Daily Devotional
God Leads Us Home
“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’”
Acts 23:11
September 15, 2024
Ponder This
I had a pastor search committee come to me once and ask for help. I said, “I know just the guy you need. He is a fantastic preacher.” Immediately, I had their attention. I told them he is the world’s greatest theologian. “He has a great missionary zeal, and an evangelistic spirit.” They were getting out their pens to write his name and address down, but I said, “He’s got health problems, he’s often sick, and he’s kind of old.” Well, eyebrows went up a little bit. I said, “Another problem with him is he’s been in jail several times.” They began to shake their heads. “He’s been in some street demonstrations and some riots.” They said, “Well, we don’t know whether that’s the man we want or not.” I said, “Don’t worry, you couldn’t get him. He’s already in Heaven. His name is the Apostle Paul.”
Did you know the average pulpit committee would not want Paul the apostle as their pastor? God saw the potential in Paul when no one else did. He gave him a word of courage, “Be of good cheer.” He gave him a word of commendation and a word of confidence: “you must bear witness also at Rome.” If Paul had known the song, “Amazing Grace,” he’d have been able to sing, “Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come: ‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”
- What about Paul’s life stands out to you?
- What are some ways Paul might not fit in your church? What might that indicate about things that need to change with us?
Practice This
Take time to skim through the life of Paul from Acts 9–28. Note the ways Paul lived in honoring God that seem foreign to us today.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
