2022_07_01 Insight Post- Emma Keeton

  -   July 1, 2022

This week’s reading- Acts 20

There are many lessons we can learn from the life of Paul by studying his character and conduct. One such lesson that has challenged me this week can be found in Acts 20:22-24a (NKJV):

“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I can finish the race with joy….”

So, Paul wants to finish his race with joy even when he knows that persecution is in his future?

Paul is not only willing to give his life up for Christ, but he does so by clinging to the hope he has in Jesus. His circumstances are not dictating his level of joy. It is a normal response for people to be moved by their circumstances; if we have a bad day, we may feel frustrated or sad. But Paul is showing us something different from normal. With Christ, a deeper sense of purpose is found as we take our eyes off our situation and place them on Him. In turn, Jesus will “supply all your need according to his riches” Philippians 4:19. We have something different to draw from when we walk with God.

One way we can cultivate joy in our lives is to look at the truths in God’s word. Here are 5 reasons for Christian joy to meditate on today:

  1. God is always with you- Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  2. God will be your helper- Psalm 121:2 “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.”
  3. God will hear and answer your prayers- 1 John 5:15 “And we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him.”
  4. God knows what’s best for us; he can be trusted- Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
  5. We can be assured of our salvation- John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.”

Thank God today that whatever we face, we have access to his riches!

Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead