web02.fireside.fm Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:56:39 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/tags/chaos Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:00:00 -0400 Let's face it...life sometimes is hard and can just suck. When we are faced with life's challenges we can be discouraged, get tired, and become weary. What we need is motivation, encouragement, and a helping hand that keeps us going. That's the idea of GRINDIT! We find our strength to endure when we focus on Jesus. God's own Son wasn't exempt from life's challenges and He didn't do anything to deserve what he went through! And yet He did...willingly, therefore we find our hope in Him. en-us episodic We at GRINDIT want to encourage people to keep going, to keep grinding, when life gets hard. Quitting is not an option! Randall Tucker Let's face it...life sometimes is hard and can just suck. When we are faced with life's challenges we can be discouraged, get tired, and become weary. What we need is motivation, encouragement, and a helping hand that keeps us going. That's the idea of GRINDIT! We find our strength to endure when we focus on Jesus. God's own Son wasn't exempt from life's challenges and He didn't do anything to deserve what he went through! And yet He did...willingly, therefore we find our hope in Him. no Jesus, Christ, endure, grind, keep going, quit, death, life, heaven, throw in the towel Randall Tucker thegrinditpodcast@gmail.com https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/480 06104929-89cc-45ce-aceb-132e9952cbcb Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker We do not fight against flesh...we are not each others enemy...Satan is... 30:10 no Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to confront some issues the church was having and we dig into all of these issues looking at what we know about the church given to us in scripture. Timothy was a young man that Paul had converted to Jesus and he had traveled with Paul on his journeys as he started new churches and visited churches he established in the past. Timothy would be a little intimidated by what he was given to do and Paul offers him these three things: grace, mercy, and peace. Three things that are much needed today as we confront sin in the church and false doctrine, because these things stem from one place—an enemy that wants to stir up strife, chaos, confusion—an enemy who wants to divide the kingdom of God to weaken it. That is why it is imperative to keep our eyes on Jesus and not on one another! satan, enemy, devil, flesh, argue, fight, war, strife, chaos, confusion, peace, confront Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to confront some issues the church was having and we dig into all of these issues looking at what we know about the church given to us in scripture. Timothy was a young man that Paul had converted to Jesus and he had traveled with Paul on his journeys as he started new churches and visited churches he established in the past. Timothy would be a little intimidated by what he was given to do and Paul offers him these three things: grace, mercy, and peace. Three things that are much needed today as we confront sin in the church and false doctrine, because these things stem from one place—an enemy that wants to stir up strife, chaos, confusion—an enemy who wants to divide the kingdom of God to weaken it. That is why it is imperative to keep our eyes on Jesus and not on one another!

]]> Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to confront some issues the church was having and we dig into all of these issues looking at what we know about the church given to us in scripture. Timothy was a young man that Paul had converted to Jesus and he had traveled with Paul on his journeys as he started new churches and visited churches he established in the past. Timothy would be a little intimidated by what he was given to do and Paul offers him these three things: grace, mercy, and peace. Three things that are much needed today as we confront sin in the church and false doctrine, because these things stem from one place—an enemy that wants to stir up strife, chaos, confusion—an enemy who wants to divide the kingdom of God to weaken it. That is why it is imperative to keep our eyes on Jesus and not on one another!

]]> https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/474 0efe41ab-fd3a-49b4-bd82-052f402a5370 Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Who is the man of lawlessness and why should we be concerned? 42:52 no The church at Thessalonica has another concern about the return of Jesus so Paul writes a second letter to help them understand but in this letter, he causes confusion for us today! How? Because of what he says to them about the man of lawlessness and him being revealed some day; how this man will even sit in the temple of God! How can this happen when the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70 and no longer exists?!?! Did we miss the return of Jesus? Who is this man that will one day be revealed? Who will he deceive? We answer all of this in this podcast... law, lawlessness, confuse, confusion, chaos, order, reveal, revelation, temple The church at Thessalonica has another concern about the return of Jesus so Paul writes a second letter to help them understand but in this letter, he causes confusion for us today! How? Because of what he says to them about the man of lawlessness and him being revealed some day; how this man will even sit in the temple of God! How can this happen when the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70 and no longer exists?!?! Did we miss the return of Jesus? Who is this man that will one day be revealed? Who will he deceive? We answer all of this in this podcast...

