Acts 26:1-23
From the very beginning, the apostle Paul's life in Christ greatly influenced everyone around him.
This persecutor-turned-apostle stood before kings, governors, and the religious power structures of the day. His enemies accused him, imprisoned him, beat him, and threatened him with death. He traveled untold thousands of miles and even survived a shipwreck. Through all of this, Paul never failed to vigorously and courageously defend and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul didn't become an influential leader because of his eloquence or because he possessed some special talent withheld from everyone else. Paul gained influence because, regardless of his circumstances--whether he sat in shackles during another interrogation, whether he lay in a cold prison cell, or whether he roamed free to do his work--he STAYED COMMITTED to one thing: PREACHING THE NAME OF JESUS.
Without question, Paul became the most influential leader of the early church. We continue to feel his influence to this day.
By the world's standards--then and today--Paul must have appeared a fanatic. But all he did was OBEY GOD'S CALL to influence the world around him. Wise leaders today would do well to follow PAUL'S EXAMPLE by purposefully taking the Word of God both to the body of Christ and to the unbelieving world. How do you compare to what Paul has done? Really, you don't need to compare, you just need to be yourself and do what the Lord has assigned you to do. For sure, if you do this we will all become UNITED IN HIS PURPOSE.
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THE PROGRESSIVE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIFE!
There is a purpose in every season of our life. This year 2009 is a season for revelation to be revealed. We are being and have been prepared for this new season of favor from God.
Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which has and is trying you! But God says to rejoice because you have been and are partaking in Christ sufferings. When God's glory is revealed you will be glad with exceeding joy.
God wants us to give more access to His presence. There is more to be done and we cannot do it without His Spirit. For it is not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit.
Yes, we have failed God many times during the preparation for this day, this hour, and this year. Think of God's love--how He so graciously leads us along.
The learning is tough but it carries a great and glorious recompense of reward.
God says to you this day that you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God. Otherwise, we will not receive and enjoy our full reward.
Jesus is coming soon and He will not delay, so receive and be a part of the revelation knowledge God wishes to pour out on each of us.
Give access to God's presence in your life. Give access and time to God in your life. This is the day that His glory will be revealed in you.
Do not be sad, do not be frustrated, do not be discouraged, and do not be depressed. Revelation brings joy! The world needs joy and revelation of God will bring joy.
The progressive work of the Holy Spirit in your life has prepared you for this year. Trials seem long but the joy and reward are worth the wait.
God says that we are not to be faint-hearted. Our confidence must rise to a new level. Our hope must exceed yesterday's hope. Only the Holy Spirit can inspire that confidence that is needed. The word of God brings revelation. The word of God brings joy and hope.
Cut all ties, cut all weight off--be clean before God. Make room inside of yourself for a new revelation of who God is.
Christ died for you...
AND THERE WAS A RESURRECTION
DAY FOR YOU!
a word spoken in due season