The Daily Dose

Except for

Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:29

All of us have exceptions in our lives.  We all have things that we would not want others to have to carry or deal with.  Ideally, our job and goal is to duplicate ourselves in others.  That’s what discipleship is.  We teach others to love God and to tell others about His love for them.  Our job is to make disciples and hopefully, you are the kind of Christian that others want to be like.  Then there are the things that we don’t want to pass on.  Things like insecurities, pride, bad attitudes.  These are habits that most of us have but try to keep hidden for the most part.

In today’s reading, Paul makes a statement that is probably in the heart of each one of us.  He said to king Agrippa, that he prayed all who heard him would become like him…except for.  His “except for” was not a personal trait, but a conditions or position that he was in at the time.  He wanted all people to be a Christian and a witness, a preacher of the gospel, but not a prisoner. His desire for others was all the good and none of the bad.

Each day we all are faced with opportunities to be bold about our witness and also to make disciples, but the only way to have that bold spirit is to be filled up with the love and desire to make an impact on the lives that we encounter each day.  Paul had a deep desire for everyone to have a close relationship with his heavenly Father.  He knew how God had changed his life and wanted all people to know the unconditional love of God and that all would have an encounter like he did.  His desire to see people saved was so great that he prayed for others to receive, everywhere he went.

What about us today?  Are we the kind of witness that is so filled up with God’s love that we want all people to come to the knowledge of the truth?  Are we praying for people every where we go to come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus?  Is it our hearts desire that all people know God’s unconditional love for them and experience it in their every day lives?  If not, we can start that today. We can make disciples and in the process we will not be focused on our “except for” just like Paul didn’t focus on his.

Today I want to encourage you to begin to pray for hearts to be ready to receive wherever you are, then pray for the boldness to speak the good news in love and kindness.  Ask for supernatural opportunities and ways to share.  He has given you everything you need to be a witness and a testimony, but it is up to you to take the steps.  Start today to be the kind of Christian that duplicates and desires all people to be like you, except for the chains that are holding you back.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 26:24-32

24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”

25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 

26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”

32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Obtain help from God

_{Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—Acts 26:22}

  I have had many opportunities in my lifetime to call out to God for help.  He was always faithful to rescue me, despite the self-inflicted reasons that I was in trouble.  Most times, God’s help didn’t show up the way I would imagine it would be. I would dream up some elaborate and excessive plan that I could see as a possibility, but His ways were usually simple and subtle.  One example is the many times I got behind on bills as a single mom.  I would always imagine a sudden and large flow of cash coming in so that I would not struggle in that area again.  But the help I obtained in those times was always just the help for what I needed in that moment.  Of course, I was thankful, but I didn’t really understand why He didn’t bring me a landslide income.  Now as I look back, I can see that He stayed with me every step of the way and in meeting my needs one at a time, It was for sure that I would keep calling on Him as needs came up.

Now I call on Him before the needs come.  I talk with Him each day, first thing so that I don’t have to worry about the supply of whatever I need that day.  I know He is with me and I know He is providing, step by step.

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul, talking to King Agrippa, said he obtained help from God.  I am quite sure when he called out for help, he never imagined that the help would be being dragged off to prison.  This doesn’t look like much help at all.  But the help that Paul got from God in these times was God’s empowering grace to continue to walk out God’s plan, right in the middle of his circumstances.  Paul obtained help from God to:

1. Be obedient to the heavenly vision from Jesus to declare the message of the gospel to all peoples.
2. To turn to God in repentance
3. To do good works that displayed his repentance

All these things Paul did with God’s help wherever he was.  He didn’t pray for deliverance from oppression, although that often happened.  He didn’t pray that he would never get arrested again, either.  He only called on God for the grace to continue doing the will of God that he was called to.

What about you?  Do you obtain help from God in times of trouble?  Chances are it often looks different than you imagine it will.  God shows up when we call on Him, but it is rarely in the timing and process that we can imagine.  However, His grace flows to us to be strong in all our weak times and that is the greatest miracle of all.  He shows up and doesn’t conquer for us but gives us the strength to be more than a conqueror and be the overcomer that He designed us to be.

Today I want to encourage you to obtain help from God.  Calling on Him when you have trouble is good, but calling on Him before you have trouble is better.  Start each day with asking Him to go before you to make the way straight and clear, yes.  But also ask Him to be with you in any trouble that may come up.  He doesn’t cause the trouble, He just gives you the grace and everything you need to get through to your victory every time!