]]> The church at Thessalonica has another concern about the return of Jesus so Paul writes a second letter to help them understand but in this letter, he causes confusion for us today! How? Because of what he says to them about the man of lawlessness and him being revealed some day; how this man will even sit in the temple of God! How can this happen when the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70 and no longer exists?!?! Did we miss the return of Jesus? Who is this man that will one day be revealed? Who will he deceive? We answer all of this in this podcast...

]]> https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/414 a5d89953-4d7e-4527-9e12-18092401b4a7 Tue, 31 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0500 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker The dictionary's definition of "Content" doesn't sound too much like what Paul meant when he said he was "content" in every aspect of life. 33:54 no Paul says he has learned to be content in any situation he finds himself in? What does that mean? The dictionary defines it as being happy and having peace no matter what but is that what Paul means? Not hardly...Happiness depends on outside circumstances. If the outside circumstances are good, then I’m happy but if not, well then, I’m either mad, sad, worried, or some other emotion. Interestingly enough, God is not concerned about our “Happiness” but He is concerned about us and he knows that outside circumstances will affect us and make us like a rollercoaster. But...that doesn’t have to be the case! We can be, like Paul, to learn to be “content”! No matter what the outside circumstances are, we can be at peace because we have Jesus. content, contentment, happy, peace, peaceful, chaos, worry, worrisome, tired, enough Paul says he has learned to be content in any situation he finds himself in? What does that mean? The dictionary defines it as being happy and having peace no matter what but is that what Paul means? Not hardly...Happiness depends on outside circumstances. If the outside circumstances are good, then I’m happy but if not, well then, I’m either mad, sad, worried, or some other emotion. Interestingly enough, God is not concerned about our “Happiness” but He is concerned about us and he knows that outside circumstances will affect us and make us like a rollercoaster. But...that doesn’t have to be the case! We can be, like Paul, to learn to be “content”! No matter what the outside circumstances are, we can be at peace because we have Jesus.

]]> Paul says he has learned to be content in any situation he finds himself in? What does that mean? The dictionary defines it as being happy and having peace no matter what but is that what Paul means? Not hardly...Happiness depends on outside circumstances. If the outside circumstances are good, then I’m happy but if not, well then, I’m either mad, sad, worried, or some other emotion. Interestingly enough, God is not concerned about our “Happiness” but He is concerned about us and he knows that outside circumstances will affect us and make us like a rollercoaster. But...that doesn’t have to be the case! We can be, like Paul, to learn to be “content”! No matter what the outside circumstances are, we can be at peace because we have Jesus.

]]> https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/412 4fea82bf-6acf-4adf-aecb-c093722fb9e8 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0500 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker There's no place for division in the church because it weakens the body. There is power in unity! 31:17 no One of Paul’s big themes in all his letters is unity. He knows if the enemy gets the smallest chance to cause division and break the unity, he will take it and blow it up into something ginormous! There were two women who had some issues between one another and Paul tells them to work it out and get to work for Jesus! He said they worked very hard in the past to spread the gospel with him and others, but since there is this riff, the work isn’t getting done. It has caused a problem within the church and there needs to be peace. So he urges the church to help these two ladies work it out and find peace. Do you need peace? What do you need to work out in your life and who do you need to make peace with for the sake of the gospel advancing? unity, divide, division, break, unite, advance, peace, chaos One of Paul’s big themes in all his letters is unity. He knows if the enemy gets the smallest chance to cause division and break the unity, he will take it and blow it up into something ginormous! There were two women who had some issues between one another and Paul tells them to work it out and get to work for Jesus! He said they worked very hard in the past to spread the gospel with him and others, but since there is this riff, the work isn’t getting done. It has caused a problem within the church and there needs to be peace. So he urges the church to help these two ladies work it out and find peace. Do you need peace? What do you need to work out in your life and who do you need to make peace with for the sake of the gospel advancing?

