"When we heard this, we and the local believers begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem."
Acts 21:12
This was not the first time Paul had been warned by well-meaning believers. These individuals loved Paul, as did the others who had warned him of possible impending danger. Their lives had been changed by the truth Paul cared enough to share. They understood full well the risks that he took to make sure the gospel reached everyone. They did not want to see him hurt. Paul felt this love when they told him of their prophecies and when they gathered around him to pray for he left.
He heard the prophecy of Abagus, telling him of the captivity awaiting him in Jerusalem. I don't know about you but news like that would have been evidence enough for me to sit back and reevaluate the situation. But not Paul. He was not persuaded to sway to the left or the right. He was bound for Jerusalem. He was ready to be jailed and even die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. (21:13) No, Paul was persuaded of this one thing:
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Romans 8:38-39
I am persuaded too easily by well-meaning believers. Those who love and pray for me. Sometimes said individuals cause me to doubt what I know to be of the Lord. I want to be like Paul, true and steadfast to what I believe God is calling me to do. He knew beyond a shadow of doubt that what he was supposed to be doing and was not going to persuaded to do anything else.
Oh, to be that sure and confident in my actions for Jesus Christ!
Oh Lord, hear.
Oh Lord, forgive.
Oh Lord, listen and act.
8 Comments:
Clearly, Paul was out to please his Lord. He allowed the indwelling Holy Spirit to strengthen him so that he was able to get through all of the trials he suffered. His strong faith and belief gave him a deep, inward peace that came from God. His friends feared for his life, but finally, they came to the same conclusion that Paul had: Acts 21:14, "The Lord's will be done."
Paul knew without a doubt what the Holy Spirit wanted him to do. He was determined to obey God's Word without wavering.
Acts 20:21
What was Paul's message?
1. repent from sin
2. turn to God
3. have faith in our Lord Jesus
Blessings dear friends! Lori - AZ
Wendy, I so agree with you this morning! It is so easy to go with what others say and think is best. I have had a situation this week where I have had to make a decision that others might not like, but it was something that was just not giving me peace. Every time I thought about this thing it bothered me. I think God puts those feelings and Holy Spirit warnings in us. This is not a bad thing by any means, it is a good thing, but at this time it is just not good for our family. Yesterday I posted on my blog a funny song my boys made up over the weekend called the Loftis 12 Days of Christmas. You would have to know us all pretty well to get all the jokes, but I crack up every time I read it. Reason I say that is because day 7 was 7 nervous breakdowns, that comes from me. When I get too much on my plate, when I get overwhelmed very easily. I don't have peace and this thing that I was not having peace about was one more thing to overload our schedule and I am going to just have to let some people know we are not going to be able to be involved this year. I got my Proverbs 31 magazine yesterday and that poem on the last page was EXACTLY what I needed to read! It was wonderful and that is what I want, more time for Christmas. Not so much running around trying to do it all, but spending time with family and friends, focusing on Christ and sharing His love and hope with those around me. Doing things like sharing Christ next week at that MOPS meeting, praying with people. Those are the things that matter. Not trying to get Will involved in every play, go to every event, etc...
My verse from our reading today was Acts 20:24, "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus." There are things the Lord Jesus has assigned, our life's work. That is what I want to accomplish and do while I am here on this earth. Nothing else matters, it is what He wants me to do that matters so when I get those Holy Spirit bells going off in my head I listen and I say no even to the good things if they are not right for me and my family :)
Good catching up with you all today. Missed you guys the past two days. Monday we had our new heat and air unit installed and John was home most of the day. I used the time to get caught up on some house work. Yesterday I spent most of the time Will was at school working on my presentation for MOPS next week. I am using a children's book I got Will called "What God Wants for Christmas" as my springboard for the talk. The MOPS Coordinator said this group has women from all stages of maturity from non-believers to mature followers of Christ. She said there are some that are obviously there for just the social aspect. Praying the Holy Spirit will guide and He will work on those women's hearts as I share about my transformation and the story of how God gave us Christ and He wants us to give Him ourselves.