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 26:19-23

19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 

20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 

21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 

22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— 

23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

Make a straight path

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ Matthew 3:3

This is an Old Testament scripture that prophesied the ministry of John the Baptist. His ministry came before Jesus’ to get people ready for the coming of the Messiah.  However, it is the same thing we are doing today.  Even though Jesus ministry started 2000 years ago, the ministry is still going on today and once again, we are looking for the coming of our Savior.  Many believe that as Christians, we only need to sit back and wait for Him, but I believe there is a work to be completed before He returns.  We are in that time right now and we are preparing the way for our Savior to return.

John’s message was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is coming.”  We have the same message today.  Now more than ever, the world needs to know that Jesus is coming, and He wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (see 1 Timothy 2:4) They don’t need to hear a condemning message; they need the message that God loves them and doesn’t want anyone to perish.  2 Peter 3:9 says The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, and it’s not His will that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  God wants all people in the world to know that He has made provision for them to be with Him for all eternity.  He never intended for people to go to hell.  That place was made for Satan and his demons, not for the people that God loved so much that He gave His only Son to connect us back to Himself and save us all.

So, what are we doing about it?  I doubt most of us are as loud as John the Baptist was and quite frankly, I don’t think he had a great revelation of the love of God.  However, He was effective, and many were drawn to him because he had a message of hope.  Hope for a future and hope that their salvation would soon be there.  We too have a message of hope and that is exactly what the lost people of the world need today.  We have the answers to the hurting, depressed, searching and afflicted people of society, so let’s fill our lives up with God’s love for these people so we can lead them to the answer to all their ailments, that is Jesus.

Today I want to encourage you to take a small step in faith toward someone who is lost and needs a Savior.  Share the message of salvation by telling how He saved you.  Share a scripture or a prayer with someone who is sick or hurting in some way or invite someone to attend weekend service or a small group with you.  You can even give extra offerings to missions abroad to reach others far away or support a local ministry that helps people get off the streets.  Seek the Lord’s direction and ask Him to send people your way that you can help.  He said: The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  So don’t just sit around waiting for Jesus to come back, become a laborer today and get out there in the fields that are ready to be gathered in.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 3:1-6

1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ”

4 Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him

6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

Don’t hesitate

_{Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.  Matthew 2:21}

The last verses of Matthew chapter 2 happened after the wise men left and Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt.  The crazed Herod had all the baby boys killed because the wise men did not report back to him who the Christ child was.  Mary and Joseph did not know this was going to happen, but because they were warned to leave, they departed immediately.  Of course, God was protecting His Son in the earth, but why couldn’t He just do it right where they were?  Certainly, He could have sent Angel armies to protect Him, or He could have blinded the soldiers that came to kill Jesus.  He had done such things in the past with prophets and kings. 

We do know that these things happened to fulfill prophecy, but the most important part of this passage is that Mary and Joseph did not rely on their own understanding.  When they were told to leave and where to go, they didn’t hesitate.  God had supplied them with a treasure from the wise men to pay for their expenses along the way and maybe even the whole time they were in Egypt.

This is the message I think we can take from this passage.  When you know that God has called you to something or led you away from something, don’t hesitate.  Don’t lean on your own understanding.  Maybe there is a psychotic lunatic ready to inflict harm on you or maybe it is just where God has placed His blessing for you.  Whatever the case, God is smarter, and He can see the big picture.  Trust that He has your best interest in His heart and is leading you in the right path.  He is always leading you to His goodness.

Today I want to encourage you to take time to hear God’s direction to your heart for your life.  Don’t ignore nudges or promptings from the Holy Spirit to lead you away from trouble or problems.  Sure, God can protect you in the middle of things, but if He is trying to steer you away from difficulties, wouldn’t it be better to just avoid them altogether?  God really is out to get His best to you, but He needs your cooperation in order to line you up with it.  If you feel He is leading in a direction that your are afraid to go or even do not want to, ask Him to give you the courage, strength and desire to go there or do it.  Trust Him today and begin listening so much closer than you ever have before.  In that way you will miss out on a lot of traps and struggles that your enemy has planned for you.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 2:16-23

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.

17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.”

19 Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

20 saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.”

21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.

22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee.

23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

A light from heaven

At midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.  Acts 26:13

 I lived in the dark for a lot of years.  I had the light inside me, but He was buried deep down and could not be seen.  Then one day I realized that I didn’t want to hide His light any longer.  I turned back in the direction of my Lord and began to follow Him.  Now His light shines for all to see in my life.  When I go out into the dark world, I bring Him with me to light my steps along His path.  Sometimes people are drawn to the light and sometimes they run away.  His light can be blinding to those who have been in the dark for so long.  They fear the light because they do not understand or know what He is their hope of salvation.

