God's goads
Read Acts 9:5-9; Acts 26:12-15
PAUL
Apparently, "to kick against the goads" was a common expression found in both Greek and Latin literature — arural image, which rose from the practice of farmers goading their oxen in the fields. Though unfamiliar to us, everyone in that day understood its meaning.
A quick turnaround
Read Acts 9:1-4
PAUL
No surprises
Read Acts 9:1-4
PAUL
For more than three decades, Saul controlled his own life. His record in Judaism ranked second to none. On his way to make an even greater name for himself, the laser of God's presence stopped him in his tracks, striking him blind. Like that group of shepherds faithfully watching their sheep years earlier on another significant night outside Jerusalem, Saul and his companions fell to the ground, stunned.
Roadside conversion
Read Acts 9:1-4
PAUL
An unexpected ally
Read Acts 5:33-38
PAUL
William Barclay calls Gamaliel an "unexpected ally." In the midst of flaring tempers and irrational thinking, this wise, seasoned teacher calmly rose to his feet and warned, "Take care here. Don't rush to judgment." In his words: "Stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God (Acts 5:38-39)."
A brutal beginning
Read Acts 5:29-32; 8:1-3
PAUL
Blessed
Read Job 42:9-15
JOB
Did you read that too quickly? The end of verse 9? Mark it. "The LORD accepted." And then, "The LORD restored." End of verse 10, "The LORD increased." Beginning of verse 12, "The LORD blessed." Those are words of grace — statements of divine favour. Let them hit with full impact:
Accepted.
Restored.
Increased.
Blessed.
Choose God's will
Read Job 42:10-17
JOB
Staying young
Read Job 42:10-17
JOB
I’d like to offer several tips on how to stay young.
Number one: Your mind isn’t old, keep developing it. Watch less television and read more. Spend time with people who talk about events and ideas rather than sitting around a shop talking about people and how sorry this young generation has become. Nobody wants to be around a crotchety old person who sees only the clouds and talks only about bad weather.
Found faithful
Read Job 42:1-17
JOB
If you return to Job 1:3, you can read what Job originally owned. He had 7,000 sheep, and he winds up with 14,000. So his flocks grow as he feeds them and breeds them. Their numbers increase to twice the original flock. There's plenty to eat. And there's also plenty of land to graze, so the sheep grow in number to14,000.