]]> One of Paul’s big themes in all his letters is unity. He knows if the enemy gets the smallest chance to cause division and break the unity, he will take it and blow it up into something ginormous! There were two women who had some issues between one another and Paul tells them to work it out and get to work for Jesus! He said they worked very hard in the past to spread the gospel with him and others, but since there is this riff, the work isn’t getting done. It has caused a problem within the church and there needs to be peace. So he urges the church to help these two ladies work it out and find peace. Do you need peace? What do you need to work out in your life and who do you need to make peace with for the sake of the gospel advancing?

]]> https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/390 5d1e6a05-36fd-414d-b5ad-d1bfe8e7e128 Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Beware of the wolf in sheep's clothing! 40:43 no False teachers were rampant in the early church. These deceivers would come in and pretend to be full of the spirit, and they would welcome themselves into the body of believers, making friends and gaining people’s trust. Then at the moment of opportunity, they would begin their deceitful teachings and cause chaos in the body. They would cause chaos and doubt which totally went against God’s plans for unity and if the believer was still a spiritual baby, they would be tossed around like a wave, or an object that has been picked up by the wind and thrown around. It is crucial that we know God’s word and that we meet together with other believers. We need each other so we can encourage one another as we are on this journey. wolf, sheep, false teacher, false prophet, deceit, deceitful, chaos, unity, baby False teachers were rampant in the early church. These deceivers would come in and pretend to be full of the spirit, and they would welcome themselves into the body of believers, making friends and gaining people’s trust. Then at the moment of opportunity, they would begin their deceitful teachings and cause chaos in the body. They would cause chaos and doubt which totally went against God’s plans for unity and if the believer was still a spiritual baby, they would be tossed around like a wave, or an object that has been picked up by the wind and thrown around. It is crucial that we know God’s word and that we meet together with other believers. We need each other so we can encourage one another as we are on this journey.

]]> False teachers were rampant in the early church. These deceivers would come in and pretend to be full of the spirit, and they would welcome themselves into the body of believers, making friends and gaining people’s trust. Then at the moment of opportunity, they would begin their deceitful teachings and cause chaos in the body. They would cause chaos and doubt which totally went against God’s plans for unity and if the believer was still a spiritual baby, they would be tossed around like a wave, or an object that has been picked up by the wind and thrown around. It is crucial that we know God’s word and that we meet together with other believers. We need each other so we can encourage one another as we are on this journey.

]]> https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/347 ffdf5dcb-51fb-414d-a6e9-778380bf5f13 Sun, 14 Apr 2024 21:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker God has experienced everything we do therefore He has wisdom. He tells us to "ask Him for wisdom..." 38:23 no When our world is upside down and it seems like chaos is all we deal with, when it seems like we can’t catch a break because life is kicking our butt, James says, “Ask God for wisdom.” He has already told his readers that troubles will come, and now he says, “When trouble comes, ask God for wisdom.” For someone to have wisdom, they have to experience something, then, once on the other side of the storm, they have dealt with the issue, they have endured, and now they can help others who are facing similar situations. God knows what it’s like to lose a son, he knows what it’s like to watch a family member go through so much pain, he knows what it’s like to watch a child be bullied, beaten, and killed. God knows what we deal with on a daily basis and he can help because he has been through it, he has experience, he is full of wisdom, and James says God will give it liberally if we ask...AND not waver, or doubt. If life is freaking out and you can’t figure things out or you’re wondering how you’re going to make it, run to God and ask him for wisdom, ask him for help, trust him with everything you have, and he will direct your path! wisdom, doubt, waver, wise, storm, trampoline, chaos, ask, throne When our world is upside down and it seems like chaos is all we deal with, when it seems like we can’t catch a break because life is kicking our butt, James says, “Ask God for wisdom.” He has already told his readers that troubles will come, and now he says, “When trouble comes, ask God for wisdom.” For someone to have wisdom, they have to experience something, then, once on the other side of the storm, they have dealt with the issue, they have endured, and now they can help others who are facing similar situations. God knows what it’s like to lose a son, he knows what it’s like to watch a family member go through so much pain, he knows what it’s like to watch a child be bullied, beaten, and killed. God knows what we deal with on a daily basis and he can help because he has been through it, he has experience, he is full of wisdom, and James says God will give it liberally if we ask...AND not waver, or doubt. If life is freaking out and you can’t figure things out or you’re wondering how you’re going to make it, run to God and ask him for wisdom, ask him for help, trust him with everything you have, and he will direct your path!

