Day 329 "Do You Practice What You Preach?"

 

Passage: Acts 20:22

 

"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there."

 

Devotion:

 

There are so many great Bible verses; here are a few of my favorites:

• Joshua 24:15, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
• John 10:26-27, "You do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
• Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
• Philippians 2:13, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose."

 

Our passage today is also one of my all time favorites. Some of you might wonder why because it certainly is not exceptionally eloquent. But for me this passage represents the essence and key component of faith-based Christian living--a willingness to go where ("Jerusalem") and when ("now") God calls--all without knowing what might happen ("not knowing what will happen to me there"). All I can say is, "Wow!"

 

The reason I chose the previous Bible verses to share with you is because I believe they are also a great key in developing and maintaining the right state of mind to confidently obey God's call. ?

• Joshua 24:15 -- There can be no doubt or ambiguity when you serve God. However, it is first necessary to make a personal commitment (as for me--which is leadership by example), before you can bring your entire household in service to the Lord.
• John 10:26-28 -- He speaks to us so the key is to listen to His voice. I always remind myself that if I truly belong to Jesus I will not only listen for His voice but follow Him as well. ?
• Romans 8:28 -- It is comforting to know that I can't mess things up because in all things God works for our good. The only thing I need to do is love Him.
• Philippians 2:13 -- How did Paul know for certain he was to go to Jerusalem? Because that's what he wanted to do. That might seem too self-serving for some of you, but that is the way God works--in you (so the desire you have has been placed there by God)--to will (God chooses to work through us, but it requires our willingness)--and to act (God's not going to do it for us, this is the action part)--according to His (not mine or yours, we need to remain in alignment with Him)--good purpose (this is the promise: no matter what, everything will work out fine in the end).

 

It's really very simple: Love God and be committed to serve God; Listen to His voice and follow when He calls; Don't worry, God's in control (He--not you is responsible for the result); and finally, God alone will give you everything you will need to do His will--so get going!

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

Paul wrote Romans and Philippians and we see in our passage today that Paul practiced what he preached. Do you talk about faith, prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, yet haven't yielded to His voice. What is the Lord speaking to you about right now? What voices do you need to quiet before you can hear the Lord's? Will you follow? When? Why not follow Paul's example and answer, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to _________, not knowing what will happen to me there."