From this day on I will bless you

Haggai 2:10-23
9/24, second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Haggai.
Consecrated: to make or declare sacred; set apart ordedicate to the service of a deity- God
Defiled: to make foul, dirty, or unclean; pollute; taint;debase.
Now give careful thought to this from this day on.
Work on the Tempe has been resumed, but this in itself will not make the workmen 'holy' (dedicated to God and fit for his service). It is rottenness, not soundness that is contagious. Their previous neglect of God brought all kinds of unpleasant consequences.
Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. "From this day on I will bless you."
The Lord Almighty said, 'I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chose you.
Why?
From the day they begin to put first things first, God will bless every aspect of life.
A word for Zerubbabel. It is to Zerubbabel the heir to David;s throne, rather than to Zerubbabel the individual, that these messianic promises are made. He stands in the line from David to Christ.
v 23: Zerubbabel is not given the title 'king', but it seems as if the curse on King Jehoiachin recorded in Jeremiah.
Now give careful thought to this from this day on. Be consecrated, don't be defiled then the blessing will come to us.
How?
Give careful thought to this from this day on. What I have been defiled? But now when I begin to put first things first, put God's word first, Go will bless every aspect of life.

Be strong for God is with me

Haggai 2:1-9
7/21 the word of the Lord came by the had of Haggai the prophet.
Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? Is it not as nothing in your eyes?
Be strong (3 times), work, for I am with you, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt.
The later glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts.
Why?
Solomon's fabulous Temple had been demolished 70 years. Few of those now building would have seen it - but all had heard of it. And its glory had lost nothing in the telling.
The new Temple seems a feeble thing in comparison. But let the builders take heart.
The present building is just a foretaste of the splendour and glory of the end-time, the era of peace and prosperity to which the prophets all looked forward.
The new Temple is built in our heart through Jesus Christ and our believeing.
Be strong for Gos is with us, according to the word of Jesus Christ and help of the Holy Spirit.
How?
Be strong, do what the Lord earged me to do, honor Jesus's name!

Consider your ways. Haggai 1

Haggai 1:1-15
In the second year if Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai.
Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?
Consider your ways. You have sown much and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. He who earns wages does so to put them into a bad with holes.
Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord.
The Lord stirred up the spirit of many leader and high priests and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the month.
Sixteen years after the decree of the Persian Emperor Cyrus which allowed the people to return. Haggai and Zechariah began to stir things up. Thanks to them, by 516 the Temple was completed.
Why?
Life is hard, with food and clothing in short supply, and prices soaring. Why? Because the people have their priorities wrong.
They are all wrap up in their own selfish concerns. God is be neglected.
Consider your ways: repent ourselves.
God is the first priority in our life. Set the Lord at first priority, God looks us at important position either.
God has authority over all, God may destroy everything and blesses to everyone who loves.
Fountain of blessing is Jesus Christ!
How?
Am I concerning myself only? My living is to honor name of the Lord.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you

1 Peter 5:7-14
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Why?
Christian also need stout heart to face formidable and unrelenting opposition. But God never ceases to be concerned for his people.
Suffering is only for a little time: God's strength and power are endless.
Peter's letter encourage us to stand firm and be strong. Suffering is a little while. God never cease to care for us.
How?
Cast all my anxiety on God because he cares for me. Pray and live joyful everyday.

Be shepherds of God's flocks, being examples to the flock

1 Peter 5:1-6
Be shepherds of God's flocks that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing.
Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
He will lift you up in due time.
As a leader himself - and a witness of the crucifixion - Peter appeals for a real 'shepherd spirit' in all church leaders.
The younger people must respect their authority.
Christians need to acquire a genuinely humble spirit.
Why?
Christians take care other brothers like Jesus toke care his disciples. Jesus also care the poors and widows, orphans.
Humble is basic altitude, even I like to shepherd God's flocks, but I am same as them is a follower of Christ. For I have more faith after a few years suffering and  accepted grace of God. So I like to serve other as overseers.
How?
Do my best, with all my heart, all my mind and all my strength to help others and lead them walk on the right way.

