draw believers to himself and further his kingdom.

Application:

1. Do I put unbiblical expectations on others or even myself based on traditions?  Do I seek Godly counsel for conflict involving living by Godly principles? 
2. Do I seek God's word for truth in resolving questions of spiritual matters? Do I draw closer to God and his words in time of conflict?  Am I adding any observations or behaviors putting it in conflict with truth that salvation is by Grace through faith in Jesus? 
3. Can I see the difference between conflict of biblical truth  and conflict of personal preference? What conflict of personality might God be using to expand the spread of the gospel.? As uncomfortable as conflict may feel, do I trust that God can bring good out of all things, including conflict?

Homiletics

 Acts 14:1-28

Content:

1. Paul and Barnabas preach and perform miracles in Iconium dividing the city with believers and scoffers. 1-4
2. Learning of threats in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas flee to Lystra where they continue to preach the gospel. 5-7
3. Paul seeing crippled man's faith, tells him to stand up and he begins to walk. 8-10
4. The crowd interpret healing as Paul and Barnabas being gods and begin worshiping them. 11-13
5. Paul and Barnabas strongly protest they are not god's but calling the people to turn from gods and worship the true God.14-15
6. Paul says God has shown himself in the world they live. 16-17
7. Even with protest the people want to worship them. 18
8. Iconium and Antioch Jews persuade same crowd to stone Paul leaving him for dead. 19
9. Paul revives and he and Barnabas go to Derbe. 20
10. Many in Derbe believe, becoming disciples before Paul and Barnabas return through Lystra, Iconium and Antioch to strengthen the disciples. 21-22
11. Paul and Barnabas appoint and commission leadership in these churches. 23
12. They continue through Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga and Attalia. 24-25
13. At Attalia they sail to Antioch where they had been commissioned from. 26
14. At Antioch they tell what God has done through them, opening the Gospel to the Gentiles. 27
15. They remain at Antioch for a long time. 28

Divisions:

1. vs 1-20 Missionaries Paul and Barnabas experience varying types of personal affliction as they seek to share the gospel abroad.
2. vs 21-28 Paul and Barnabas are faithful to share the gospel, establish leadership in new churches and share what God is doing in Gentiles with those who sent them. 

Subject Sentence: Paul and Barnabas travel as missionaries sharing gospel of Jesus.

Aim: TCMT be faithful to share the gospel of Jesus Christ knowing there will be affliction as well as fruit.

Application: 

1. What conflict or affliction is keeping me from persevering in sharing the truth of the gospel?  What affliction might God be using to move me in a different direction so I can share the gospel with another group of people? Am I bold to speak the truth of Jesus whether I am being accused or exalted?
2. Do I seek to hear what God is doing in the lives of missionaries to be encouraged? Do I share with others  the fruit I see from my own life or ministry so that others are encouraged?