Category: Acts Series

Acts of Harmony

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Hi Peeps,
“Fear, miscommunication, disobedience, and dissension will create and ACT as a roadblock to and from your heart, killing your peace, love, joy, and measures of prevention with God!’  ~  Jon Barnes

Harmony ACTS

Be still and know that God is God so that you may listen, act, and step into your blessings of love, hope, charity, and gratitude.  Enjoy the help God sends you to spring, soar, and see in the proper direction for your life.  Your viewpoint becomes your vantage point to teach, train, learn, and grow in God’s word, work, and ways, with a lifestyle that is uniquely amazing.  Your harmonious words, ways and works are not staggered, staged, or strategic, stumbling blocks for people to fall over. Focus on singing in tune, with the proper key signature, so that your words and works are not too sharp, overly flat or confusing. Act with God, with His fruits of harmony.

Building Blocks

Each thing you read, learn, say, and do for God lines up like an answered prayer of Hope for the next generation, which are the seed of Godly success, persistence, patience, and progress.  You must take the time to build the proper foundation and oversee the entire project from start to finish, so that God gets the full Glory from all aspects of your life.  These Building Blocks connect us all together, shining the light of love that sings and plays harmonies of honor into the ears of All Mighty God!  What a blessing it is to be a Masterful Musician for God, from the lips of His Children.

Block Chords ACTS

Your mind, heart, and body become one block chord of cement, killing you from within and destroying your soul, because there is no harmony in your life.  You look for those harmonious chords of old, but they are silent– ringing no more.  Scratching your head as you wonder why, asking what is in store. Build and use God’s perfect harmonies with the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Otherwise, your heart has grown cold. The final curtain call is near, last call to repent my dear.
Today’s Question
Are you blocking your chords and destroying the harmony God has given you for your life or do you enjoy struggling every night?
Enjoy the reading.

 

Acts 28New International Version (NIV)

Paul Ashore on Malta

1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. 7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

Paul’s Arrival at Rome

11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days.13 From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. 16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard

17 Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. 19 The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” 21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.” 23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “ ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ 28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
Lots of Love,
Jonathan

Wild Mad ACTS

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“When you find yourself unsatisfied, disappointed, unclear, and mad most of the time, this is a sign that you are not grateful, thankful, or mindful of the many blessings God has given you.”  ~ Jon Barnes

The Cloud

The devil would love for you to keep this self-regulated cloud of mad feelings over your head.  Rain starts to pour wherever you go.  Nothing is right and everything is bad all around you and of course, you are the only smart one in the room.  Stop, Drop, Pray, and Blow that Cloud Away!  Communicate your victory story, not your pity party story.  Pray your problems away in the closet and God’s Love Cloud will follow you in the Open Heavens with easy access. Stay the course and navigate through your clouds in life.

The Love Cloud

The love cloud is the bright shiny day that you bring into the room based on your walk with God. People are trying to get where you are because God is right in front of you, your efforts, and your thoughts.  The devil is nowhere to be found and even when you are tempted, you stick to God’s Word, Work, and Wonderful Plan!  Activate your Love Atomic Bomb by pushing the Red GOD Button to blow up the devil’s gloom and doom cloud that hovers over your head.  By choice, you are victorious in God. Tell the devil, ACCESS DENIED!

The Resting Cloud

Abide under the shadow of the Almighty and receive rest for your soul, so that you may fight and stand under your love cloud each day.  Balance your work, fun, rest, activities so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor in God.  Smile your way into the arms of God even when you are sad, knowing that God has already fixed your problem, by faith!

Today’s Question

Did you ask God to calm the waves and the wind in your storm clouds, before your ship wrecks?

Enjoy the Reading.

Acts 27New International Version (NIV)

Paul Sails for Rome

27 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. 2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.
3 The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. 4 From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.5 When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia,we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course,we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.
9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement.[a] So Paul warned them, 10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.

The Storm

13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, 17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor[b] and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I servestood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

The Shipwreck

27 On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic[c] Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28 They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet[d] deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet[e] deep.29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.
33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke itand began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.
39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.
 