Do not be discouraged, but rejoice that we participate in the sufferings of Christ

1 Peter 4:12-19
Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
It should come as no surprise to Christians to suffer for Christ's sake.
It is a cause for joy, not discouragement!
Why?
Christ's suffering led to glory - a glory Christ's faithful followers will share.
For this world are opposite to the Christ.
Suffering for the name of Jesus Christ is good, but it is worse for evil deeds.
This world has may painful matters, but always rejoice in my heart. For Christ is in me.
Christian need stout肥碩 hearts to face formidable強大 and unrelenting 無情opposition.
But God never ceases to be concerned for his people.
Suffering is only for a little time: God's strength and power are endless.
How?
Do not be discouraged, but rejoice that we participate in the sufferings of Christ.

In all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ

1 Peter 4:7-11
Be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God' grace in its various forms.
Speaking: do it as one speaking the very words of God
Serves: do it with the strength God provides
Main purpose : In all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
Why?
Do everything with love and all strength God provides. Speaking in the words of God.
When persecution comes, they will need to be ready - level-headed, alert, prayerful and unfailingly loving to others.
Now each of Christ;s followers is given grace for some special service.
How?
1) Pray, 2)Love each other, 3)Offer hospitality without grumbling are my works.

He who has suffered in his body is done with sin

1 Peter 4:1-6
Because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. -- Benefit of suffering
They will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
They might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
Peter anticipates a time of suffering and persecution for his readers.
Why?
Peter is talking about those who suffer for doing right, not sufferers in general.
Christians who are now dead. They suffered the judgment of death, like other people, but they will live.
If we suffered in body for we doing right, let us do not live the rest of earthly life for evil human desires, the faith is strengthened.
Christian will die to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. It is the eternal life.
Suffering always has close relation with sin. No matter against sin or follow the desires of sin. But it is always again the flesh and most earthly people.
How?
Suffered for the right is worthy, do not fear or worry about what we will face, for God is always with us.

Meaning of baptism water

1 Peter 3: 17-22
Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison.
The water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also- not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge保證 of a good conscience toward God.
Who are the spirit in prison? Are they unbelievers who have dies; Old Testament believers who have died; fallen angels?
What did Christ preach? Was it a second chance for repentance; the completion of his redemptive work; final condemnation?
When did he preach? Was it in the days of Noah; between his death and resurrection; after his resurrection?
Why?
Wane Grudem argues the view, from parallels in Jude ad 2 Peter, takes the 'spirit in prison' as fallen angels who are in tartaros(no hell) - a holding cell also referred to by Isaiah. The point of this proclamation is not redemption but to declare victory over the powers of darkness.
The flood-water which destroyed the world saved Noah and his family by floating the ark, so Peter sees the water of baptism as a symbol of rescue from death. It was the ark, not the water, which really saved Noah - as it is the risen Christ, not baptism in itself, who saves those who trust him and are cleanse from sin.
Baptism is a symbol for the pledge of good conscience toward God. The salvation is come from Christ Jesus.
How?
Made good behavior to witness of God, which bring them to God. Baptism water can not clean the dirt, cleanse from sin, but the pledge of good conscience toward God.

Keeping clear conscience and doing good.

1 Peter 3:9-16
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you many inherit a blessing.
Keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Concluding, address all believers. Be loving, be kind, be humble.
Pay back good for evil. Do good: keep a clear conscience. There is no need to be anxious or afraid.
It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong.
Christ suffered death, the blameless for the guilty, in order to ring us to God. The risen Jesus, now at God's right hand, enables us to stand before him in good conscience, washed clean of sin.
Why?
Do not repay evil with evil because we are inherit a blessing from God. We have life to witness the love of Christ.
Keep a clear conscience is the besic requirement to be a Christian. So that we can do good.
Be loving, be kind, be humble are my lession.
How?
Keeping clear conscience and doing good.

Husband, show consideration to their wife.

1 Peter 3:1-8
Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that those unbeliever may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.
Beauty should not come from outward adornment, instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Husbands, in the same way 1)be considerate as you live with your wives, and 2)treat them with respect as the weaker partner and 3) as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so the nothing will hinder your prayers.
in the same way:  submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men. Slaves submit yourselves to your masters with all respect.
Wives, too are to submit to their husbands' authority, and win over unbelieving husbands by their conduct. (This does not mean they are less important or inferior劣勢. Wayne Grudem makes the point that 'Jesus was subject to his parents and to God the Father'.)
They are to take as their examples, not fashion models but women of faith - women like the matriarch Sarah, who radiate inner beauty. They are not only to live good lives, but to be free of fear and worry.
Christian husbands, for their part, will show consideration to their wives.
In terms of God's gift of new life, husbands and wives are equals.
A good relationship is vital, not only for their happiness but for spiritual health too, for prayer withers in an atmosphere of friction.
Consideration: 1)the act of considering; careful thought;meditation; deliberation: I will give your projectfull consideration. 2)thoughtful or sympathetic regard or respect;thoughtfulness for others: They showed noconsideration for his feelings.
How?
Always be considerate to my wife, for she is heirs with me of the gracious gift of life.

