Saturday, July 4, 2015

Saturday, July 4, 2015

[Kenny and Keesha Sullivan]

 

Can you say, "I have fulfilled my duty to God?" Do you feel as though you are living out your purpose here on earth? Well, Paul did. In the scriptures that we read today, it says, "Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day" (Acts 23:1).

I guess the next question would be, "How did he do that?" Well in order for Paul to say that he had fulfilled his duty, he needed to know his purpose/duty. Paul found this out through asking the Lord, our God. God answered and said, "Get up, and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do" (Acts 22: 11).  Paul went obediently to Damascus and waited for God's Word. It came. God spoke through a man named Ananias and said, "The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name" (Acts 22:14-16).

Paul was able to find out his purpose through asking the Lord and then being obedient to God's command. God still speaks today. He speaks through His Word, His people, and even by speaking to our hearts. Sometimes it may be difficult to discern God's voice, but if we think about what is being asked of us at times, we can figure it out. For instance, if God says, " Go and pray for 'so and so.'" You know that the enemy is not going to ask you to pray. I've also found that God will confirm His Word when He knows that we are dubious about a situation and need assurance of the right direction.  However, that is just the point!  When you and I make a decision to follow whatever God desires for us, He will make His will known and give direction.  Your job (yours and mine) is to "trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way." (Proverb 3:5-6)  Then, follow the "right way."

 

I desire to be like Paul. I want to be able to look people straight in the eye and tell them, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." We can attain this great feat through listening and then being obedient.

Lord, please help us to ask You for Your will for our lives. Please help us to listen for Your voice through Your Word, Your people, and what You speak to our hearts. Help us to discern Your voice clearly. Help us to be obedient and to go forth with boldness and courage. May our testimony be like that of Paul's. May we fulfill our duty to You. We love You God. We thank You for all of Your help in advance. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.