November 19, 2019

November 19

Running with Jesus  

Acts 21:8,10-11 "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."

     In this town were some prophets who had a great concern for Paul not to return to Jerusalem. One even did a demonstration tied with Paul's belt. They knew he would be in danger of being killed.

     We all want to run with Jesus as long as we can live on the mountain tops, have a feel good sermon that soothes our conscience, but let God ask us to make a sacrifice or suffer for Him, we check out! We think going to church on Sunday for one hour is serving God! 

     Paul puts us all to shame. His zeal and compassion for Christ will lead him to death. It is believed by historians he was beheaded. Many of the disciples were hung on crosses and burned at the stake.  Paul knew what God was asking him to do. When we really want to do God's will, we must accept all that comes with it, even pain. Then we can say, “the Lord's will be done.” 

     In the days ahead I truly do not know what we will face before the Lord returns. If we can't make little sacrifices to give God our life and accept His will for our lives, how will we be able to face harder days? It is in the little giving up of ourselves daily that builds up to help us when it comes to the big things He wants to entrust us with. 

      What sacrifice is He asking you to make. Maybe just to start reading your Bible daily, start to Sunday School, volunteer for the nursery or fix a meal for a sick person. This is the beginning of living for Jesus daily. Is it too much of God to ask? He gave his only Son to die for us! How selfish we have become! "It is my money I want it now society!" 

      When we learn to die to self and live for God and run with Jesus you will find the key to living life. Fulfillment does not come from pleasure and self indulgence. You may enjoy these for a season but it will not last. Fulfillment comes from walking in obedience to God. 

Father, help us seek to obey You. Give us strength for this day as we seek to know Your will and ways. Help us not run off the path You have set and probated for us. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from the evil one. 

“A Dying Seed”

John 12:24    Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

I have hopes and dreams, I live for each day,

Something to gain, a more peaceful way.

Yet I look around and see so many needs,

LORD, break me and plant me,

An unworthy seed.

To die unto self is a much greater gain.

To strive alone is only in vain.

For all must be given to bring forth new life,

As did our Savior, our Redeemer,

Our Lord Jesus Christ.

LORD, help me to grow each and every day.

I’ll feed on Your Word and continually pray.

For whatever I am, LORD, I want to be,

A servant of yours,

A dying seed.

Debra Barnett Rodgers

April 12, 1999

Paul will make it back to Jerusalem, tomorrow let’s join him!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015