It is commendable if a man suffer because who want to do God's will

1 Peter 2:18-25
It is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
commendable: worthy of praise
Slaves, harshly treated, find their model in Christ, who endured undeserved suffering without threat or argument in his own defence.
As God, 'the righteous Judge' brought blessing for all from the suffering of Jesus, so he will bless those who suffer because they want to do his will.
Why?
Most slaves and staff in company, there are treated harshly, bear pain or suffer unrighteousness. If we are doing good as God told us. It is worthy of praise.
God is the master of the righteous Judge, God blesses those who do His will.
Like Christ endured undeserved suffering without threat, what we bearing is under our capability.
How?
Do not complain, do not make argument, follow what Christ has told us. God will judge for us.

Abstain the sinful desires and show proper respect to everyone

1 Peter 2:9-17
My identity: a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belongs to God.
Purpose: declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Urge us: abstain戒除 from sinful desires, which war against our soul. Live such good lives among the pagans, they may see our good deeds and glorify God on the day he visit us.
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men.
Doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
Show proper respect to everyone.
Abstain: to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy.
Why?
Live exemplary lives. Make sure there are no grounds for any accusations brought against you. (Christians in Peter's day had to live down unsavoury rumours that they practised incest亂倫, held sexual orgies狂歡- even that they were cannibals食人族)
Obey the civil authorities (Peter writes this with Nero ruling the empire!)
We are the holy nation, so we should abstain from sinful desires. Doing good to silence the ignorant talk of foolish talk.
How?
To me the most important matter is abstain the sinful desires and show proper respect to everyone.

A living stone are being built into a spiritual house

1 Peter 2:1-8
Get rid of all 1)malice and all 2)deceit, 3)hypocrisy, 4)envy and 5)slander of every kind.
Like new born babies, craves pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
Come to him, like living stone, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Don't get stuck at the baby stage, Peter says to his readers. Grow up in faith! Remember who you are: God's own people, chosen to make known the wonderful things he has done; living stones being built into a spiritual Temple that rests on the foundation stone of Christ himself.
Living stone: A favourite New Testament metaphor for Christ. The quotations are from Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14-15
Why?
Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander all are shown on many peoples for their own benefit. But we are Christian, should get rid of these all.
New born babies craves pure mile, so as we should crave pure spiritual milk, then we may grow up in our salvation. Don't stuck at baby stage, can't do witness for the Lord.
I am living stone, being built into a spiritual house. I am the witness of the Lord. I am a holy priesthood. It have to be holy. All of these are based on foundation of Jesus Christ.
How?
What do I earnest to the pure spiritual milk- God's words? Yes. But I know I have some fault in my life, I need to get rid of all sins to be a living stone in Christ.

Holy living', purity, love from the heart

1 Peter 1:13-25
Be Holy, because I am holy. So prepare our minds for action; be self-control; set your hope fully on the grace of Christ. Do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
Love for brothers, love one another deeply from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
These are the things 'you have now heard' from the messengers who brought God's Good News - thing that the angels themselves longed to catch a glimpse of.
With such a ransom price paid, the new life must be different from the old.
It demands 'holy living', purity, love from the heart.
Why?
Be Holy, because God is holy and we are reborn from Holy Spirit, our live have to be changed like Christ.
We have to get rid of the evil deed before we were living in ignorance.
God put the imperishable seed in our heart, what kind of soil in my heart?
How?
God loves us, God has plans in me, God always encourage me through his words and my prayers. Do not afraid , be strong, I can conquer the stress with the help of Holy Spirit. Suffering and stress make me know more about the Lord. It is so good to me.

