What’s coming up?
Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13
Yesterday, when I was driving home from work, I began thinking about what’s coming up next. As I was driving, I could see up ahead a little way a traffic light coming up. Then beyond that there was a row of houses. I could see pretty far down the road, even as far as the next bend. I remembered a stretch of road that I was on once that I could see a traffic light 3 miles away because the way was to flat and straight. I didn’t believe at first that I could see that far ahead until I actually measured it one time as I drove.
Life is often the same way. We can see what is coming up in bits and pieces. For example, we know Christmas is coming up in three days. Most of us probably know what we have planned in the days leading up to Christmas and even for the week after until New Year’s Day. Some may know plans in the new year and can “see” a vacation or significant event that will be happening in the months to come.
In today’s reading, many people were trying to warn Paul about what was coming up for him if he continued on his course to Jerusalem. Things like he would be arrested and given over to the gentiles. Paul actually already knew that this was going to be the turning point in his mission, but he also knew that this was the planned path. Finally, after this group had pleaded with him not to go, he couldn’t take it any longer and told them all he was ready to face whatever happened there. He wasn’t about to run away from the assignment he had been given. Paul didn’t know every detail, but he did know what way to travel and being led by the Spirit of God assured him that he was on the right path even when things didn’t seem like they were working to his advantage.
After reading this passage, I considered again what is coming up next for me. I’m not talking about the three days leading up to Christmas but what I know about in the coming year? The Holy Spirit has dropped something into my heart of next year and has given me a big assignment that I am already seeing parts of how it will play out as I take the steps the He leads me to. Much like my driving vision, there may be traffic lights I have to wait at or even make a turn in my current direction. There will be some scenery along the way and no doubt some sever curves and unforeseen ups and downs. Does that mean I am not even going to start out in that direction because I know it will not be easy? Certainly not! I am thrilled for the opportunity and know that the Holy Spirit’s empowering grace will give me what I need in abundance every next step of the way.
What about you? Have you considered or even prayed about what is coming up next for your life and assignment from your heavenly Father? What great plan does He have for you to walk out in the new year? What awesome adventure has He put into your heart for you to reach the world around you. Yes, it may be scary to take the next steps in that direction, but I promise you, you will not regret it if you see it through to the end. You are going to experience ups and downs in life no matter what course you take. Why not get on the path that He is on and let Him carry you through the twists and turns. If you do, you will hardly notice the obstacles that get in the way. You will simply wait as He dissolves and defuses every roadblock that tries to stop you.
Today I encourage you to pray about what’s coming up next for you and His assignment for your new year! Take time to listen to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart. Thank Him for His leading and always keeping you on track with your life mission. Determine today that you are going stay that course no matter what the difficulties may be. He will take you through to success and victory every time if you get on His planned path. Trust Him that He knows what He is doing and that He only wants to bless you every step of the way!
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 21:1-14
1 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo.
4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.
5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed.
6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.
7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day.
8 On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”
12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”
A great announcement for 2024
I will ask you all to share this message with anyone that you know that has an interest in writing or publishing their work.
In 2024, I am putting together a book of short stories. It will be a compilation of many different authors with encouraging content (Non-fiction or fiction) to blessed and inspire readers on their journey in life. There will be a team of editors to review each story for content and structure and a selection committee to decide which stories will be included in the publication.
If you or someone you know is interested in submitting their work, below are the parameters to follow to be considered:
- The completed story must be 8-20 pages (approximately 5,000 – 12,000 words)
- The content must be encouraging, inspiring and faith based.
- February 1st or before all initial concepts must be submitted
- March 1st or before initial outline submitted once concept is approved
- June 1st or before initial story submitted for editing
- Email any questions or submissions to: VOICESMag@email.com
- This publication will be ready in time for Christmas next year and will be a great gift option for those we know and love that need encouragement and inspiration.
Thank you all for helping me to spread the news about this mission and most of all for praying for us as we add this project to an already full schedule.
I pray you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy 2024!
The Daily Dose 