You ladies have a fabulous day!
Love in Christ,
Brandee, TN
Fully persuaded. Such certainty and assurance. To know that I know that I know. I'm seeking such clear direction in a couple of areas right now. I feel like Moses when he said, unless the Lord go with me I'm not moving. I just need to know for sure.
Brandee, I also highlighted Acts 20:24. Being obedient to the Lord is what makes my life worthy. Accomplishing that which He created me for and fulfilling His purposes for me. Sweet Brandee, I was caught between laughing and crying at your boys rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas. Sometimes it can be a real eye-opener the message we convey through our lives. I think my son may have included, 12 days of fear. I would rather it read 12 days of trust. :) Always something for the Lord to work on in and through me.
The verse that captured my thoughts today was “I have been a constant example…” Acts 20:35
Looking at Paul’s life we see a man who modelled ministry. His life had tremendous influence. He led others by serving. He became a servant leader by being a leading servant. He led as he followed Christ.
He did “the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears.” (vs.19) He endured trials and never shrank back. Ministry , although often thrilling, brings tears. He was authentic and vulnerable. He wasn’t afraid to express himself and let others see his emotions. Pain challenges and breaks us. A. W. Tozer writes that it is doubtful God can ever use us greatly until he breaks us. Breaking releases God’s power and God’s vision.
Paul demonstrated tremendous courage. He was aware that jail and suffering marked his path (vs.23), but he pressed on. He didn’t hesitate to follow Jesus as close as he could. Paul taught us that God is bigger than all our fears.
Paul was faithful to his responsibilities (vs.26). He showed commitment. In a world today that gives up and gives in at the slightest indication that effort will be required, Paul was diligent. He was faithful to God’s character, His Word and to His call on his life.
Paul didn’t focus on himself, but he did give careful attention to guard himself (vs.28). We can so easily burn out in ministry and then be of no use to anyone.
Our life speaks more than our words. More than knowledge there needs to be evidence. Most of our problem is not that we don’t know the Bible, but that we don’t live it out. If only we lived out half of what we know. Paul was a model for ministry. He writes, “I have been a constant example…” (vs.35).
Wondering...what am I modelling in my life today? Is it the 12 Days of fear I mentioned above, or 12 Days of trust and obedience? As others watch my life, what do they see?
Off to a Women's Ministry planning meeting this morning. We have Sharon Jaynes coming to our church in January and Renee Swope already booked for 2011. Sooooo excited!!!
Have a blessed day,
Joy
Good Stuff Ladies -
To know that you know and act on it.
Have a great day everyone!
Lynn
Humbling reading today. Paul's discipleship was, to say the very least, exemplary as we read in Acts 20:
*he did the Lord's work humbly v19
*he never shrank back from what needed to be said/heard v20
*he was bound by the Spirit v22
*he was a constant example v35
We must heed his words of provision, care and assignment to us "I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that he is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself." v32
"Feed and shepherd God's flock - his church, purchased with his own blood -" v28
Lord Jesus help me along our walk to develop the fervor of Paul - strengthen and encourage me to be bold when things need to be done and your call needs to be obeyed, even if it means temporary distress or pain. Equip me to finish the assignment you have for me.
Humbly,
Liz
AK
What's been on my mind today is: "If I believe Him, I will obey Him."
Do I obey like I should? Can I identify other believers by their obedience? Can they identify me?
I keep up my reading gals, it's just getting busier this time of year at work and such to write much.
Think about His love.
Morgen
Good to be back and seeing the steadfastness of you all! I underlined "The Lord's will be done." v.14.
There is no greater peace to live my life by then when I can stop wrestling with God, through prayer, and utter those words.
Have a good day, Ladies!
I appreciate the insight, Wendy, on yesterday's reading (third heaven situation). It does help me understand a bit better, in context to the situation and why Paul may have phrased it the way he did.
I enjoy reading all the posts and words of encouragement on this blog!
Krista
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