Daily Reading // Acts 23-24
(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)
https://jholm5.wixsite.com/pastor-jim-blog
S // SCRIPTURE
Select a verse from today’s reading
Acts 24:15-16 (NKJV) 15 “I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. 16 “This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
O // OBSERVATION
Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text
Paul shared a bit of his own motivation. In his actions he did everything he could not to offend others. His guide was his conscience. His motivation was eternity.
Eternity is real long - it is real and it is long. Actions in this life will have a real long impact. That guided Paul to treat others without offense.
A // APPLICATION
How can I apply this to my life today?
It seems very common to treat people in whatever way is expedient for getting what you want. People who are beneficial are treated one way and people who are not beneficial are treated another way. It’s all based on immediate gain.
Paul says his guide for acting towards people doesn’t come from expediency, from the here and now, but from eternity. Seeing myself and others through the lens of eternity changes everything.
If I really believe in eternity, and accountability in eternity like Paul is talking about, I will treat people differently.
Because eternity is real long.
P // PRAYER
Express yourself in prayer
Lord, Give me a sense of eternity in everything I do. I am going to spend a real long time with You - and I’m thrilled about it! Amen.
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