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul told Festus and Agrippa about the day he was knocked to the ground by the light of Love.  His testimony about the day he met Jesus is an extreme account of what happens to each of us when we first encounter Him.  It goes something like this:

1. One day in every person’s life they hear about or experience the presence of God.  He comes as a bright light to expose the darkness an individual is living in.  This dramatic meeting is with the transformative power of the Light of God’s love displayed in the blood of Jesus that penetrates even the darkest corners of a life.  It also reminds each one that no matter how thick the darkness is, the light of God’s love will dispel it when received.
2. When the light comes, the Holy Spirit will speak to the heart of those it shines on.  He reveals God’s desire to have a personal relationship with each person and to be a guide out of the darkness around them. This is when each person is faced with the decision to receive or reject this great offer. 
3. Once received the call comes.  As Paul heard from Jesus on the road, each one will hear the call to follow Him and turn in a different direction than they were currently going.  Repent, and live the life that was designed for each person to walk out.
4. At that point, He rescues them out of the darkness they had been walking in and now they carry the light of God with them wherever they go.  Now, these are the ones that shine His light in the darkness to lead others out of the pits of life into Him marvelous love.
5. Others can hear the message of salvation and forgiveness.  They no longer have to live in the darkness groping about guessing at every turn in the road.  Now they live in the light and can lead the way for others to see His goodness.

What about you?  No doubt you have had your own Damascus Road experience.  Oh, I’m sure it was not as dramatic as Paul’s, but it changed your life like nothing else ever had.  Now you carry His light and His love.  Share that message with those who need the light in their lives.  Soon you will be the leader of many who need the darkness to flee, and they will follow His light as you shine it for all to see.

Today I want to encourage you to let His light shine in your life.  In the dark world we live in, be the hope of something more beyond this place.  If you have never had a personal experience with the light of heaven, invite Him into your life today and turn your steps toward His direction.  It isn’t hard and all are welcome.  You can ask Him into your life by praying from your heart the prayer below.  When you do, you will encounter His light and then carry it with you for others to see His great love and salvation.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 26:12-18

12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 

13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 

14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 

15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 

16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 

17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 

18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

What about the past

Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.  Acts 26:9-10

It’s been about 20 years now that I have been living my life by listening to and following the Holy Spirit’s direction and leading.  I don’t always get it perfectly, of course, but when I feel like I’m not sure about steps to take, I quickly run to Him for help.  I do not want to get off course again like I spent so many years of my life.  For the first few years, I struggled with forgiving myself for the messes I had made and the bad decisions I carried out.  I didn’t know how to keep my thoughts from going to the past and despising myself for getting so far away from my heavenly Father.  I remember specifically the day the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about letting go of that unforgiveness.  He showed me that I was raising my sinful past above the power of the blood of Jesus to forgive me.  In holding on to these detestable feelings, I was actually putting a wall between my Savior and me.  From that day on, when those feelings tried to raise up inside my heart, I immediately began to thank God every time, for rescuing me and pulling me out of the pits I had falling into so many times.

Now years later, I still do not like many of the things I did, but now God is using many of my experiences as a testimony to others.  He has put me in positions where I am able to help so many that are struggling now the way I once did.  My prayer is that I can help some from falling as far as I did and help them to stay close to their Father when the temptations come.

Today’s reading is about Paul giving his testimony before King Agrippa.  Paul started from the beginning of his life telling how all the things that he was experiencing on that day were proceeded by many bad decisions early in his life.  At the point of his testimony, God was now using his life as a witness of God’s goodness and faithfulness.  Paul was able to tell them exactly how he got there, and that God was with him.  God had turned Paul’s regrettable decisions of his past into an avenue to reach others with the gospel.

He will do that for you too.  If you have made some mistakes in the past or if you just haven’t followed the plan of God for your life and are doing things your own way, you can change that today.  Much like the apostle Paul did on the road to Damascus, you can turn your life over to God and He will make a testimony out of it.  He will lead you on a path to help others who are struggling through the same things that you have, and you will be able to come along side them and help the step closer to their Father in heaven.

Today I want to encourage you if you have something in the past that you are holding against yourself.  Let go of it and forgive.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you get beyond it and then when you do, ask Him to lead you to others that you can minister to because of what you have been through.  Then thank Him for the peace that He has put in the place of your pain. Let Him use your past as a testimony of His goodness to rescue and help you get back up when you fall down.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 26:1-11

1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 

2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 

3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 

5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 

6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 

7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 

8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?