Jonathan

ACTS Copy CATS

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“It is impossible to copy God, yet His Children will follow, imitate, and implement Biblical Truth in Love. Even though our righteousness is as filthy rags, we constantly repent for our shortcomings to improve our character.”  ~  Jon Barnes

Mindfully Meaningful

Copying God’s commandments, laws, and code gives us purpose, direction and meaning in our lives.  We are able to read the standard stories in the Bible and pick a point of reference to work from, growing our faith, sharing our love, developing our character, and revealing our true selves.  We don’t need to measure up, become great, or out produce each other with unrealistic standards in our imagination.  However, we do need to give God our best honest efforts of love and obedience to His will, works, and wonders.

Pleasantly Playful

Our individual fingerprint will match our work ethic, moral code, and resolve, which will shine the love of God all around and about us.  It is about us giving and sharing this God-given Love in season and out of season.  When we don’t feel loved or understand new challenges, we tend to point the finger, play the blame game, and walk down the path of disappointment.  Unconditional Love does not want recognition, credit, or the spotlight. The look of love just listens, lives, inspires, copies, teaches, and spread the natural viral infection process of God’s Good Works.

Successfully Spiritual

Often times, your Good Deeds will go unnoticed and God will be the only witness in your closet.  You don’t need my blessing, confirmation, or permission to do the Good Work God has for you to do.  You don’t need me to tell you what that Good Work is either.  But, you will know the type of fruit trees your harvest will yield, based on the seeds you plant, your fertile land, water, and your farming skills. Allow your loved ones to have time, space, energy, and rest required  in performing The Labor of Love.  Your emotions are not the measurement of Love in you Life.  God is your measurement standard and scorecard keeper of your spiritual success and you should be content with what God is doing in your life.  Stop trying to be or look like someone else.
Today’s Question
Are you an impostor, going through the motions, mindlessly copying traditions of empty love?
Enjoy Today’s Reading.

Acts 26New International Version (NIV)

26 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”
So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4 “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
9 “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.
12 “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,[a] ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’
“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyesand turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”
25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”
32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
 
Jonathan

Clear ACT Interpretation

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Since God and His Bible are extremely clear on principals, commandments, lifestyle and love, I stay clear of giving you my interpretation, while sharing the fact that God’s love is Good Enough. ~ Jon Barnes

Clearly Good

Although my intentions are Good, I am not perfect as I point to that which is perfect, God.  It clearly fascinates me to see God in Action, all around the world as I travel, perform, vacation, meet new people– containing different languages, cultures, and countries.  What seem quite clear to me is our time on earth is quite quick, quirky, and calculated by God’s Holy Time Table.  The Lord’s Prayer is a clear road map to memorize, recite, and share as a quick reference guide to salvation, God’s solutions manual, and study guide for clarity and simplicity.

Good Enough

If God’s Good pleasure and purpose is not Good Enough for you, than what is?  Hell, fire, and brimstone are Good Enough for the undecided voters and lukewarm liars full of greed, lust, fornication, adultery, disobedience, and dishonesty.   The venomous, vicious, vindictive, virulent behavior of mankind will end soon enough, as God’s exit strategy unfolds before our very eyes, exponentially at an alarming rate.
Our binomial distribution in life matters reduces to a single choice of yes and no to God’s love, which is final and non negotiable. God doesn’t have an expiration date or flaw in His plan, purpose, or principles when you receive your payment for the quality of service you rendered unto Him in your lifetime.  Check your records and study your own account to see your standings and repentance.

Never Good

Evil is never Good and cannot get enough victims for its prey. The virulent attack on God’s Biblical Moral Standards Code is as consistent and continuous as death is to the grave.  Until God completes His complex plans, evil will be used as a tool to train Christians on moral values, ethics, character, honesty, integrity, loyalty, discipline, wisdom, kindness, long-suffering, and God’s Unfailing Love.  The opposite is always needed to spot light The Light, like a burning fuel for fire, in my opinion!

Today’s Question

Is God Good Enough for You or are you better than God?
Enjoy Today’s Reading.

Acts 25New International Version (NIV)

Paul’s Trial Before Festus

25 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. 3 They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. 4 Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. 5 Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.”
6 After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him.7 When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.
8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”
9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”
10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Festus Consults King Agrippa

13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.
16 “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.”
He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”

Paul Before Agrippa

23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write.27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”
 
Jonathan

The Imaginations ACT

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Loving, understanding, working for God in Truth and Spirit will connect you to Heaven, whereas your imagination of a fake god will result in your soul being burned forever. Heaven will Elude you if your Biblical Allusion is an Illusion of self-made imagination and confusion.

