Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 8, 2022
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 24-25. These chapters reveal the many ways God moves in normal, everyday life. Paul was a prisoner in Caesarea for two years, but those days weren’t wasted. He preached the gospel to Felix on a regular basis. This story reminds us to pay attention to God’s invitation to join his work, even though it may not seem very spiritual or overly significant. The daily posture of following Jesus, in the smallest acts of faith, forge a life of obedience and surrender.
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As we read in Acts 24, there were accusations made against Paul before the governor, but no proof was presented to support those accusations. Reflecting on this in today’s context, do you form opinions, ideologies, or make decisions based on assumptions, feelings, or accusations? Do you let society influence how you make decisions?
Are you in a season where you don’t see God moving as maybe in the past? Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to what He is doing in the ordinary, mundane things.
Are you willing to wait, suffer trials, even for long periods, to allow God to sanctify you and mold you into the person He created you to be? In Acts 24:27, two years had passed while Paul was in prison.
In Acts 24:25, Luke tells us that Paul reasoned with Felix and his wife, Drusilla, about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. Felix responds in a panic, not wanting to give up his way of life. Spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit if there are any parts of your life you need to give up to live a holy, righteous life.
As Marshall stated Sunday, when we say “yes” to something, we automatically say “no” to certain things. Will you spend time in prayer this week, asking God to guide you, order the work of your hands, and show you where He wants you to say “yes”?
Will you pray: Lord, open my eyes to what You are doing each day in my home, in my workplace, and in the places I go. I want to look more like You every day, learning to walk in the fruits of the Spirit.