Monday, July 25, 2011
Acts 26:6 "Rise and Stand Up" (July 25)
26:6 ~ Paul was on trial for his hope in the promise made to his fathers. A Pharisee who figured out what God was saying to him. Unbelievable. Convinced of one thing. Now convinced of another. I too was convinced as a child and young adult of the religion I practiced until my eyes were opened...and I'm convinced of something completely different. Even in the past 6 years, I'm further convinced of Truth that has so set me free like I never imagined I could be!
Acts 26:16 _ Rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appointed you as a servant to open eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
It's the hope of the Gospel (Col 1:25) not the hope of this world here working out for you. No, it's a hope laid up in heaven. Therefore, by faith we love well and await in hope what lies ahead for each of us. Faith Hope Love.
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Oh, for Paul's boldness and certainty. So many things can shake my faith--not in God but the whys of God, which is not mine to question. Paul, in prison, could have been let go, had he appealed to Caesar. He didn't. Surely, he knew, but because of this, he was given the opportunity to stand before Agrippa and Festus, yet again, who still is almost using Paul to entertain the king and queen. Paul knew his chains were not the issue. I need to look more beyond the obvious--the chains so often prevent me from seeing the freedom that lies even in the circumstantial chains. And the chains are so not the focus. Paul adds a little aside "except for these chains...I wish you all were like me, knowing the Truth of Christ Jesus..." Back to the real point...
ReplyDeleteBev, what a perfect Scripture to describe Paul's intent, Acts 26:16, opening eyes to see the Light. The perfect summation to direct our own focus this day. Help us to stand, Lord.
Beautiful, Deborah. He was drawing you to Himself as a child. I see the Tender Kindness of God weaved through your story, even in such loss. I thought of you when I read the verse Acts 26:16. He has called you to rise and you have done just that all life trusting Him through all that came your way. He has invited you to stand and stand you do! Your life offers such hope, such courage! You open your mouth and God fills it with Himself~Psalm 81:10. God bless you tonight dear one! Thank you for sharing your story with us! It blessed me deeply so!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bev. We all have a testimony that is uniquely ours. I've made many mistakes and learned so much from the tough times. No one wants to go through trials, but they have taught me and brought me to the arms of Christ.
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