Day 316

By
Paul Sharing the Good News while in Prison

Scripture

November 11—Acts 27-28: Imprisonment of Paul

Observation

Because of his imperial appeal, Paul now begins the lengthy trip to Rome to appear before Caesar. The trip is uneventful until the ship docks on the island of Crete. Paul's advice to stay there for the winter is ignored, and the ship pushes on for Phoenix (27:12). Caught in a storm and driven across the Mediterranean, the ship finally breaks up on the Island Malta. Miracle follows miracle, until at last Paul arrives in the city of Rome, where, under house arrest, he ministers for two years while awaiting his trial, "and no one tried to stop him" (28:31).

Application

"Aim at nothing and you will hit it every time." "If you aren't sure where you're going, any road will take you there." "Fail to determine where you are headed, and you will make the most important decision you will ever regret."

Those three statements all relate to the same vital element in the Christian life: GOALS. Without a goal, a target, an aiming point, you will constantly flounder in your service for God.

God's goal for your life is clear: to "become like his Son" (Romans 8:29). Paul had a clear-cut goal in his walk with God: "to really know Christ and to experience the mighty power that brought him back to life again, and to find out what it means to suffer and to die with him" (Philippians 3:10). With that goal constantly in view, Paul could endure imprisonment, shipwreck, and persecution because he knew each day was bringing him closer to his goal.

How about you? Are you just marking time or moving toward a goal in your Christian life? As you read the final chapter of Paul's life, think about your life and the fact that one day it will come to an end. Ask the Lord what your goals should be.

Prayer

Dear Father, we pray for your people all around the world to not be careless in their disciplines so that their prayers will not become careless. We know our purity must precede our prayers in order to have communication with you. Help us to do the right things by other people and have a goal as to how we are going to proclaim your Word to the World. When unbelievers observe us, we want them to see purity and genuineness while we are spreading the Good News. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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