Completing the Given Assignment
A short time after Paul returns
from his second journey,
it is time to leave on the third!
At Ephesus Paul’s gospel message
produces some of the greatest
response and sharpest opposition
– of any of the places he visits.
Leaving the city in an uproar,
Paul later returns to deliver
a tearful farewell at Miletus.
From this point on, He is determined
to visit Jerusalem knowing full well
the reception awaits him there.
Lord, we Seek to Do Your Will:
(Paul declared): Now I am bound
by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem.
I don’t know what awaits me,
except that the Holy Spirit tells
me in city after city that jail and
suffering lie ahead (Acts 20:22-23).
My life is worth nothing to me
unless I use it for finishing the work
assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the
work of telling others the Good News
about the wonderful grace of God…
Therefore… shepherd the church
of God which He purchased
with His own blood (v24 & v28).
I have shown you that in every way…
that you must support the weak.
And remember the words of the
Lord Jesus, that He said: It is more
blessed to give than to receive.
And when he had said these things,
he knelt down and prayed
with them all (v35-36).
Spirit of truth, counsel and of power,
I confess of being tired of dead
ends and continuing sufferings.
But I purpose to stay bound to You
and to put You Lord first & foremost.
So steadily lead me on straight
into God’s perfect plan for my life.
In Your grace, grant me the courage
and strength for the assignment.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Lord Jesus, we noted that
Paul a previous Christian killer
says his life purpose was to share
the Good News of God’s grace.
Once we sinners have a personal
encounter with You Jesus, we will
want to share our joys with others.
Shore me up Lord with more of You,
so that feeling of inadequacy will
not overtake me. In Jesus’ name.
Lord Jesus, we purpose to be
more like Paul who showed by
his hard work to help the weak.
Help me Lord to have regard
for those who are struggling.
And I ask that You as the Shepherd
in compassion & loving kindness
will provide for and care for them,
even as I intercede for them.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.