February 14, 2013 - Acts 28:23b

            “From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses.”  Acts 28:23b.    

            Even though Paul was under house arrest and had a guard watching him at all times, he still proclaimed the message of salvation through Jesus Christ persistently, each day, all day, and even into the night.  He was never ashamed of the gospel that he so boldly declared, and he was tireless in his efforts to convince all who came to see him.  Circumstances didn’t look very good for Paul, but he was undaunted.  He had his eyes on the prize.  He always remembered his end destination.  He never forgot where his true home was, and his focus was on a kingdom not of this world.  Because of that, he proclaimed the kingdom of God “from morning till evening” in order that all who heard his voice would have the opportunity to respond to God’s call to follow Jesus as Lord.  Paul didn’t allow his surroundings to influence his ability to proclaim his message.

            When I have my eyes on the circumstances around me, I grow tired and grumpy.  Yet, when my focus is on doing what I believe God is leading me to do, I become energized and experience a taste of the fruit of the Spirit – His love, joy, peace, and so forth.  It is when I notice my frustration levels rising, and I start getting curt with people, that I realize I have strayed from my source of life, love, and peace.  It is one of my goals in life to lessen those negative and destructive times and experience more prolonged periods of His righteousness, peace, and joy.  Paul was able to push through whatever circumstances he encountered and was able to keep his focus on Jesus.  Paul was strengthened to declare the kingdom of God no matter what.  This is my hope, as well.

            Questions to consider: What energizes you?  Is there anything that gets you up in the morning and keeps you going “from morning till evening”?  Is what energizes you worthy of your devotion?  If not, what is?

            Prayer: Father, You alone are worthy of my devotion, and I am grateful to You for energizing me to do what You have called me to do.  Amen.