September 27, 2021
Acts 11:19-21
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
New International Version (NIV)
A sign beside an old church in England describes the contribution of that congregation:  “They did the best things in the worst times and hoped them in the most calamitous.”  These words not only describe that church, but the church at its best through the ages.  It turns out that we serve a God who works all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purposes.  

Luke tells us some anonymous believers who had been persecuted and pushed out of Jerusalem started sharing Christ with the gentiles as well as the Jews.  It turns out all people need the good news and people from every tribe and tongue can be saved.  Even the leaders of the church in Jerusalem weren’t sure about this.  Will God save gentiles as well as Jews?  How could they know?  The Lord’s hand was with them.

The hope of our church and every church resides in this one truth:  Since God is for us, who can be against us.  When God opens a door no one can shut it.  When God closes a door no one can open it.  God has placed before his people an open door.  Will we walk through it and share his good news with others?  Christians are “good news” people in a bad world.  Good thing!  The world needs good news today.  His name is Jesus.  His hand is with us!
Pray with me:        
Father, we thank you for your hand of mercy and might.  You have been merciful to save us.  You are mighty to help us lead others to life.  Let us do the very best things in this time which some see as the worst of times.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 
Scripture memorization for this week:
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 2:17
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
New International Version (NIV)
Our 2021 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations Bible reading plan.  Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:
2021 Reading Plan
We would love for you to join us as we read through the Bible in one year, while still having the flexibility of reading 5 days per week.  In addition, I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year.  We will also memorize 2 scriptures each week.  As we journal together this year,  Robby Gallaty’s H.E.A.R. plan is a good resource: Highlight a verse that stands out to you, Explain what it means, Apply that truth to your life and Respond to what you’ve read with an action or prayer.
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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