We have a living hope; 1 Peter

1 Peter 1:1-12
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Even in times of suffering, there is so much to gladden the heart and to thank God for: his gift of new life; the resurrection of Jesus which gives us 'living hope'; a regency we will one day possess, which is kept safe for us by God himself.
Trials have a purpose: they test faith out and prove it genuine.
The dark days are short in comparison with the joy to come.
The prophets spoke of the gift of salvation, predicting Christ's suffering and glory.
The first letter was sent to scattered groups of Christians in the five Roman provinces which covered the greater part of modern Turkey, north of the Taurus mountains. Peter most probably wrote from Rome, at the outbreak of Nero's persecutions. He had John Mark with him, and  Paul's companion Silas to help him write, Christians in other parts of the empire would soon be suffering as they were in Rome. Peter's message is one of comfort, hope and encouragement to stand firm.
Why?
Holy Spirit helped us to know this living hope, which through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Before end of the day, Christians will suffer trials and dark days, but we have hope, these dark days are short compare to the joy to come.
Jesus Christ is the Messiah spoken by the prophets, it is benefit to us who believe in Him.
How?
Treasure what we have received grace from Christ, witness to the world how great love and wonder of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Tell about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance

Acts 28:16-31
It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.
Paul witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.
For about two years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ - with all boldness and without hindrance.
What happened after this is not known. Most probably he was released, went to Spain as planned and then back East before further imprisonment and execution in about AD 64-65.
Why?
What happened next is not ended. This story are writing by all Christians to until the end day.
Paul has the capability to be great a man in the world with higher social position, high quality life and rich noble... But Paul chose to follow the command of the Lord, he spent his whole life to serve the Lord, for he forsake the benefit in the world, but try to get the honor in heaven.
Paul accepted the vision from the Lord, which is the truth and light to whole people.
How?
Am I living for my own life? I am ashamed to myself. But I really need the vision and sign from the Lord.

Without God's blessing, I can do nothing

Acts 28:1-15
The people expected Paul to swell up or suddenly fall dead, after he was fastened by a snake. But waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Paul makes an impacts on the people of the island, surviving a snakebite, and healing the father of the island chief.
So winter passes and the third phase of the voyage takes them safely to Puteoli, where Christian welcome awaits.
So Paul reaches Rome at last, though hardly in the way he imagined. He is allowed his own lodgings, with a single guard. And for two years he bears witness to Jesus at the heart of the Empire, as God has promised.
Why?
Suffering some bad events like Paul bited by snake, but the Lord blessed him, so it became the grace of God. The work of God worked on him.
Paul is really God's servant, where he has been there are healing and miracles with him. Paul honored the name of God, did wonderful good witness to the Jesus Christ.
How?
My food is follow Jesus' teaching and obey his commands. What can I do, I can do nothing unless under the blessing of the Lord.

God's words are trustworthy

Acts 27:21-44
Paul said to them, encouraged them, for an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
Paul, the prisoner, commands extraordinary authority, giving hope and courage to all 276 soul's aboard. God has promised them safety: Paul will appear before Caesar.
When the ship runs aground, all make it safely to shore on an island they discover to be Malta.
Why?
Paul's authority came from the Lord, who has word to him, and Paul has faith in God that it will happen just as he told him.
Centurion refuse listen the words of Paul once, and he found what Paul said are true, so this time he believed in what Paul recommended.
God's promise is all who sailed with Paul will be saved, but some of they planted to take the lifeboat. So Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, 'Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.'
How?
God's words are trustworthy, have faith in the Lord. Be happy and rejoice with God.

To be a true Christian like Paul

Acts 27:1-20
The voyage to Rome is made in three ships: a coaster from Caesarea to Myra, on the south coast of Turkey; a cargo vessel (carrying grain on the regular run from Alexandria in Egypt to Rome) from Myra to Malta; and another from Malta to Puteoli in the Bay of Naples.
Luke gives a superb高超 account of the eventful passage.
They start late in the season (sailing ceased for winter in mid-November) and by the time they reach Crete 'the Fast' (Atonement, September/October) is over. As they seek a safe winter harbour, the favourable south wind changes to a dreaded 'north-easter'.
For two weeks they run before the storm, with no means of knowing where they are (they fixed their position by sighting sun and stars)
At Fair Heavens, Paul warned them, "Men, I can see that our  voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also." But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.
Why?
Paul is not sailor so the centurion don't listen to what Paul's said.
The Holy Spirit is with Paul, so he knew the danger of this trip. And Paul didn't fear the way for God is with him.
If people knew who is the Paul, his words are trust worthy.
How?
When the Holy Spirit is with me, I won't fear and I know the way forward secured by the Lord. What I said is believable. To be a true Christian like Paul.

