What was the last thing you were inspired to do? Bake a cake? Sew a quilt? Design a scrapbook or photo album? Paint a picture? Teach a child? Plan a flower bed or vegetable garden? Organize a closet? Prepare a meal?
Most of us are free to do whatever we feel like doing, whenever we desire to do it. Retirees especially.
Can you imagine being in jail? I cannot. Living alone in a cell that is certainly simple, and I imagine it being cold and dark. Yet, Paul wrote many of his letters of encouragement while he was in prison. He was inspired by God to write down all the things he wanted believers to know about following Jesus. Paul wrote to equip believers to strengthen their faith and to be inspired to do good.
"All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work," (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV).
The more I study the Word, the more I admire the work and life of Paul. I imagine him writing feverishly in the corner of a cell, sending out letters to churches and individuals so they would be ready to carry on his mission after his life ended. Paul must have wondered every day if this was the day he would face death.
Oh, God, so holy and righteous, we are humbled to come before You because You are so great! We thank You for giving us the Word to help us grow into Christians who do good work. Lord, help us see the opportunities to spread the saving news of Jesus Christ. Inspire us today to do good. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment