Today’s reading: Judges 17; Acts 21; Jeremiah 30–31; Mark 16
August 3rd, 2016
In Acts 21 Paul ends up in Caesarea staying with Philip, the evangelist (Acts 21:8). While Paul was there a prophet from Judea came and prophesied that the Jews of Jerusalem would bind Paul and hand him over to the gentiles (Acts 21:11). Because of this Luke and those with Paul began to entreated him not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:12).
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. – Acts 21:13
After they realized Paul would not listen to them, they submitted:
And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. – Acts 21:14
Reflecting on today’s reading from Acts has me asking myself these challenging questions:
- Do I desire God’s will or my own? Is my will wrapped up in this world?
- Am choosing God’s kingdom over one a kingdom of my own in this world with the things I am thinking, saying and doing? Am I today? Will I tomorrow? Who can hold me accountable in this? Have I asked them to? Do I really want them to?
- Am I able to discern my LORDs will from my friends advice? How can I hear God’s voice? Am I listening for it? Do I desire to hear Him separate from my desires of this world?
What other questions might we consider in applying today’s reading the things we think, say and do?