Today’s scripture: Acts 20:13-38 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Melody Merida):
Say what you will about Paul, but you can’t say he wasn’t dedicated.
Paul and I don’t always see eye-to-eye on everything, but that doesn’t change my opinion of him as a great man of God. He indicates that he “considers his life worth nothing. . . if only I may. . . complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” What an incredible statement!
We often feel that life is a failure if we don’t get a lot of recognition, fun, money, or success. But Paul considered life worth nothing unless he used it for God’s work. What he put into life was far more important than what he got out of life. No wonder Paul was the greatest missionary who has ever lived.
God is looking for more people who focus on the great tasks that God has given us to do. I know that I sometimes have a difficult time focusing on what matters most. I can easily get distracted and seek things that can pull me away from the tasks that God has given me to do.
Prayer for the day: Oh God, teach us to live a life that matters; a life that sets out to accomplish the tasks You have given to us. Teach us to discern which is most important — what we get out of life, or what we put into it for the Kingdom of God. Amen
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.