]]> When our world is upside down and it seems like chaos is all we deal with, when it seems like we can’t catch a break because life is kicking our butt, James says, “Ask God for wisdom.” He has already told his readers that troubles will come, and now he says, “When trouble comes, ask God for wisdom.” For someone to have wisdom, they have to experience something, then, once on the other side of the storm, they have dealt with the issue, they have endured, and now they can help others who are facing similar situations. God knows what it’s like to lose a son, he knows what it’s like to watch a family member go through so much pain, he knows what it’s like to watch a child be bullied, beaten, and killed. God knows what we deal with on a daily basis and he can help because he has been through it, he has experience, he is full of wisdom, and James says God will give it liberally if we ask...AND not waver, or doubt. If life is freaking out and you can’t figure things out or you’re wondering how you’re going to make it, run to God and ask him for wisdom, ask him for help, trust him with everything you have, and he will direct your path!

]]> https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/346 b5fbd623-1c50-4f60-b334-79d83a0ca22d Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker When we lack wisdom, God says we can ask Him for it, however, if we pray and doubt, we aren't going to get anything! 43:31 no When our world is upside down and it seems like chaos is all we deal with, when it seems like we can’t catch a break because life is kicking our butt, James says, “Ask God for wisdom.” He has already told his readers that troubles will come, and now he says, “When trouble comes, ask God for wisdom.” For someone to have wisdom, they have to experience something, then, once on the other side of the storm, they have dealt with the issue, they have endured, and now they can help others who are facing similar situations. God knows what it’s like to lose a son, he knows what it’s like to watch a family member go through so much pain, he knows what it’s like to watch a child be bullied, beaten, and killed. God knows what we deal with on a daily basis and he can help because he has been through it, he has experience, he is full of wisdom, and James says God will give it liberally if we ask...AND not waver, or doubt. If life is freaking out and you can’t figure things out or you’re wondering how you’re going to make it, run to God and ask him for wisdom, ask him for help, trust him with everything you have, and he will direct your path! wisdom, pray, prayer, waver, doubt, nothing, chaos, trouble When our world is upside down and it seems like chaos is all we deal with, when it seems like we can’t catch a break because life is kicking our butt, James says, “Ask God for wisdom.” He has already told his readers that troubles will come, and now he says, “When trouble comes, ask God for wisdom.” For someone to have wisdom, they have to experience something, then, once on the other side of the storm, they have dealt with the issue, they have endured, and now they can help others who are facing similar situations. God knows what it’s like to lose a son, he knows what it’s like to watch a family member go through so much pain, he knows what it’s like to watch a child be bullied, beaten, and killed. God knows what we deal with on a daily basis and he can help because he has been through it, he has experience, he is full of wisdom, and James says God will give it liberally if we ask...AND not waver, or doubt. If life is freaking out and you can’t figure things out or you’re wondering how you’re going to make it, run to God and ask him for wisdom, ask him for help, trust him with everything you have, and he will direct your path!

]]> When our world is upside down and it seems like chaos is all we deal with, when it seems like we can’t catch a break because life is kicking our butt, James says, “Ask God for wisdom.” He has already told his readers that troubles will come, and now he says, “When trouble comes, ask God for wisdom.” For someone to have wisdom, they have to experience something, then, once on the other side of the storm, they have dealt with the issue, they have endured, and now they can help others who are facing similar situations. God knows what it’s like to lose a son, he knows what it’s like to watch a family member go through so much pain, he knows what it’s like to watch a child be bullied, beaten, and killed. God knows what we deal with on a daily basis and he can help because he has been through it, he has experience, he is full of wisdom, and James says God will give it liberally if we ask...AND not waver, or doubt. If life is freaking out and you can’t figure things out or you’re wondering how you’re going to make it, run to God and ask him for wisdom, ask him for help, trust him with everything you have, and he will direct your path!

