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
Paul’s predicament is very interesting.His accusers have no qualms about repeatedly committing the sin of false accusation against him while he patiently ‘endures’ (waits on God’s Timing).
My close friend,mentor and teacher went home a few hours after a few of us celebrated my birthday next door.Pancreatic Cancer is supposed to be about the most painful for of the disease.God answered our prayers in keeping this precious man pain free until his body succumbed.Here is his obit.Please pray for his family and many loved ones.”God bless”
https://presbyterian.ca/2020/12/08/the-rev-john-fortier/
Should be ” ‘form’ of the disease.”
William, sorry for your recent sorrow in saying, saying “bye, for now,” to your dear friend and mentor. Glad he did not suffer. Hope your Birthday was a nice celebration of your life, nevertheless.
Be well.
Be Blessed.
Amen
Happy Belated Birthday William. Praise God your friend/Pastor is home with the Lord, no longer suffering. You will always think of him on your birthday.
Amen
Happy belated Birthday Wishes William
Your mentor is in the Glory of God!!!
Blessings to his family!!!
May the Lord comfort and bless the Forrtier family and you, William, as you remember the life of outfield and mentor.
should read.
Your friend and mentor.
Thank you Crossroads. I have sent in a year end donation and call upon fellow saints to do the same. We are grateful to share this daily bread and to keep encouraging one another with the love of Christ Jesus through God’s amazing Word. His blessings upon you, today.
May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
Jude 1:2 ESV
Instrumental Christmas Music: “Christmas Cabin” by Tim Janis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2yAxEXvZoo
Beautiful Christmas music and scenery. Thanks Beverlee. It goes on and on – lovely. I lost my husband 6 yrs ago @ Christmas and my only sibling s few weeks ago. I pray for the family of William’s friend, that they will be at peace knowing he is with the Lord and that he is free from pain and the cares of this life. May Father God minister to them in His greatest way. Amen
Funny how life can have at the same time such extreme opposites. As Paul was suffering, others were coming to know the joy of the Lord. As some celebrate a birthday, others mourn the loss of a loved one…
Father, You know all that goes on in this world; nothing is hidden from You. Please intervene. Bring Your comfort, Your strength, wisdom, courage, and guidance exactly where it is needed. We know You don’t just give Your individual attributes – You give Yourself. As the song says, “Come in Your own special way…”. Thank You, Father, in Jesus’s precious name, amen
Amen Rob. Well said.
Amen
Amen, Rob.
Amen Rob
Amen Rob
I am sorry for your loss, William. May God comfort you and his family. I am glad that he didn’t suffer pain and is now rejoicing in the presence of His Maker and Lord!
Happy belated birthday to you. May the coming year be a joyful one!
Yes, Amen, Luisa
Yes happy Belated Birthday William and condolences concerning the loss of your friend who is now rejoicing in heaven. May the Lord bless all of you saints!
Am thinking about David Mainse’s statement that some are putting off making a decision for Christ today to later, maybe on their death bed. I have brothers like that, Lord help us.
Dear Ger : I have a beloved brother who is not saved YET I keep holding him up to the Lord daily as well as other family members. I know we should pray fervently to the Lord for our lloved ones so I am praying for your brothers as well. We do our part and then leave the rest to the Holy Spirit. Eleanor M.
William belated Happy Birthday 🎂
Also I am so sorry for your loss of a dear friend and pastor. II bring the family and friends before the Lord, asking that he would give them comfort and strength in the days that are ahead. It is a difficult time of the year to lose someone.
Blessings Eleanor M.
Thank you Eleanor M. for holding up my 4 brothers in prayer. Also have a sister too who has MS and is not actively serving the Lord. It is very much appreciated and i will remember your brother as well. God bless you.