MUST: Goodbook 07-02-13

Goodbook messages arrive every Tuesday and Friday with a Scripture reading and ideas for how to apply the reading in our lives. We are reading through the book of Acts. For additional Scripture reading, you can follow the Advanced Track.

Reading: Acts 19:21

After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. "After I have been there," he said, "I must visit Rome also."

Application:

There was no doubt in Paul’s mind.  He knew God had called him to do something.  “I must visit Rome also,” he said.

The book of Acts begins with Jesus telling his followers, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (1:8).

When Paul encountered Jesus for the first time, Jesus said to Paul, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel,” (9:15).

One day during worship, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them,” (13:2).

Paul knew God was calling him to take the message of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus to the ends of the earth.  He knew what he must do.  And so he did it.

Is there something you know God is calling you to do?  God speaks in many different ways to us – other believers, messages, bible passages, promptings, signs, music, etc.  Is there something you know that you must do because God has laid it on your mind and heart?  You know, like receive God's mercy in your life, or forgive that person, or sign up for that ministry, or reach out to that person, or restore that relationship, or give in a generous way, or take a new direction in life, or have that conversation, or reorganize your schedule for things that are most important, or take that leap of faith, or get help with a habit that is hurting your relationship with God, yourself, or others, or develop a new habit that will help you grow closer to God, yourself, and others, or surrender a particular area of your life, or share your faith with a certain group or individual, or…

Is there something you know you must do?  What is it?  God created us for a purpose.  God knows what's best for us and wants what's best for us.  And God will help us with whatever he calls us to do.  So...

1) Do it!

Share your comments and application ideas…