Out of your mind but reasonable truth

Acts 26:24-32
Festus interrupted Paul's defence. "You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane."
What I am saying is true and reasonable. Paul said the king is familiar with these things. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
Paul said to Agrippa, "Short time or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.
Agrippa laughs it off - he cannot afford to lose face with Festus or to offend the Jews by denying the prophets.
The governor and the king agree that this man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.
Why?
Paul served the Lord seems out of mind, but it is the truth that he preached the good news to many gentiles and Jews. What Paul has said are true and reasonable. It was not done in a corner, it could be proved and convinced.
Let us serve the Lord and preach gospel like Paul out of mind and driving to insane?
The gospel is true but it looks out of mind to unbelievers.
How?
Love the Lord with all my mind, my heart and all my strength! What I have believed are true, so I should let more people know it. Enthusiasm to love the God!

Obey to the vision from heaven

Acts 26:1-23
Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
Paul explained to King Agrippa, I was not disobedience to the vision from heaven. I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Once again Paul is called to speak in his own defence. As he told his story to the hews in Jerusalem, now he tells it to the king. The central issue is resurrection - "Why does it seem incredible to you that God should raise the dead?" - specifically Christ ' as the first to rise from the dead'.
The story here differs in emphasis from the account in chapter 22. The 'goads激將法' are the pressures compelling Paul to a complete change of direction in life.
Why?
Paul didn't disobedience to the vision from heaven, so he preached the message of repentance and turn to God.
Paul is also emphasize the repent and the deeds to prove your repentance.
How?
Obey to the vision from heaven. What is the vision from heaven to me?

This world is fulfill with injustice.

Acts 25:1-27
Luke described that Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, so didn't release Paul.
Festus found he had done nothing deserving of death.
Paul refused to be hand over to Jews for the charges brought against him by these Jews are not true, Paul appeal to Caesar.
Two years pass, and Felix is succeeded by Porcius Festus. His attempt to curry favour with the Jews compels Paul to appeal to Caesar. He has offended against neither Jewish nor Roman. But he has more of justice from the Emperor Nero than from the Sanhedrin!
Fesus is satisfied Paul has committed no crime, so what charge can he write in his letter to the emperor about the prisoner he is sending to Rome.
Why?
Fetus to be a governor of Jews, he wished to do the Jews a favor, but he ignored the justice, so as the governor do in this generation.
Even there is not crime evidence they were try to write something to accuse Paul. It is unfair world.
Christian has persecution in this world.
How?
Be strong and do not fear, the Lord is with us, even there is persecution to Christian in this world! This world is fulfill with injustice. Sometimes my opinions are not true.

Righteousness and justice can be found in the Lord only

Acts 24:1-27
Paul's trial before Felix.
The high priest and some of the elders accused Paul is a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. 
Paul explained that the accuser cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 
Flex was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, and wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Five days after the transfer. Paul's case comes before the Roman governor, Felix.
Tertullus opens ingratiatingly for the Jewish prosecution. Paul confident of Roman justice, give a succinct summary of events. His only 'crime' concerns his belief in resurrection. 
Felix adjourns the case, giving Paul limited freedom.
Paul's talk of  'justice and self-control and future judgment' is too near the bone for this pair, Drusilla, especially as Felix was hoping for a fat bribe from his prisoner.
Why?
Roman's governor like most of the man like get fat bribe from his prisoner. But Paul has not much money, he is God's servant working for save people's eternal life.
Paul is acknowledge to justice and self-control and future judgment so Drusilla like to talk with Paul.
Paul's crimes concerns his belief in resurrection, Jesus Christ. Jews didn't believe Jesus Christ.
How?
There is not righteousness and justice among people, unless he turn to the Lord, Jesus Christ. Yet no one is righteousness in the world.

