Paul’s confession

Acts 20:24 “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish hte race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Paul knew God had given him a purpose for living and that purpose was to spread the gospel and explain what the grace of God was all about.  That is not a common thought.  If you or I were to be asked—what is the purpose of your or my life—would your or my answer be similiar?  You and I have to have a continual conversation with our Heavenly Father so we never lose the reason for living.

only if

Acts 18:21m “…if it is God’s will…” This part of this verse is a constant thought on every Christian’s mind in making any and every decision he/she makes.  If this thought is not included in all activities, a person is flying with a broken wing and will definitely crash at some time.  God, how do you want me to proceed or help me solve this problem.  With this mentality a person can live with the confidence only God can provide.  Think this might not be true?  Two examples: 1. How full are our jails?  2. Are addictions on the increase or decrease?All because this thought is not considered by many.

Instruction

Acts 18:9b-10a “‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.  For I am with you…”‘ God instructed Paul and God made a promise to Paul.  That same instruction and promise applies to you and me.  Fearlessly teach–that is God’s instruction.  Study your Bible.  Know the Truth and help others understand the Truth.  That is what it means to have a purpose driven and successful life filled with hope, peace, contentedness and service to our Savior.

All because of Easter

Acts 17:31 “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed.  He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” Yesterday we all celebrated Easter—not because of cute rabbits or ham dinners, but because the Resurrection can easily be defined as the most important historical event ever.  Jesus could have been born, suffered and died, but had He not risen from the dead all would have been in vain.  Our Heavenly Father had a perfect plan to bring us to Himself.  He demands perfection and only His Son could be our Perfection Advocate.  Jesus’ resurrection makes you and me perfect before our God in Heaven.  Easter is the ultimate of the ultimate.  Love and Easter are the same.  Praise be to God.

Unique relationship

Acts 17:28a “For in him we live and move and have our being…” Without our God in our lives life becomes meaningless.  Meaningless and extremely short.  A person’s life is so temporarily continually adjusted to perform as one goes through the unique phases of life.  Childhood, teen years, early adulthood, middle age, tired time,  closing one’s eyes time.  All of these times can be most enjoyable with our Savior at our side while living a purposeful life or they can be a waste of time without Him.  Doesn’t it only make sense for all time to be both a God given purposeful time and an enjoyable time? Have a great weekend.

His needs from you and me

Acts 17:25 “And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything,  because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” Every breath you and I take is a gift.  Our heart pumping blood and providing life to our bodies is a gift.  All our assets–real estate, toys, savings, investments—everything we claim to be ours is a gift.  There is nothing we can do to increase our Father’s treasure—-except—our hearts.  That is what our God wants and that is what we joyfully give Him.