]]> https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/344 2ca43839-9191-4a97-8096-72f82ae66e8d Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:15:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Jesus rose up out of the tomb and he is alive forever more!!! 36:48 no Jesus has told his followers that he would be betrayed, killed, buried, but that he would be raised back to life on the third day. None of the disciples ever got it despite being told many times! Not even the women and they are much better listeners than men! Verse 1 says Mary Magdalene went and bought spices to bring to the tomb to put on Jesus' body which tells me she was expecting there to be a body in that tomb. As she and two other women were walking tomb, they were discussing who they could get to roll the stone away so they could get inside to the body. To their surprise, the stone had already been rolled back, the body of Jesus was gone, and there was some dude having a conversation with the, telling them Jesus had risen just as he had told them and that he was waiting for them in Galilee. They left the tomb scared for their lives! They didn't understand until later when Jesus showed up and rebuked them for their disbelief. Do you believe in the risen Savior? tomb, seal, stone, empty, resurrection, angel, Mary, unable;ief, confused, confusion, fear, chaos Jesus has told his followers that he would be betrayed, killed, buried, but that he would be raised back to life on the third day. None of the disciples ever got it despite being told many times! Not even the women and they are much better listeners than men! Verse 1 says Mary Magdalene went and bought spices to bring to the tomb to put on Jesus' body which tells me she was expecting there to be a body in that tomb. As she and two other women were walking tomb, they were discussing who they could get to roll the stone away so they could get inside to the body. To their surprise, the stone had already been rolled back, the body of Jesus was gone, and there was some dude having a conversation with the, telling them Jesus had risen just as he had told them and that he was waiting for them in Galilee. They left the tomb scared for their lives! They didn't understand until later when Jesus showed up and rebuked them for their disbelief. Do you believe in the risen Savior?

]]> Jesus has told his followers that he would be betrayed, killed, buried, but that he would be raised back to life on the third day. None of the disciples ever got it despite being told many times! Not even the women and they are much better listeners than men! Verse 1 says Mary Magdalene went and bought spices to bring to the tomb to put on Jesus' body which tells me she was expecting there to be a body in that tomb. As she and two other women were walking tomb, they were discussing who they could get to roll the stone away so they could get inside to the body. To their surprise, the stone had already been rolled back, the body of Jesus was gone, and there was some dude having a conversation with the, telling them Jesus had risen just as he had told them and that he was waiting for them in Galilee. They left the tomb scared for their lives! They didn't understand until later when Jesus showed up and rebuked them for their disbelief. Do you believe in the risen Savior?

]]> https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/125 5155d609-0639-47c8-a8e3-19c9cef5cc3b Sun, 26 Dec 2021 15:30:00 -0500 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker Today, people are living in fear and Jesus is saying, “Fear not, trust me.” Do you? 35:00 no In this last part of Luke 8 we see several examples of miracles such as Jesus calming the storm by speaking a few words when the disciples were scared out of their minds. When they got to the shore there was a naked man who came running up to the boat shrieking and making weird noises because he was full of demons. Jesus cast the demons out him into a herd of pigs and the shepherds take off running to town and tell the people what happened. The crowd comes out to see the naked man who is now fully clothed and he is sitting at the feet of Jesus completely sane. They freak out and ask Jesus to leave town! Then there is Jairus who’s 12 year old daughter is almost dead. He begs Jesus to come to his house and heal her but as they are on their way, a woman who has been bleeding for 12 years comes up from behind Jesus and touches the hem of is garment and was healed. Jesus has a conversation with the woman and as he is talking, some of Jairus’ friends show up and tell him that his daughter is dead. Jesus tells Jairus something that we all need to hear today, “Don’t be afraid.” In fact, it is a theme throughout these examples. Today, in the midst of Covid and all kinds of chaos, people are living in fear and Jesus is saying, “Fear not, trust me.” Do you? fear, not, chaos, trust, Jesus, miracle In this last part of Luke 8 we see several examples of miracles such as Jesus calming the storm by speaking a few words when the disciples were scared out of their minds. When they got to the shore there was a naked man who came running up to the boat shrieking and making weird noises because he was full of demons. Jesus cast the demons out him into a herd of pigs and the shepherds take off running to town and tell the people what happened. The crowd comes out to see the naked man who is now fully clothed and he is sitting at the feet of Jesus completely sane. They freak out and ask Jesus to leave town! Then there is Jairus who’s 12 year old daughter is almost dead. He begs Jesus to come to his house and heal her but as they are on their way, a woman who has been bleeding for 12 years comes up from behind Jesus and touches the hem of is garment and was healed. Jesus has a conversation with the woman and as he is talking, some of Jairus’ friends show up and tell him that his daughter is dead. Jesus tells Jairus something that we all need to hear today, “Don’t be afraid.” In fact, it is a theme throughout these examples. Today, in the midst of Covid and all kinds of chaos, people are living in fear and Jesus is saying, “Fear not, trust me.” Do you?

