A Learned Man, With A Thorough Knowledge

If I could pick any role-model, this man -- Apollos -- is on my shortlist. :)

Acts 18:24-27 --

"Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 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. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ."

Worth Repeating

"...a Jew named Apollos ... was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures."

"...proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ."

A Prayer for Today

Thank You, Lord, for your wisdom, for your guidance, and for your glory.

Please, give us more believers like Apollos on this earth to vigorously refute those whose eyes are not yet open. And Lord, please, open more people’s eyes. Open the eyes of their hearts, Father.

Reveal yourself to them, Jesus. Rise up your people. Bring them out of their darkness. Remind them, show them, that they are yours.

Please bless each of us with your Godly wisdom, to overpower our street smarts and worldly influences.

Thank You, Father, for Jesus. Amen.

More Than Just A Prophet Or Miracle-Worker

Jesus shows us many times throughout the Gospels (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John, the first 4 books of the New Testament) that he is far more than 'just' a Prophet or a miracle worker.

He not only says quite clearly, but shows us again and again, that He is the Son of God, and One with God.

Jesus tells us and shows us that He is the Messiah foretold of in the Old Testament. Here's just one example:

Mark 2:1-12 says --

“And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (ESV)

Cheer for Your Favorite Team!

Martin Luther King Jr. shared a dream he had. With God's help, he brought that dream to fruition in many ways.

Much like MLK Jr., I too have a dream.

I dream of a day when people will, without being hindered or concerned, get up off their seats and cheer and chant and scream their heads off with joy and competitiveness and love for God -- as they now do for their favorite sports team.

With pride, love, and passion for the lover of their souls.


Enjoy the Superbowl this weekend, all of you who will take part in the many celebrations involving it.

But please, also consider -- if you claim to love God -- why you show more passion and zest and zeal for a sports team than for your Almighty God?