Imagine This

God’s love, presence, story, History, and proof are all around and inside us, from the beginning of time, in the present right now, and forever in the future.  The Biblical accounts are accurate, Historically, Mathematically, Scientifically, and Logically laid out, just like our bodies, the earth, and the heavens.  Everything has a purpose, a reason, a time, a season, an explanation, and it all points to the Master Builder Creator God.  God is the something, everything, and all things you should be putting your focused attention on, which is full of air, water, land, and provisions for over 7 billion people to live. Today breathe in the Truth, eat the Word of God, and live the Good Lifestyle to help others see the obvious Truth eluding them.

Imagine That

When you die, you will know the Heat and Heart of God’s truth immediately, as your soul, a spirit given to you from God, must return to God and give an account of who you are, what you’ve done, and what you believe. You will talk to God soon enough and it is best that you study, pray, and know God Now before talking with Him after you die. If you don’t know or recognize your father now while you are alive, then how do you expect to know and live with God in Heaven.  You are a bastard, fatherless, and unknown to God, if you die without establishing a Love Connection to your Heavenly Father!  Ironically, most people will believe in Nothing and follow the devil straight to hell, with handheld cell phone, looking at pictures of the Fire.  Google God for Yourself in His Bible to Know Your Father!

Imagine Nothing

Nothing is the absence of anything Good Created by God, of which we know nothing about. Nothing is your ability to give the credit of God’s Creation and hard work to your imagination, a fake god, or banged up theory of stupidity.  Nothing is the lust, greed, lies, and pride that you have, which will keep you from knowing God and finding entrance into His Eternal Kingdom of Rest and Glory.  When you know nothing about God, you truly know nothing at all and your life has been an empty waste, like the big band theory on nonsense some people believe in today.  The devil is the meaning of nothing, which is an absolute waste of God’s resources. Do not spread or approve of the devil’s quixotic ideas and imagination of Nothingness! Focus on God’s Something-ness and stop wasting your limited time on Earth!
Today’s Question.
Are you a wasted resource?

Acts 24New International Version (NIV)

Paul’s Trial Before Felix

24 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jewsall over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. [7] [a] 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
9 The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia,who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”
22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
 
Jonathan

You know ACT

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“When you see someone doing the wrong thing, don’t follow them. Gently provide better solutions by doing the Right ACT and fulfill your duty!”  ~Jon Barnes

The Right ACT

We all understand right from wrong, yet we tend to choose the wrong things– following our human instincts of lust, greed, power, and other unfair acts.  These decisions are calculated, as we decide to go along with peer pressure, political ties, flawed government policies, bad leadership, and other schemes of deception.  The Right ACT are laws and commandments from the Bible that Trumps all other ACTS.  Did you do your part or are you following a fool; yourself? Listen, Obey, and Follow God and His Plan!

The UnFair ACT

Still life can be unfair, particularly when you are not prepared to deal with the loss of a loved one, job, money, house, car, savings, opportunities, and the likes.  As you navigate in life, don’t be arrogant and think that bad things cannot happen to you and be compassionate enough to help others in need when unfair things happen to them.  Be Kind as much as you can.  Save and stop wasting your resources so that you can be a fair blessing to someone else.

The Applications ACT

As you apply God’s wisdom, you will see changes in your life, goals and quality with your improved decisions, questions, and answers.  Stay focused on the Golden Rules to navigate around the same pitfalls that befall all of us, since the beginning of time.  True meaning will unfold right before your eyes and the scales fall off.  Let the rain of God clean the air and turn your sky blue, today. Get to work and stop following your own lies! Save, be still, and pay attention to God.
Today’s Question
Can you see clearly now that the rain is gone?
Enjoy Today’s Reading.