9 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 

10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 

11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Divine appointments

And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.  Acts 25:13

 I’ve been in court hearings before.  More than one of them.  In my experience, it was stressful, inconvenient and increased the tension of the situation.  I never considered court to be a divine appointment or thought about sharing my faith in those meetings.  That was not the case with the apostle Paul.  He considered every occasion a divine appointment.  He followed God’s plan and direction so closely; he knew that God was orchestrating every audience Paul was given to share his testimony and salvation with those who showed up.

In today’s reading, it was no accident that Festus was the new procurer, and that king Agrippa came to Caesarea at that time.  This was just another arrangement God had made for these to hear the gospel message.  As soon as the king heard about Paul, he immediately wanted to hear what he had to say.  Paul’s reputation had been one of controversy and everyone in that region knew who he was.  King Agrippa was no exception.  Each time Paul was called up to talk about the charges against him, he turned it into an opportunity for God’s story to be told.  Paul trusted God’s perfect timing through the legal struggles and knew that His hand was on every hearing.  He also seized these opportunities to share the good news of salvation and Paul believed that God was guiding him through each one of these legal proceedings.  The apostle Paul did not take exception to being imprisoned, he just counted that as a whole new congregation to share God’s love and salvation with.

What about you?  Do you see each meeting you have as a divine appointment orchestrated by God?  Do you maintain your witness and testimony no matter what unforeseen circumstance you are in?  You can begin to take advantage of every appointment in your day by committing it to God and asking His direction on how to share His love and your faith in Him.  He will guide you and bring those into your day that are searching.  Even if you do not see immediate results, know that you have planted seeds and God is watching over each word you share to grow it up in that person’s heart in the perfect timing.

Today I want to encourage you as you pray and make plans for the day, know that God is going to bring divine appointment into your life.  Take time to talk with Him about the direction He has so you do not miss anything He has orchestrated.  Be prepared to share His love with others that He happens to bring your way and trust that your words are being seeds planted in the prepared ground of each heart.  Do not see setbacks and unplanned events as inconveniences, instead ask your heavenly Father how they can be turned into divine appointments to impact someone’s life for all eternity.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 25:13-27

13 And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. 

14 When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying: “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, 

15 about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. 

16 To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’ 

17 Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. 

18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, 

19 but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 

20 And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 

21 But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.”

22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”

23 So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in. 

24 And Festus said: “King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer. 

25 But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. 

26 I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. 

27 For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”

Not a victim

For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.”  Acts 25:11

 For years I have read through the letters that Paul sent to the churches in the New Testament books.  Often, his letters began with something about being a prisoner or being in chains.  He briefly acknowledged his location and the conditions why he was being held, but he never took on a victim mentality.  He certainly could have, but he maintained his focus and determined that he was going to complete his mission regardless of the outside forces coming against him. He never made excuses the he was not able to complete each assignment God gave him because his circumstances were stopping him.

Today’s reading in Acts 25 is no different.  After he had been kept at the palace for two years, a new procurator moved into the place, Festus.  He didn’t know Paul and he didn’t have the history that Felix had with him.  Festus went right to Jerusalem and met with the high priest before he settled in at Caesarea.  When he finally got to the palace, he had brought the priest and Jewish leaders back with him to hear Paul’s case.  Paul could have been made excuses and complained that he was just trying to do God’s work, but all these outside influences were prohibiting him from getting the work done.  Instead, Paul was actually given an option.  A choice to go back to Jerusalem to be heard, but Paul took control of the situation by appealing to Caesar.  As a Roman, he knew that once he made that appeal, there would be nothing to get in his way until he met Caesar face to face.  Since Jesus had told him on the road to Damascus that he would be his witness before kings, he knew he would one day go to Rome, and he took this opportunity to be taken there.

How many times in life do we let our circumstances limit the things God is trying to get done through us.  How many times do we play the victim.  When the outside forces rage, do we have our eyes fixed on the One who will overcome the obstacles, or do we sit down and let the winds blow us away?  Of course, the only way to stay on mission is if you know the mission ahead of time.  This is also the only way to not slip into the victim’s mind set.  You must get the plan from God’s Spirit and then follow Him diligently step by step.  Paul is one of the greatest examples of maintaining focus no matter what the outside world brought.

