against conventions

Acts 16:13

"13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither."

Paul's conversion was miraculous. Paul's lasting contribution is the letters he wrote to the churches he helped get started. In Paul's travels he covered 10,000 miles! For reference, from San Antonio, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska is 4,000 miles! He often went into strange towns and proclaimed the Gospel. Sometimes he was beaten, nearly to death. Seemingly, all he knew was to proclaim the Gospel.

The Roman Empire ruled this part of the world. They were brutal rulers who maintained the rule of law. This created a society that could prosper and thrive. They built a network of roads that allowed travel and trade. God used these assets of the Roman Empire to get His message out!

At this point, Paul arrived in Philippi, a community of retired Roman soldiers. It was a prosperous town that benefited from lots of trade serving the residents. Paul is looking for people who are knowledgeable about the Holy Scriptures and faithful to the true God. Going against social conventions, Paul talks to women. This is NOT something he learned in school as a young Jewish man.

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to be taller

Matthew 6:27 "27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" Jesus has questions... Beginning our study this week with "Why Do You Worry?" Questions have always been a cornerstone of education, used to assess students’ knowledge, promote comprehension, and stimulate critical thinking. Well-crafted questions lead to new insights, generate discussion, and promote the comprehensive exploration of the subject. It makes sense that GOD would use questions VERY effectively. In yesterday's verses, Jesus asked "Are you not MUCH BETTER than birds?" His questions do not end there. In today's verse we read another one, "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" This is a sentence our culture needs to learn. No anxiety, no thinking, no wanting will alter our bodily height, or any other condition of our life that is fixed by God’s laws. We often wish things were different than they are, but our "wo...

we also...

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praise Him

Luke 1:51-53 "51 He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away." This is Mary's Magnificat. Beginning with verse forty-six Mary's responds to Elizabeth’s blessing is EPIC! In this poem Mary praises GOD for His blessing to her and His faithfulness to Israel. Mary's Magnificat also highlights a series of reversals in which the proud are humbled and the humble are exalted! Which we read in today's verses; "He hath shewed STRENGTH with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and EXALTED them of low degree. He hath FILLED the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away." We should marvel at GOD'S choice of this poor young girl to be the m...

Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

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