Acts 23New International Version (NIV)

23 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”
4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!”
5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’[a]”
6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)
9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,”they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

The Plot to Kill Paul

12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”
16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracksand told Paul.
17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander.
The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”
19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”
20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrintomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”
22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

Paul Transferred to Caesarea

23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen[b] to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24 Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”
25 He wrote a letter as follows:
26 Claudius Lysias,
To His Excellency, Governor Felix:
Greetings.
27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. 29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.30 When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.
31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33 When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him.34 The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
 
Jonathan

Home Improvement ACT

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Hi Peeps,

 

Today’s Quote

“Remodeling can be fun and inexpensive, as you repair and fix the problems in your life at your house, with god’s help and hammer on your team!” ~ Jon Barnes

Perception is Personal

The act of looking at yourself in a mirror at home and honestly making the effort to change your wicked ways is the first step towards God’s truth dominating your lifestyle.  Pride Prevents your Personal Perception from Possibly Participating and Practicing your Faith in God.  We practically believe and follow every dumb idea that our friends, TV, Advertisement, and Social Media suggests.  Pick a room in your house and start your personal remodeling project, today!

Room for Creativity

The act of choosing colors, shapes and designs can be a lot of fun to accent your theme or personality. Enjoy your unique character as you implement God’s methods of reconstruction, choice of carpet, hardwood flooring or tile. Granted, you may wish to use granite in the kitchen and bathrooms for the hard trendy look, but spend some extra time on choice cabinets.  God will help you find the sales to meet your budget and taste, just ask for more help.  Partnering with God on your personal project  will produce the perfect outcome, making your home a palace.

Lean Towards ACT

Don’t screw up your house, waste screws, and making costly mistakes.  Trusting, believing, and obeying God’s blueprints before, during, and after  the remodeling project is the best advice I can give you.  Don’t lean towards your own understanding, as you trust in God’s Work and Help for your life.  Learn to Lean on God for instructions, study His Word for clarity, and pray that your faith will walk, talk, and work in love. God is your best Offense and Obedience is your best Defense.
Today’s Question
Will you listen to the expert Master Builder of life to fix your home and organize your stuff?

Acts 22New International Version (NIV)

22 1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.”
2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.
Then Paul said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. 4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’
8 “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked.
“ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.
10 “‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked.
“ ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ 11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.
12 “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him.
14 “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’
17 “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance18 and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’
19 “‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr[a] Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’
21 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”

Paul the Roman Citizen

22 The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!”
23 As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air,24 the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. 25 As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”
26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.”
27 The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”
“Yes, I am,” he answered.
28 Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.”
“But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.
29 Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.

Paul Before the Sanhedrin

30 The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
 
Jonathan

The Good King

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“It don’t mean a thing if God is not the Good King in your life, do-wap, do-wap,
do-wap, do-wap, do-wap, do-wap, do-wap, do-wap!”  ~ Jon Barnes

ACT Loyally

There are so many wonderful, talented, beautifully put together people in our world, almost 7 billion  Why then can’t we all get along?  When we, the people of the human race, are not loyal to our creator, how can we be loyal to each other with honest service, help, jobs, wages, mentorship, discipleship, and love. The mentality of the prideful, greedy, and evil is to take, steal, cheat, lie, kill, and destroy, as an individual or as a mob.

Heart of ACTS

Your loyalty lies in your heart and you will ACT out and do what you believe.  Your lip can move and say whatever is clever, yet God sees your heart and works, which will be judged soon enough.  Take care not to follow the wrong crowd, pretending to be a sheep in wolf’s clothing.  Is your heart loyal to God and His ways?

Weakness ACT

Many people take Goodness and Meekness to mean weakness.  God is not Weak! LOL. When you take advantage of people, God will see to it that you reap what you’ve sown and I don’t have to personally see the result of this happen in your life.  It is none of my business, but it is God’s business and the laws that are upheld to the highest standards.  The Weakness ACT is a reflection upon our character and the need for God’s wisdom and grace in and on our lives.  Pray that we grow strong in the Lord, our King, avoiding the temptation of evil!
 
Today’s Question
 
Have you been tempted by evil people to follow them and not God?
 
Enjoy Today’s Reading.
 

