December 31, 2012
Paul was faithful. No matter what, he kept doing the things God wanted him to do. Every place he went he encouraged and strengthened the believers. He did nothing for his own glory—it was ALL for the glory of God. To the elders of Ephesus he said:
You know—
Acts 20:22 - "But now I must obey the Holy Spirit and go to Jerusalem. I don't know what will happen to me there." But this is what I do know, "I don't care about my own life. The most important things is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me—to tell people the Good News about God's grace." (Acts 20:24)
Paul goes on. None of you will see me again. I have already told you everything God wanted me to say. If any of you are lost, I am not responsible. Be careful—for yourselves and for the ones the Holy Spirit has given you to care for. Be like shepherds—caring for the church of God which he bought with the death of his own son. There is danger ahead from without and from within. Some people will come like wild wolves attack trying to destroy. Some will also rise up from within. They will twist the truth and lead some away. Be careful!
You know the concern I have for you. Acts 20:32 - "Now I am putting you in the care of God..." God's message will give you strength and blessings. Life is not about what you can get. Acts 20:34–35 - "You know I always worked to take care of my own needs and the needs of those who were with me. I showed you in all things that you should work as I did and help the weak. I taught you to remember the words Jesus said:
After Paul said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. Then he went on his way.
A new year. May the Lord continue to find us faithful in 2013. May those who come after us remember us as people who loved the Lord and gave of themselves to help others.
Next Entry: Acts 21 – 28
Paul was faithful. No matter what, he kept doing the things God wanted him to do. Every place he went he encouraged and strengthened the believers. He did nothing for his own glory—it was ALL for the glory of God. To the elders of Ephesus he said:
You know—
- about my life
- the way I have lived
- evil people made plans against me
- their actions troubled me
- I always served the Lord unselfishly
- I often cried for you
- I preached to you without holding anything back
- that I taught you
- that I warned everyone to change their hearts and lives
Acts 20:22 - "But now I must obey the Holy Spirit and go to Jerusalem. I don't know what will happen to me there." But this is what I do know, "I don't care about my own life. The most important things is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me—to tell people the Good News about God's grace." (Acts 20:24)
Paul goes on. None of you will see me again. I have already told you everything God wanted me to say. If any of you are lost, I am not responsible. Be careful—for yourselves and for the ones the Holy Spirit has given you to care for. Be like shepherds—caring for the church of God which he bought with the death of his own son. There is danger ahead from without and from within. Some people will come like wild wolves attack trying to destroy. Some will also rise up from within. They will twist the truth and lead some away. Be careful!
You know the concern I have for you. Acts 20:32 - "Now I am putting you in the care of God..." God's message will give you strength and blessings. Life is not about what you can get. Acts 20:34–35 - "You know I always worked to take care of my own needs and the needs of those who were with me. I showed you in all things that you should work as I did and help the weak. I taught you to remember the words Jesus said:
'It is more blessed to give than receive. ' "
*****
A new year. May the Lord continue to find us faithful in 2013. May those who come after us remember us as people who loved the Lord and gave of themselves to help others.
Next Entry: Acts 21 – 28
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