Look on the Lord, don't fear or feel bored

Acts 23:12-35
Forty men vow to kill Paul when he is taken to the Council for further questioning. But Paul' nephew alerts the tribune護民官 in time for a counter-plan.
So the commander called two of his centurions and ordered them translated Paul to Caesarea.
In letter to Governor Felix, it is said that there was no charge against Paul who deserved death of imprisonment.
The Romans administered the province of Judea from the port of Caesarea. The size of the escort provided for Paul and his friends on the journey - heavy-armed infantry步兵 cavalry, light-armed troops - is an indication of the unrest in the province.
Paul's emergency transfer turned into a weary two-year imprisonment, punctuated by three hearings of his case, without resolution.
Why?
God is protecting Paul in this situation, let son of Paul's sister heard this plot.
His residence was the palace built by Herod the Great.
How?
Don't worry and don't fear when we suffered for the Lord. Why should I feel unhappy or bored. My life should fill with wonder from the Lord.

Did I fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day

Acts 23:1-11
The night the Lord stood near Paul and said. "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.
I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.
Jesus stood silent before his accusers, but Paul is vocal. He does not hesitate to play one party against another in the Council, by stating that he is on trial for his belief in the resurrection of the dead.
Some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man."
Again the Roman troops remove him to the safety of the fort堡.
Paul is given a word of encouragement: he will be Christ's witness in Rome.
Why?
Paul is explained what he was doing and fulfilled his duty to God in all good conscience to this day. How great a servant of the Lord!
The enemies against the Lord didn't trust what Paul spoke. They protected the law of Jews but against the law of God.
Yes, it is my hope is in the resurrection of the dead, Jesus Christ. He is the Lord!
Some teachers of the law found Paul is innocent, but most were violent and blind in truth.
How?
Have I fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day? No! God, please forgive me, but I like to do so.

Follow the way of God opens for me

Acts 22: 22-30
Paul, the Roman citizen, protected him not to be questioned and been flogged.
Paul was born a citizen, but the centurion had paid a big price for his citizenship.
Taken inside to be questioned torture拷打, Paul is strapped down, and about to be flogged, when he declares his Roman citizenship to general consternation驚愕.
A Roman citizen had the right to a fair trial, and even if guilty was spared the scourge災害. This horrible whip鞭 of several thongs armed with pieces of lead or bone was a far more deadly instrument than the 'rods' used at Philippi.
Why?
Non Roman citizen has not human right to protect himself.
Good citizenship protect safety during the ministry, but it is still dangerous task.
Legal right we need to protect, and serve for the Lord with devotion altitude.
How?
The Lord doesn't allow me to preach gospel in China when I was stayed in America. Follow the way of God opens for me.

The thruth is unclear to those who close their heart to others

Acts 22:1-21
Paul speaks to the crowd about what he was and what his life was changed by the Lord. And the Lord gave him the mission to the Gentile.
Paul recounts his own story. But the mention of his mention to the Gentle creates a flesh furore轟動.
Why?
Paul explained his experiences, it is true store, but the crowd of Jews did not believe him.
How?
Sometime it is uneasy to explain to others who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Some miracle may encourage me only, it is witness to the believers and those who open their heart. When one see the world with absolute mind, he won't get the truth.

Face the troubles with faith and brave

Acts 21:27-40
When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him.
The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done.
The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”
After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic- Possibly Hebrew. Permitted speak for his defence.
Why?
Crowd are always blind to be stirred up.
Paul was very clear that what he is doing and what should do with wisdom and do not fear these. He has faith to face the future and troubles.
Paul can speak many languages.
How?
Paul has the faith and brave to face the trouble without fear.

Thanks the Lord for his love comes to us

Acts 21:1-26
Paul said "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." And since he would not be persuaded, they ceased and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done."
Further voyaging takes Paul and company to Tyre, and another parting, then down the coast to Ptolemais, and Caesarea. where Philip is still living. Nothing can shake Paul's determination to go to Jerusalem, not even a prophecy of his fate.
On the arrival Paul receives a warm welcome from his fellow-Christians, including the church leaders. But garbled tales are circulating, that Paul teaches Jews to abandon circumcision and the law. If he openly identifies with a group of men under a strict vow all will see that he respects and observes the law.
Why?
The rumor are wrong to Paul, but Paul do not care his life.
Paul has devoted his life to the Lord and doing the ministry received from the Lord.
For Paul's faith and his enthusiasm we can be Christians today.
How?
Thanks Lord for God loves us through Jesus Christ and Apostles.