Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday November 16, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Acts, please read chapters 20-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-16

Today's Message: Test of Faith
Who wants to volunteer to have pain and suffering brought upon them? While none of us would say I want lose my job, my house, or my health, every circumstance we face is a test of faith in Christ.

It is easy to follow Christ when things are going well, but our faith is put to the test when things are not. An even stronger test would be one in where God has chosen you to serve Him knowing that it could be headed for something tragic. Once the Holy Spirit made it clear to the Apostle Paul that he was to go to Jerusalem, he headed in that direction even though the Holy Spirit revealed he would be imprisoned and possibly die when he arrived. “And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost............And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”- Acts 20:15,16,22-24. Paul knew that he would endure some pain and suffering, but he also knew His God and that He was right there with Him and by His grace He would be able to complete the task that God had given him, even if it meant his life would end here on earth. You see, it is not about focusing on the huge burden that we are about to face, it's about putting our faith and trust in God, no matter how bad the outcome looks.

Fearing for his life, Paul's companions and other Christians who had assembled in Philips house urged their beloved Apostle not to proceed to Jerusalem. “And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” - Acts 21:8-13. With a determination which resembled that of Jesus Christ, Paul told his friends that death itself held no fear over him. He was willing to do whatever it took to stand by His faith in Jesus Christ. One would naturally have expected Paul to be sad and occupied with his misfortunes, but Paul's personal life was disregarded because of his love to please Jesus. The indwelling Holy Spirit will strengthen us to withstand our trials. With the assurance of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we can face life with certainty concerning our future. This enables us to enjoy a deep, inward peace that comes from God even though we are facing uncertainties.

Our faith in Jesus increases as we face these uncertainties head on, with Him. Instead of running from them, embrace them. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” - II Corinthians 1:3-5. Jesus is with us and will comfort us through it all.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night
God Bless You,
Christina

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