But the Lord stood at my
side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be
fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered
from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack
and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for
ever and ever.
Paul was imprisoned in Rome, writing a note of encouragement to
Timothy, his young protégé. There was no moaning or complaining, only
triumph and expectation. In the New Testament the people of the world
are divided into two categories, the Jewish people and the Gentiles
(everyone who was not of Jewish heritage). Though his circumstances were
at best unpleasant, Paul was still focused on his assignment to take
the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles. And beyond that he was looking
forward to a heavenly kingdom where there will be no more prisons and no
more chains. From the vantage point of history, we can read what Paul
wrote to Timothy and see that he was right. Even from a prison cell,
Paul had a greater impact on the non-Jewish world than any other person
ever has. God has a plan for our lives too. His promises to keep us and
use us for His Kingdom purposes are just as true and trustworthy as His
promises to Paul.
THINK ABOUT IT
Paul’s life as a believer was marked by an unrelenting quest to know
God more fully and to glorify Him among the Gentiles. What are your
goals as a believer?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, use my life to attract my friends and acquaintances
toward a relationship with You. Paul suffered but did not complain. He
was tested and did not become bitter. He sacrificed and still he found
joy in serving. Help me to be more like Paul and walk in joy, because I
know Your promises bring life. I know I am only passing through, and my
true home is in Heaven, and my treasure is knowing You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
When the Preacher Is a Comic
Today's Bible Verse...
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.—Psalm 103:13
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Compassion.
Not pity, not anger, not shame, not impatience, not intolerance, not
rejection, but compassion is what God, my Father, gives to me. He cares
for my pain enough to enter into my world and share it in Jesus.
My Prayer...
Father of Mercies and God of all Compassion, thank you for not only knowing and caring about my struggles and problems but sending me help in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. By one I know your love and mercy and by the other I know your might and power. May your Spirit of compassion be found in my relationships. Through the grace of Jesus I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated
No comments:
Post a Comment