Today I want to encourage you when hard things are surrounding you, keep your eyes on Him. Set some time aside now at the beginning of the year and begin to take steps toward the plans He has for you.  It will be a process, but when you know you are following the leader, you will not be tempted or drawn off track by every opportunity that comes your way.  Press in today and ask Him about the current decisions you are making.  Learn how to ensure that you are hearing His direction and that you are positioning yourself for all that He has for you.  Take away all the chances of falling into a victim mentality by solidifying each decision by following the path He has laid out for you.  You will find your place and along with that will come your joy and peace.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 25:1-12

1 Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. 

2 Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, 

3 asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him. 

4 But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. 

5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.”

6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. 

7 When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, 

8 while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.”

9 But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?”

10 So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. 

11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.”

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”

Set Back?

So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.  Acts 24:23

I bought my grandson a diecast pull back car.  You know, the kind of toy car that you pull backwards on the wheels, then let it go speeding across the floor?  It took him a little while to figure it out because he is only 2 years old, but in no time, he was pulling it back and chasing it as it zoomed ahead of him.  As I watched him playing with the car, I found it interesting that in pulling the car backwards, he was actually setting up the car to move faster than it could if he just pushed it forward.  The backward motion was actually a momentum setter to propel the car into the next room.

I thought about how that is often the case when we feel like we are experiencing a set back in life.  Many times, especially in my walk with God, I have felt like I was gaining ground and finally moving ahead and away from my past when I would once again miss it in some area of life and feel like I lost everything I had worked so hard to gain.  Many times, I felt like I was taking one step forward only to take three steps back.

In today’s reading, it looks like the apostle Paul is once again experiencing a setback.  He had a hearing before the magistrate, but after it was all over, Felix decided to wait for yet another witness before deciding his verdict.  Even though I am sure it was very disappointing at first, I love the fact that Paul was given liberty, and his friends were able to come and stay with him in the palace.  This seemingly setback actually turned into a time of rest for Paul’s team.  So much so that as I mentioned before, he began writing letters to all the churches and we still have the words he wrote, today.  This “set back” was actually setting Paul up to have a ministry way beyond him and his time in the world.  This time created the momentum needed to propel his ministry through time to 2000 years later.

What about you today?  Do you feel like you are experiencing a setback in your life?  Have you missed it or have things not worked out the way you planned that they would to this point in time?  Commit all these things to the Lord and He can turn them into a set up for what He has next for you to accomplish in this world.  Trust that even though you feel you are being pulled backward, He is ready to propel you forward into the purpose you were created for.

Today I want to encourage you if you are living in a setback time.  Commit whatever it is into His hands and exchange that setback for His set up.  He has a plan, and He is ready to propel you into that plan.  Get it sync with His momentum today by committing all your ways to Him. Then continue to do that every time it looks like you have missed it again. As you do this consistently, it will not take long at all for your set backs to become a forward motion that will propel you into all the things that He has planned for you.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 24:22-27

22 But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” 

23 So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.

24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 

25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 

26 Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

Dreams

Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”  Matthew 2:12-13

So many times, God spoke to people in the scriptures through dreams.  He spoke to Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Solomon, Daniel and many more.  Here we have two dreams that happened almost simultaneously.  The wise men were warned in a dream not to go back to talk to Herod and Joseph was instructed to go to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to protect Jesus from Herod.  We don’t know if these happened in the same night, but it doesn’t even matter.  The point is that God speaks through dreams.

This causes me to ask, does God speak through dreams today?  I believe the answer is yes.  Not only because He said He does in scripture (see Acts 2:17) but also because He has shown me things through dreams personally.  I wrote about one instance where the Holy Spirit showed me in a dream how my prayer for my family and others has changed the outcome of their lives.  Many times, I have dreamed about a person, randomly, so I would pray or send a message of encouragement to them only to find out they were in a struggle and God had reminded me to pray for them for help.

What about you?  Have you ever had a dream that was striking or even disturbing?  Don’t just push them aside, talk to God about them.  Maybe He will show you something He is trying to get across to you or maybe He will just put it on your heart to reach out to someone whom you haven’t connected with for a while.  Whatever the case may be, be aware that God does speak through dreams, and He may be speaking to you.

Today I want to encourage you to be aware that you may have a dream that God has given to you.  Be prepared in the night, if possible, to make a note if you have a strange dream so you don’t forget about it by morning.  You may even take a minute to pray about it right then and ask the LORD if He is trying to say something to you? You can even ask Him before you go to sleep to reveal something to you through a dream if you are not getting it when you are awake.  Doesn’t mean it will happen that night, but at least you will be aware when it does.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 2:7-15

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”

14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt,

15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”