Acts 23:12-24
22 The commander dismissed the young man and cautioned him, “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”
Bill Francis
Morello Hills Christian Church – Martinez
Observation: Ironically the people who Paul once worked with are now violently against him. He needed something only God could fully provide – protection. The drama unfolds as Paul’s sister’s son (his nephew) boldly passes on a message to the Roman leaders. And Paul’s plan to witness to leaders and make it all the way to Rome continues to unfold.
Action: Lord, may I not be lazy of mind or body. May I live in this Easter season with the passion of Paul, the boldness of his nephew, and the protection of Your presence. My plan for this day as we embark on Lent is to commit to bold moves of interaction with people around me to celebrate your love for all people.
Good Morning Pastor Frances. What a nice way to start Lent, with your reading. I pray my enthusiasm in the start of Lent remains through out this season of preparation. I will remember your words of encouragement to not be lazy of mind or body and stay committed to bold moves of interaction with people around me and openly celebrate Gods love. Bless you and your family from Nancy and Ken in Oregon.
Hey Nancy (and Ken)
Great to hear from you! 🙂 We miss you guys. Thanks for your observation and commitment to keeping up the passion this Easter season!
Bill
It’s amazing how many times God intervened in Paul’s life in order to acomplish His will. He can and does intervene in our lives, as well.
Today I am going to watch for the hand of God in everything around me.
God is showing me not to underestimate how He will go about bringing His will to pass. The very men who have Paul in captivitiy end up being the ones to save him from assassination when his own people plot his death. How ironic is THAT??? I believe that God is teaching me trust in Him alone, because He can use very unconventional events and unlikely people to orchestrate His plans. If He has given me a journey, I must unwaveringly stick to the path and trust Him for protection and provision. The Gospel is that important.
Often life is tumultuous and loud, but Your soft voice is calling me to join in what You are doing. You are doing kingdom work in the small places. Tonight I get to share some of that with three of your little ones. There is peace in the midst of any turmoil if we listen for Your voice.
Observation: Paul found himself in a place once again that did not look so promising. God had told him that he would go to Rome and testify to the people there just as he had just done in Jerusalem. The only problem was he was locked up in some barracks and there was a plot in motion to kill him as soon as he left. He had to be wondering how God was going to do this. Then in the distance he had to hear an amazing sound: 200 soldiers, 200 swordsman and 70 horse are coming to carry out God’s plan. It had to be noisy. What a beautiful sound. What a beautiful way that God always makes His plans work out.
Action: I will ask God today to give me ears to hear how He is working in my life to carry out the plans He has for me and not let my circumstances blind me to what he is doing.
I have prayed all my life; that of which I can recall, asking God what my “mission in life” is, and how will I know!
Being Steadfast in my Faith and holding to the Truths of His teachings, where ever I go, no matter what situation I may find myself or whom ever I become associated with, BUT, not to partake in objectional life styles. In doing so; so far I have found that God has provided “openings” presenting an opportunity for me to share my Faith. (or an inner warning to avoid)
Jesus mingled and witnessed to questionable people, and I realize, I can’t just run off and hide from the world. Having God as my councilor gives me strength and courage. The “Calling” is not that everyone will be a missionary, pastor, teacher. The “Calling” is in our daily lives, as we meet strangers, do our daily chores, or end up in a group of non-believers. God is with me, I believe that, and He is with me to make the right move and take that “leap of faith”. I am so blessed. And, sometimes heartbreaking that others don’t even want to know God , our Lord Jesus or feel the Spirit.
Thanks for your thoughts Charleen. So true that most of our ministry and calling are found in the normal/simple moments of life and we keep moving in the direction he gives us. -Bill
Observation: God you invest resource heavily and generously on behalf of your children. You turn the power of greater authority to protect against the abuse of lesser authority.
Action: I have already today seen You do this. This reflection reminds to SEE Your hand and give You thanks and increase Faith. I see Your power beyond the misuse of power by those willing to be instruments of the enemy.
God protects Paul, who does His will and people get upset about it.
God can protect me when I do things I’m scared will upset people, but I shall not be afraid, and will do them anyways.
That we get out share our thoughts feelings with others around us and bring them into practice making is better people of God
Observation: God is always at work and provides and protects in ways I don’t always see.
Action: Today God, I will be intently looking for You at work. Thanking You continuously for Your protection and provision in my life.
Observation: I see God making a way for Paul to accomplish the mission that God gave him, very unconventionally! It is one thing to know that the Lord is calling you to preach someplace and to have no idea how you are going to get there, anticipating that the Lord will make a way and quite another to find yourself in chains and your right to travel stripped away. It is such a God-thing to take two seemingly conflicting realities and turn what seemed like a problem into a solution!
Action: Today this action is all God’s! He did something similar for me and my wife this very day as we saw the obstacle of expensive vaccinations possibly preventing us from moving forward with our God-given call to minister in India. God took the cost away 100% and our plans move forward in Him! Thank You Jesus!