September 09, 2020, Proverbs 21, Acts cont.....

Acts cont...

Paul before King Agrippa

So then, King Agrippa I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 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. 

That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen---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. 

What a beautiful message Jesus brings us:

The Message of Light

Jesus shines on mankind. He treated all people with respect and love he looked beyond race, eye color, skin color, body shape, body weight, bank account, religion, or background. He saw the need of the man or woman. He walked in the light. He has children of the light. He saw beyond the ugly nature of man. He saw people who could not saved themselves from sickness, and spiritual conditions. He look beyond our faults and saw our needs. But sadly we see race, color, faults, silly distinctions. Sometimes people treat animals better than people. When a dog has more value than a person there is something wrong. A life is important and all life belongs to God. We have the ability to see like Jesus and not see people as dogs we mistreat no matter if they are good or bad. Jesus valued the world and he gave his life for every one despite their acceptance of him or not.

At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. 

You are out of your mind. Paul! he shouted. Your great learning is driving you insane.

"I am not insane, most excellent Festus, Paul replied. What I am saying is true and reasonable. 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. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do. 

Then Agrippa said to Paul, Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian? 

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. 

The King rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. After they left the room, they began saying to one another, This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment. 

Agrippa said to Festus, This man could  have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. 

 Proverbs 21

In the Lord's hand and the King's heart is a stream of water he channels toward all who please him. 

A person may think their own ways are right, 

but the Lord weighs the heart.

To do what is right and just 

is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Haughty eyes and a proud heart-

the unplowed filed of the wicked produce sin.

The plans of the diligent lead to profit

as surely as haste leads to poverty. 

A fortune made by a lying tongue

is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.

The violence of the wicked will drag them away, 

for they refuse to do what is right. 

The way of the guilty is devious

but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 

Have a wonderful day!