"Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”" - Acts 21:13-14 

We have a number of young men from our church who have spent numerous tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Every time they left for a new tour we had great concern for their safety. The truth is; no one wanted to see their loved ones go to war. But our young men and women who choose to serve their country go where they are called... without question.

The Christian life to which we are called is warfare. There are some battles that are more demanding than others, but Paul was ready to serve the Lord, anywhere at any cost. He was deeply loved and no one wanted to see him exposed to danger, but when his Commander and Chief called Paul obeyed... without question.

Has the Lord been calling you to new challenges lately? Have there been dear loved ones that are worried for your "welfare"? Have they expressed emotional concern and tried to discourage you? Take a lesson from Paul and obey your Masters call. May "The Lord's will be done."... without question. 

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CONSIDER THIS

 "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed,

 “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.

 Yet not as I will, but as you will.”" 

- Matthew 26:39

"Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." - Acts 20 :30-31

During the years of World War I, in a series of newspaper columns, British author H.G. Wells coined the phrase "The War to end all wars". The phrase was used by American President Woodrow Wilson to rally the troops into battle. Many years have passed and one truth remains; war has not yet ended.

Paul spoke to the believers in Ephesus during the early days of the church. He warned them of false teachers and those who would lead the church astray. He was zealous in his efforts to call the church to be on guard. Many years have passed and one truth remains;false teachers are still with us.

Be careful my friend and choose your teachers and preachers wisely. The days of error are just as real today as ever. As in the days of Paul, so today, "Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them." 

"On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight... And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed." - Acts 20:7, 11

From one season to the next, sports fans attend games that will last for hours. They never fall asleep, get tired or bored. The excitement always keeps them on the edge of their seats. At the end of the season they just sit back and wait impatiently for next year. What commitment and devotion! 

In the days of the early church there were athletic games that people followed with similar zeal. But, today we read about certain people who had a spiritual hunger great enough to keep them up all night. As tired and worn down as Paul may have been, he was driven by the things of God to share all he could for as long as he could. What commitment and devotion

Are you one of those who check their watch during the sermon on Sunday mornings my friend? Well, do you check that same watch during the ball game or concert? How excited are you about the things of the Lord? Do they mean enough to give all the time possible to learn and grow more and more? Pray for the kind of passion that leads to such commitment and devotion!

"Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." -- Romans 16:19

The pursuit of knowledge can be quite profitable. This week classes will be filled with students seeking an education in preparation for a career. While these studies can be good, there are some college experiences that would be best avoided. Some students will graduate wise in what is good, but others will not be so wise.

Paul was very well educated. His writings and testimony reveal great insight and understanding in many areas. But he saw the need to be discerning in our pursuit of knowledge. With only so much time and too much to learn, Paul directs us to be "wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil"

Knowing all about evil will never improve our ability to deal with temptation. Being wise about what is good will deepen our walk with God and strengthen our resolve against sin. Choose your reading and media carefully my friend. Someone wisely said, "You are what you read.

"I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf" - Romans 15:30

You go to your doctor, lawyer, professor or some other professional for specific help. You see them as people who have expertise in their field to give help, not receive help. But, don't they ever need support from others? Doctors need nurses, lawyers need paralegals, and professors need research assistants. No man is an island ... people need people.

In that spirit, Paul was never so independent that he didn't need others. He was a premier apostle with credentials galore and yet he sought help from brothers in Christ. His request was made with passionate words that acknowledged the need for prayer support. No Christian is an island ... believers need believers.

Are you always ready to pray for someone in need my friend? This is good, but when have  you been transparently honest about your own needs? When was the last time you asked for prayer and support from others? Follow the example of Paul and be as ready to ask for help as your are to give help. You're not an island ... you need others.

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" -- Romans 15:7

Being accepted onto a college campus as a freshman can be quite a challenge. It all begins with someone who is willing to welcome you. An upper classman that remembers receiving a kind welcome themselves always helps. Acceptance leads to acceptance.

Paul knew what it was like to be suspect as a new believer. To be accepted by Jesus was a great blessing after he had persecuted so many believers. This gracious reception by the Lord marked Paul's ministry forever. Acceptance led to acceptance.

In the Christian family we all stand on level ground. Jesus forgave each of us and lovingly receives us into his fold. If our Lord is so accepting of us, how can we not be accepting of one another? Acceptance should lead to acceptance.

"Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand... Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." -- Romans 14:4, 19

Where I grew up there were occasions when neighborhood pranks would take a bad turn. One such prank was the use of Coke poured on someone's car. Over night the chemicals in the soft drink would eat into the paint finish. The soda would taste sweet but have the power to damage.

The process of judging someone with a critical attitude is very much like Coke on a car. It may seem sweet to the taste to talk about others and put them down, but over time this practice will damage. It eats away at relationships as well as the heart of the one who criticizes.

Do you find it easy to find fault with your brother or sister in Jesus? Is it your expectation that they follow the Lord in the same way as you? Remember, we are all the Lord's servants, unique and accountable to him. Rather than pour acid on others, learn to accept them without passing judgment. Build up, don't tear down.