I marvel at Paul's dependence on the Spirit of God. Col 1:29 - His Energy so powerfully at work in this guy. That Spirit who kept him locked in a prison. But really Paul was a free man, wasn't he? He is not fretting that he doesn't have opportunity for a ministry. Just this day, I was so distraught, disturbed, disheartened over circumstances that God has left us in. As I called out to Him, as I looked into this story, as I ask/seek/knock to find not a better life but a better place, there is a Rest, a Peace, that comes with being right in the midst of God's Will. May His Will be done unto me even in this! And His Will to you, in whatever you face this day!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Acts 25:18 "God's Energy So Powerfully At Work in Paul" (July 24)
Acts 25:18 ~ Paul's accusers brought no charges of evil acts that Paul had done. Their charges were disputes over religion. Why argue religion? Why not go after people who really are evil. Maybe, it's because these principal men held evil in their own hearts. And who is their problem with? Paul---not really. Their problem is bending their knee to the same God that Paul serves. They wanted things their way. They thought they were right----why did they hold on to destroying Paul's life?
I marvel at Paul's dependence on the Spirit of God. Col 1:29 - His Energy so powerfully at work in this guy. That Spirit who kept him locked in a prison. But really Paul was a free man, wasn't he? He is not fretting that he doesn't have opportunity for a ministry. Just this day, I was so distraught, disturbed, disheartened over circumstances that God has left us in. As I called out to Him, as I looked into this story, as I ask/seek/knock to find not a better life but a better place, there is a Rest, a Peace, that comes with being right in the midst of God's Will. May His Will be done unto me even in this! And His Will to you, in whatever you face this day!
I marvel at Paul's dependence on the Spirit of God. Col 1:29 - His Energy so powerfully at work in this guy. That Spirit who kept him locked in a prison. But really Paul was a free man, wasn't he? He is not fretting that he doesn't have opportunity for a ministry. Just this day, I was so distraught, disturbed, disheartened over circumstances that God has left us in. As I called out to Him, as I looked into this story, as I ask/seek/knock to find not a better life but a better place, there is a Rest, a Peace, that comes with being right in the midst of God's Will. May His Will be done unto me even in this! And His Will to you, in whatever you face this day!
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Festus was just trying to clear the books. He had nothing to write about concerning Paul- no conviction, no threat, so he set him aside. He seemed to act from a place of reason and self-importance. He wanted to act reasonably but not righteously. As I look back over the last 24 hours, I wonder if that is what I am doing. I have a good friend whose husband is ill. I've frantically searched the internet for a diagnosis for her. I want answers. And she wants answers. Nobody wants to wait until Monday. Weekends are long. Just like Paul, the powers that be (the doctors) say no urgency, wait. Yet, his hearing has failed in one ear, and now the other ear is starting to have symptoms. It looks urgent and very possibly permanent. But we are not waiting for Truth to step into this situation. We're only seeing with our own eyes. We're not looking through His Lens of hope and rest and peace.
ReplyDeletePaul saw through the right Lens his position and he really never wavered. He had to be frustrated not to be ministering as he so wanted to spread the Good News. Yet, God had him right where He needed him to be and when the time comes, Paul uses each "opportunity." Who would believe that prison was an opportunity? Paul knew. We must believe that we are exactly where God wants us to be if we are praying and asking Him to align our souls to Him. And then, let us not miss the opportunity in that place to spread Good News even in the midst of the dark, dank places of our worldly prisons.
Great comments, Annette. I was reminded of Henry Blackabee's Bible Study "Experiencing God". It was a study we did several years ago. Henry kept telling us over and over that God's timing is not our timing. Sometimes, many times, we just have to wait.
ReplyDeleteI think waiting is a precious gift. It is a time to call out to God, clear the cobwebs out of our hearts and really get down to the business of depending on Him. Sometimes we think we don't need to wait, we can do it ourselves, but then, I think we are missing out on being blessed. God wants us to glorify Him by humbling ourselves and getting down so we can see Him better by looking up. Sounds like a sermon, if so, it is directed to myself more than anyone else. God is doing great, mysterious and wonderful works. Joy will come in the morning.
Love to you and all the Pearls.
Every leader will be given the opportunity to hear the message of God's Greatest Story Ever Told. Paul asks for Caesar to hear his case.
ReplyDeleteNot one will find fault in him.
But the Message will be told. The Gentiles will be given the opportunity to come to this certain Jesus...who was dead but now lives.
Paul is on the river of redemption. It is flowing fast and furious to the highest court. Each leader will be offerred the opportunity to come to this certain Jesus.
Imagine today, each leader. So many make decisions for us without the Truth. I pray today for leaders to rise up in Truth, flowing like a river of redemption into each ruling level of government. May the Message convict, may the Message draw sinners, may the Message bring many to salvation.
We are a heathen nation if Christ is not welcome here.