A CONVENIENT TIME
Today’s Reading: Acts 24-25
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
A view at sunset of the Roman aqueduct that supplied water to the ancient port city of Caesarea from the north. This structure supplied water from the springs of Mount Carmel for Paul during the two years he was incarcerated here.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Acts 24:25
Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”
Paul was a Jew and also a Roman citizen. Such a prisoner would usually be under house arrest, not in a dungeon. The Roman centurion, Cornelius, his family and friends had been the first non-Jews to believe in Jesus (Acts 10). No doubt there were many Christians in this city who would care for Paul with food and housing, meeting his needs. We might become impatient with serving two years in which our movements were restricted, but not Paul. He was content to wait for God’s timing. He knew there were thousands more to win for Jesus, but there he sat. Think of it. Instead of thousands blessed by Paul’s ministry, there are millions who are blessed by the letters which may have been written during this time. Luke, Paul’s travelling companion, had two years to interview shepherds in Bethlehem, believers in Jesus in the Galilee, and dozens of people who knew Jesus personally. God could’ve released Paul to freedom as He had done before in Phillippi. Paul’s witness for Christ to two Roman governors and to the Jewish puppet-king Agrippa was in God’s plan.
Do you know someone who is waiting for a more convenient time to receive Christ. I do. Let us press for a decision now while there is still time.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, may I not become impatient in my present circumstance but make the most of the opportunities You’re giving me TODAY to share Your love and truth with those around me. Thank You that I can rest in the knowledge that You are in charge, because I’ve yielded control of my life to You. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Since I began this blogging journey on June 3rd, 2012, I’ve received close to 29,366 comments. Thanks so very much for the gift of your time and input. I am blessed by your care. Have you watched the music video that a reader sent to me? It’s attached to yesterday’s blog. What a powerfully creative statement about God’s care for each one of us! I’m amazed by the technology available to us for spreading God’s Word. Through Crossroads Christian Communications and other ministries, millions of precious people will be presented with the Good News of Jesus, encouraged in their faith, and challenged to be soul winners for Jesus. Just as Paul’s brothers and sisters in Christ supported his ministry, I ask you to do the same for those called of God to lead Crossroads. With the year-end approaching, there is an urgent need for offerings to support the greatest cause and the greatest outreach in our 54-plus years of ministry…100 Huntley Street! Receipts for income tax deductions will be issued early in the New Year. Crossroads is a federally chartered charity in Canada and in the U.S.A. God bless you for making the outreach possible through your generous and sacrificial giving! Here’s the link for donations, or you can call 1-800-265-3100, or mail a cheque to Crossroads, Box 5100, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7R 4M2.
Yours for discovering God’s timing and purposes in our lives,
David
Wishing saints a blessed day, one week closer to Christmas. For some of us, with family passed, Christmas is not an easy time. But let us take joy in celebrating our Saviour and rejoice in Him. Thank you Father God for bringing your Son to earth so that we may be saved. We love You Jesus and praise Your Holy Name. Amen!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Sarah McLachlan “O Little Town Of Bethlehem”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyPMDD8fGeA
Amen Beverlee. That’s a song I sang as a young child. Thank Beverlee for posting it!
Praising Jesus for this daily fresh bread!! I may not always read it first thing, but it’s comforting to know that I can come back to it later.
Bless you all!
Paul knew that God was with Him therefore gifting him with patience for the judgemental. He was filled with the holy Spirit for sure.
“It’s hard to think of a biblical figure whose eulogy would not include challenges and heartbreak. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery; Moses was a murderer and fugitive from the law; David’s sin with Bathsheba is one of the first things we remember about him. Daniel was exiled; Peter failed his Lord; John was imprisoned and left to die.
But the world’s opinion of us is seldom God’s.”
Praying for God to protect Christians all over this beautiful earth He has given us to live upon till we meet in His heavenly home.
Amen Lynda!
Wonderful read Linda. Confirms my thoughts about challenges this morning. Life is not without its challenges but encouraging at the same time. God built and tested their faith through challenges. The Apostle Paul showed us the value of waiting on the Lord so help us Lord to wait. In Jesus name, Amen!
Amen, Ger.
Yes, Amen!
“Adversity is the state in which a man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free from admirers then.” Samuel Johnson
When God gives you exactly the book you need to read at the time. Living with Thorns by Mary Ann Forehlich
I so really enjoyed reading David blog. I am so blessed by them.
Paul’s patience and wisdom so evident in today’s scriptures!!!
Be at peace this day all you saints!
Sounds like a good book Beverlee.
Thanks Ger. I am enjoying it!
I wished all of you lived close, then we could go out for coffee or meet in the park and sing and talk!
Lord I am trying hard not to get to depressed, yes, I am lonely; and this Sleep Disorder combined with the Chemical Imbalance makes things a bit more of a challenge BUT Lord I did get out today to sing with the choir; will be busy this week and it doesn’t matter because I can sleep anytime, today was a good day Lord, Thank You.
Bless our families, bless us all with good health, and Thank You Lord for all the blessings of this day amen