December 2 - Acts 20:13-21:36

Good morning everyone,

Today’s scripture finds Paul setting sail for Jerusalem. Paul’s friends warned him not to go, fearing he would be beaten and imprisoned, but Paul knew God had a plan and it included him being in Jerusalem. So off he went. He, of course, was misunderstood, his presence ensued a riot and he was, in fact, accused, beaten and hauled off to prison by the Roman authorities.

One of the most difficult lessons to learn in life is that service in the kingdom of God is not always easy. Even the most faithful of God’s servants must endure hardship and trials. Paul suffered a great deal for the cause of Jesus Christ but through it all the Lord sustained and protected him and gave him the opportunity to preach the gospel before kings and rulers.

We too are here on earth to be used by God. Our personalities, that is to say who we are, where we work, the people in our lives, are all God’s perfect design. Each one of us was uniquely molded, like clay, with a purpose in God’s determined plan. God never says, “Oops, how did that happen?” Before you, before I, took even one breath, every day, every step and every circumstance in our life’s plan was recorded. That blows me away. When I try to wrap my head around it, it just keeps growing. Our God is so big and so awesome. Right?

In God’s plan He uses our strengths, the gifts He has given us to achieve His goals. He guides us through different seasons in our lives where we can be asked to go into uncharted territory that are essential to the plan. They could be frightening, maybe even dangerous but we should all go boldly where God calls us to go. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” How amazing is that?

So, talk to God. Listen carefully, pay attention to the plan He has for your life, then boldly go. In Hebrews it says, Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Philippians 4:19 says, “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” Our God loves us so much. We may get some bumps and bruised but we know the end of the story and that makes it all with it. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..