Acts 21New International Version (NIV)

On to Jerusalem

21 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. 6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.
7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”
12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
15 After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly.18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealousfor the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.”
26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

Paul Arrested

27 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him,28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” 29 (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)
30 The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. 31 While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
33 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. 35 When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. 36 The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”

Paul Speaks to the Crowd

37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?”
“Do you speak Greek?” he replied. 38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?”
39 Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.”
40 After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic[a]:
 
Jonathan

This Side of Acts

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Empty your mouth of words and learn to listen, being quiet to see and hear where God is Going, If you are willing to follow.  You can hide behind what you say, but you can’t hide behind what you do.  Be genuine, don’t be a fake friend of God.”  ~  Jon Barnes

This Side

This side of the Truth is full of God’s Grace, understanding, wisdom, and knowledge of all things past, present, and to come, which is an understanding of love God reveals to His Children.  A Good Father always prepares His Children and provides them with an inheritance, based on their obedience. Yet others want to walk on the wild side and become evil, disobeying all the Good they learned from God.

That Side

Once you choose That Side and you are stuck, may God have Mercy on your soul.  You know better, yet you keep lying to yourself and blaming others. You can hide behind what you say, but you can’t hide behind what you do. When you pick an UNKNOWN Side to follow, you are still following the devil.  Be genuine, don’t be a fake friend.  God can smell you a mile away and you will stink, as your perfume wears off.

God’s Side

God’s side Acts like God’s Children who listens, obeys, and do the work of their Father.  When you don’t fit God’s mold, you fit the mold of something else that is not of God.  Make sure you understand, know, and work like your Father.  Empty your mouth and follow God’s Plan, Commandments, ways, and lifestyle to enjoy longevity, family, and fun with all the Good that you do.
Today’s Question
What Side are you on and are you sure?
Enjoy Today’s Reading.

Acts 18New International Version (NIV)

In Corinth

18 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla,because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them,3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire householdbelieved in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. 13 “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.”
14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.”16 So he drove them off. 17 Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.

Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos

18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sistersand sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.
23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor[a] and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
 
Jonathan 

ACT lll

jonmbarnes2 Comments
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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Once you’ve grown tired of your same old bad acts, it is about time to see “The Play”, clean up your own ACT and use your second chance ACT, before you get the AX.”  ~  Jon Barnes

ACT lll

ACT lll is the final curtain call for participants to take their places on the set.  This is it, as the end in near.  Each show only runs for about 50 years on average, some shorter and some longer.  We just don’t know how long a show will take, so be ready!

The Script

God has an amazing Script for your life and it is your job to ask for your part and play that Amazing Character! Or, are you going to let the devil write your true character out of the script, substituting it for a pimp, a whore, a fornicator, an adulterer, a cheat, a liar, a thief, or some other crazed character of his choice?  You gave up your choice like Adam and Eve again!  We know how this story ends Peeps!  Study your constitutional rights from God and take back your Original Script to do your work for God in “The PLAY”!
 

The Audition

Many of you will not be selected, based on God’s Choice from your own behavior and disobedience.  You didn’t study the script and you don’t know your part.  You lied and faked it, like the devil, pretending to be something that you are not and wanting to steal the LEAD ROLE to steal the show from God!  You’ll never make it to the BIG Stage because you failed yourself, believing the lie the devil wrote for you and you for yourself.  Your disobedience is not the devil’s fault.  It is your responsibility!
 
 

ACT Bill of Rights

Our Bill of Rights comes from Good Biblical Principals, since most scholars had access to the bible as a normal part of their study.  Anything that is Good comes from God, whether you give God the credit or not.  It is God who gives you the ACTS Bill of Rights to choose the Love of God and become like Him or reject the Love of God and become like yourself, the devil.  One way or the other, you made that choice to follow the Bill of Rights Act, The First Commandment of God, which is to Love God with all of your Heart!  If you are only in love with yourself, then you will always comment selfish ACTS.
Today’s Question
Are you Tired of being committed to selfish ACTS, playing the devils game and scripts?   
Enjoy Today’s Reading.
 

Acts 19New International Version (NIV)

Paul in Ephesus

19 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when[a] you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them,the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues[b] and prophesied.7 There were about twelve men in all.
8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.
11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were curedand the evil spirits left them.
13 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 the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 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.
17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.[c] 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
21 After all this had happened, Paul decided[d] to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

The Riot in Ephesus

23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 25 He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. 26 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 gods made by human hands are no gods at all. 27 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.”
28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. 30 Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. 31 Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.
32 The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another.Most of the people did not even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. 39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Jonathan