Some refused renewal, some eagerly accepted it
Daily Scripture
Acts 17:2-12
2 As was Paul’s custom, he entered the synagogue and for three Sabbaths interacted with them on the basis of the scriptures. 3 Through his interpretation of the scriptures, he demonstrated that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. He declared, “This Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ.” 4 Some were convinced and joined Paul and Silas, including a larger number of Greek God-worshippers and quite a few prominent women.
5 But the Jews became jealous and brought along some thugs who were hanging out in the marketplace. They formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They attacked Jason’s house, intending to bring Paul and Silas before the people. 6 When they didn’t find them, they dragged Jason and some believers before the city officials. They were shouting, “These people who have been disturbing the peace throughout the empire have also come here. 7 What is more, Jason has welcomed them into his home. Every one of them does what is contrary to Caesar’s decrees by naming someone else as king: Jesus.” 8 This provoked the crowd and the city officials even more. 9 After Jason and the others posted bail, they released them.
10 As soon as it was dark, the brothers and sisters sent Paul and Silas on to Beroea. When they arrived, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 The Beroean Jews were more honorable than those in Thessalonica. This was evident in the great eagerness with which they accepted the word and examined the scriptures each day to see whether Paul and Silas’ teaching was true. 12 Many came to believe, including a number of reputable Greek women and many Greek men.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
The apostle Paul’s message upset many Greeks,’ Romans,’ and Jews’ deeply held beliefs. The Beroean Jews in Acts 17 reacted differently than others, with “great eagerness” and daily study “to see whether Paul and Silas’ teaching was true” (Acts 17:11). They humbly kept an open mind and diligently did their homework. Parts of our culture, too, admire cynicism as a sign of great intelligence. But it isn’t naïve or shallow to carefully examine new ideas before accepting or dismissing them.
- Paul was a methodical Bible student and teacher. In verses 2-3 today we see that he “interacted with [people] on the basis of the scriptures. Through his interpretation of the scriptures, he demonstrated that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. He declared, ‘This Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ.’” It mattered to Paul that his faith in the resurrected Jesus was rooted in the Biblical documents. What role does the Bible play in your faith walk with Jesus?
- Methodism’s founder John Wesley urged his followers “To set apart a little time, if you can, every morning and evening for [reading the Scripture]…. It might also be of use, if while we read, we were frequently to pause, and examine ourselves by what we read, both with regard to our hearts, and lives.” * Have you made daily Bible reading a habit? (The main reason we offer the GPS free of charge is to help form that habit.) How else can you reinforce and deepen the habit?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are my most deeply held belief. I want to live for and love others as you did. Help me to remember that you, and your example, are my top priority today. Amen.
GPS Insights
Denise Mersmann
Denise Mersmann serves as the Care Coordination Director for the churchwide Care Central department at Church of the Resurrection.
I have a tendency to overbook myself… and my husband would tell you I overbook him too! But there are so many good reasons. In fact, I would argue that the way I schedule is reasonable. There are just so many wonderful people in our lives to spend time with and so many things to do!
We are always on board to go to ball games or get together with friends to watch games on TV. We love to go out to dinner and to check out all the great places and events KC has to offer. There are seasonal things we eagerly anticipate each year: picking apples or berries, spending time on the Plaza at Christmas, having a hayride with family, hosting holiday events, and spending the day at a great local pumpkin patch or summer festival. There is so much to do in and around our great city!
But we don’t just limit our adventures to Kansas City. If you are looking for someone to do a quick weekend getaway, again, we are your people! In addition to what we do with friends and family, I am known for getting myself into projects. I love to bake and cook, so if someone needs cookies, a dessert, or a meal, I’m your girl and I am delighted to do it! Then there’s crafting and creating. They bring me joy, but even more so if I can get some people together to get artsy with me!
Hmmm–with all that insight to my life, maybe I DO tend to overbook myself. The thing is, it almost never feels like too much. Because I love the people we are with and the things we are doing, I tend to draw energy from it all. But there are times when all the people and activities don’t energize me. Instead, I find myself out of sorts, grumpy with those closest to me, and instead of delighting in conversation I am more likely to be disagreeable and focused on making everyone see things my way. What causes this difference in my response to the people and activities I normally love? It’s not too many people, lack of sleep, or too little time to recharge at home.
Over the years, I have learned that when I am tired, become easily overwhelmed, and feel myself pulled in too many directions, it is not because I have been doing too much, it’s because I have failed to add God time to my day. Putting focused faith time on my calendar centers me in a way nothing else can. Blocking time to read Scripture, pray, do a devotional, participate in a small group or even get away to listen for God to speak for me is like time doubled. Focused spiritual time seems to clearly direct my thoughts and my heart. These moments fill me with gratitude for the people in my life. Reading another person’s thoughts in a devotion or sharing in a small group helps me see that there are different viewpoints that are as valid as my own. Immersing myself in Scripture reminds me of God’s call on my life. And nothing in the world compares to just talking to God about everything that is happening and then sitting quietly as He reminds me that He is right there with me regardless of what I’m dealing with.
I do definitely overbook myself. But as long as I keep my focus centered on God, everything else seems to fit just perfectly. Thank you, God, for always being there no matter where I am or who I am with, no matter how much I pack into the day.
