Sorry for the delay in posting 16!
Honestly, as I read through 16 on Monday morning I had to stand back and take a deep look at myself. I think for the first time during this read I have been convicted of my lack of commitment. Don't get me wrong I am committed to God, His church, and His will for my life. But I began to question, is my commitment based upon my comfort, what I can get out of it; and if so there needs to be serious changes.
I am serious as never before to live my life fully devoted to truth, no matter the cost.
I want God more then I have ever wanted Him and I need God more then I have ever needed Him.
I also understand that I do not get closer to God by cutting things from my life, but as I get closer to Him things that once meant so much I willing lay aside.
I see Timothy in vs. 1-5 allowing what was unnecessary become necessary in the hopes of reaching people. The why's & the what ifs' didn't seem to matter to him in this life, he took unnecessary steps to eliminate any and all obstacles that would keep salvation from those that were far away from Christ.
When I read this I wonder I am more concerned with my life, my reputation, my opinion more then those that do not yet know God?
Commitment is one of those verbs that we love and hate at the same time. But one thing I know, if we are not fully committed to Christ then we will never fulfill the dreams that He has put into our hearts. We can wish and dream all day long but it takes a commitment, a pedal to the medal, rubber meeting the road kind of person to see the fulfillment of those dreams.
The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do. They don't like doing them either necessarily. But their disliking is subordinated to the strength of their purpose. - E. M. Gray
There are so many lessons to come away with from this chapter: focusing on God in the midst of adversity, the power of God in a follower of Christ and the power of the Truth.
ReplyDeleteHowever, what stood out to me was the response of the soldier once he received the Good News. Instantly, there was a desire to serve, love, and be a blessing to others. He and his family would be saved, they would become a part of the church, etc. Immediately there was an overwhelming need to give in response to what was given to him.
He hadn’t been signed up for a “discipleship class”, hadn’t attended a small group, or a new believer’s course (these do generally help the development of new Christians) and yet the change was evident. I understand that everyone’s conversion is different and that a lot of factors contribute to our response. I can find no excuse for why after years of following Christ my instincts to generosity aren’t more developed. It is a common theme of the church and new converts in the book of Acts. This fact has challenged me incredibly throughout this reading of Acts. If I want to be like the Acts church then it’s time to give (and not just money, but it is a part of it!) like the Acts church. People that are generous stand out of the crowd and it’s time to stop playing it safe and begin living dangerous.
I think that in this chapter, what challenged me the most was how Paul and Silas reacted once they were beaten, flogged, and thrown in jail. Rather than being angry or backing down or complaining, they praised God and worshiped him. And because of their faith, God used the opportunity to save even more people. It's all about perspective, right?
ReplyDeleteWhat I really enjoy about the book of Acts is the fact that these men are so dedicated. No matter what people throw at them, no matter how many times the enemy tries to one-up them, they are still there, spreading truth with a diligence that I so often lack. It's so encouraging! I'm being challenged in so many ways through this study of Acts to step up in my walk with Christ, and to take more action in sharing God's truth unashamedly. Knowledge is responsibility, and it's our responsibility to go out and be disciples like those in the Acts church.
This chapter speaks of stepping out of my comfort zone and boldly living for Christ. Honestly, I’m afraid to totally “commit” because I know of the repercussions in spite of also knowing the blessings. Wow, does that make a lot of sense? I think it’s because the effect of dying to self is felt immediately and is very uncomfortable. On the other hand, sometimes we may not immediately experience or even acknowledge the blessing in totally committing our lives to Christ. The works of God are not always seen or even known to the carnal man.
ReplyDeleteI’m a practical person and find it more effective to apply the instruction of God’s word in a more relative sense. That being said: I shame myself in making financial sacrifices now for a future benefit that I am not promised. However, God always keeps His promises even though I am not living as God instructed, now. In reading some of the other postings, I know I am not alone.
Sidebar: it is so easy to write and talk about these things; Lord help me to live them!