September 7

It’s the weekend and I’m about to embark on the great birthday adventure of 2019. Georgia and Casey have a “Top Secret” get-away planned for me and I have absolutely no clues. At 9:00 this morning, I will he told what to pack. The boys have only said “make sure you wash between your toes” and “take a helmet”. I’m not sure, but I think they were being silly. I’m not even sure those goofy boys know what’s going on. But I’ll keep you posted. 


Many times in his journey, Paul didn’t really know what was facing him either, but here in Acts 21 wasn’t one of them. When he headed back to Jerusalem, Paul had been warned over and over and all of his friends has pleaded with him to not go. 


“Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ” When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭21:11-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬


Paul didn’t play around. He took his commitment to Christ seriously. So seriously, he insisted on walking boldly in obedience toward prison and hardship and even death. Despite the persistent warnings of other believers, he could not be deterred from what God had for him next.


Paul had had a personal encounter with Jesus that he had never forgotten—one that had proved to him God was not only real, but He could be trusted. 


God’s foresight is perfect and His plans always have purpose. The older we get and the longer we walk with Him, the more we come to appreciate that God’s way is rarely easy because easy never results in a spiritual profit. If there ever was a definition of committed, it lives in Acts 21:13, “...I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Paul’s resolve was rooted and grounded in his courageous faith. He did not entertain fear nor self-interest. What an encouragement and inspiration for all of us! 


Father God, help us to remember our encounter with you—that time when we felt your presence and knew you were real. Remind us again that you can be trusted. Help us to get rid of anything that holds us back from the courageous faith and bold obedience like Paul’s. Although we love our friends and family, help us to stand for what we know is right and not let them hold us back from serving you with all we have. Likewise help us to support those around us to be all they can be and to stand boldly for you. Help us to be more like Paul and say we are ready! We love you and praise you Lord. How great you are. Hallelujah! Amen and amen. 


Love you dear one,

Pam

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