Acts 24:26 Paul didn't give in to the pressure of Felix who would call for him in prison hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. Felix sent for him frequently and talked with him. I stood at the Garden of Gethsemane where Peter cut off the ear of the soldier. What a different man he has become. No demandingness here. No self-centeredness here. He was in prison to do God's will. "You have been graced with a disaster your soul requires to bring you back home." (Tim)
Larry spoke on the steps of the Psalm of Ascent as the sun set over Jerusalem tonight. "Groan inwardly. Wait eagerly. Demand nothing. Demand not what I want to feel in any situation. And He will sustain you with joy based on hope." And our hope is that there is a New Jerusalem where One Day there will be a loud voice. He will wipe away every tear. Meanwhile, we are learning to relate like Jesus without self-centeredness. "The degree to which I can love means my hope has nothing to do with how others treat me."
Groan inwardly.
Wait eagerly.
Love like Jesus.
It's my prayer for you this Palm Sunday as I descended the steep Palm Sunday Road. Jesus did this for me, for you.
I'm so taken with the life of Paul in Acts 25:27. Where was Paul when God freed Peter in jail? Where was Paul when John was beheaded. They weren't rescued like some had hoped. But they were carried in the heart of God. Drawn to the Face of God. Just like Paul sitting in a prison. Groan inwardly. Wait eagerly. Love fully.
Acts 24:21 - 'It's because I believe in the resurrection that I've been hauled into this court!' Where am I called this day to take a stand, to state my case, my cause for Christ, to administer love, authorized by Love Himself, to speak truth, provided by Truth Himself, to serve the needy, as exemplified by the Servant Himself?
ReplyDeleteActs 24:27: After two years of this, Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus. Still playing up to the Jews and ignoring justice, Felix left Paul in prison. . .
Acts 26:28-29 But Agrippa did answer: "Keep this up much longer and you'll make a Christian out of me!" Paul, still in chains, said, "That's what I'm praying for, whether now or later, and not only you but everyone listening today, to become like me—except, of course, for this prison jewelry!"
Oh, Paul. How did you stay so single minded for two years as you waited for this day? And your story is still told this day, your prayer still answered to make Christians out of everyone listening today.
Lord, for today on behalf of anyone listening/reading: Open our hearts to awaken to Your Cause, focus our love to be our only motive, strengthen our hands to do Your work, guard our mouths solely to speak truth in love. Focus us, as You did Paul to be fit servants for Your Kingdom. In Your Saving Name, Christ Jesus, Amen.
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ReplyDeleteI think I posted today's thoughts on tomorrow's words from Beautiful and Beloved Bev!
ReplyDeleteBev, hope you are having a very God-ordained tour. I left for the Living Proof Live in Rapid City the same day you left for the Holy Land...it was AWESOME! I know your time with Him will be just as meaningful.
Message at Rapid City...John 16:20-22...Anguish turns to Joy. Anguish twists our minds tight like we wring water out of a wet dishrag. But when God releases JOY, it circles us...unwinding like that same dishrag...as we dance!
I have to share a little anguish tonight...my carryon bag had to be checked and it has my much worn Bible inside. The one I had at the Ranch. And the bag is lost. By the way, I typed that so calmly but I really feel like wailing! Send up a prayer that it soon arrives home, please?
Sharing a JOY...with my Pearls...God drew me to Rapid City all by myself. Scary. I can't TELL you how precious my time was with Him! Can a Christian earn Eagles Wings? That's what I feel like He gave me this past week. Eagles everywhere...Psalm 91 was so powerful to me on this trip. Sharing because girlfriends always have to share our JOY!!!