]]> In this last part of Luke 8 we see several examples of miracles such as Jesus calming the storm by speaking a few words when the disciples were scared out of their minds. When they got to the shore there was a naked man who came running up to the boat shrieking and making weird noises because he was full of demons. Jesus cast the demons out him into a herd of pigs and the shepherds take off running to town and tell the people what happened. The crowd comes out to see the naked man who is now fully clothed and he is sitting at the feet of Jesus completely sane. They freak out and ask Jesus to leave town! Then there is Jairus who’s 12 year old daughter is almost dead. He begs Jesus to come to his house and heal her but as they are on their way, a woman who has been bleeding for 12 years comes up from behind Jesus and touches the hem of is garment and was healed. Jesus has a conversation with the woman and as he is talking, some of Jairus’ friends show up and tell him that his daughter is dead. Jesus tells Jairus something that we all need to hear today, “Don’t be afraid.” In fact, it is a theme throughout these examples. Today, in the midst of Covid and all kinds of chaos, people are living in fear and Jesus is saying, “Fear not, trust me.” Do you?

]]> https://grinditpodcast.fireside.fm/87 175f2f39-24a5-44d0-be24-28ec2516bd70 Thu, 22 Jul 2021 21:00:00 -0400 Randall Tucker full Randall Tucker The enemy loves to bring chaos and confusion to our our lives but God gives peace. Which one describes your life? 34:44 no Paul is going to hang out in Ephesus for at least two years preaching the gospel and giving the people hope. Luke writes that God gave Paul the ability to perform unusual miracles, so unusual that when a handkerchief that he owned touched a sick person, they were completely healed...immediately! As he continues to convert people to Jesus, the worship of false gods along with their idols begins to decline. With the decline of idols means a decline in the bank accounts of the silversmiths that make the idols. They stir up a mob and a lot of chaos against Paul as well as the local believers. They gather in the amphitheater, they have no idea why they are there, and they are yelling random things. It's what the enemy does; He causes chaos and confusion to distract and discourage. God is opposite. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33); He is a God of peace. What is your life filled with? Confusion or peace? chaos, confusion, peace, enemy, God, Paul is going to hang out in Ephesus for at least two years preaching the gospel and giving the people hope. Luke writes that God gave Paul the ability to perform unusual miracles, so unusual that when a handkerchief that he owned touched a sick person, they were completely healed...immediately! As he continues to convert people to Jesus, the worship of false gods along with their idols begins to decline. With the decline of idols means a decline in the bank accounts of the silversmiths that make the idols. They stir up a mob and a lot of chaos against Paul as well as the local believers. They gather in the amphitheater, they have no idea why they are there, and they are yelling random things. It's what the enemy does; He causes chaos and confusion to distract and discourage. God is opposite. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33); He is a God of peace. What is your life filled with? Confusion or peace?

]]> Paul is going to hang out in Ephesus for at least two years preaching the gospel and giving the people hope. Luke writes that God gave Paul the ability to perform unusual miracles, so unusual that when a handkerchief that he owned touched a sick person, they were completely healed...immediately! As he continues to convert people to Jesus, the worship of false gods along with their idols begins to decline. With the decline of idols means a decline in the bank accounts of the silversmiths that make the idols. They stir up a mob and a lot of chaos against Paul as well as the local believers. They gather in the amphitheater, they have no idea why they are there, and they are yelling random things. It's what the enemy does; He causes chaos and confusion to distract and discourage. God is opposite. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33); He is a God of peace. What is your life filled with? Confusion or peace?

]]>