Thursday Devotional - Trust the results to God

There are a lot of unknowns these days. We don’t know if we and our loved ones will remain healthy, we don’t know what plans we can make for the summer, we don’t even know what groceries we’ll be able to get in our next pick-up order!

We do know God is Sovereign, in control, sees all and is active. Last week we saw Paul demonstrate his active and courageous faith by sending his nephew to the commander to tell him about the plots to kill him. Paul did what he could with the information provided and trusted God with the outcome.

God had the commander act quickly to protect Paul.

Acts 23:23-24, ²³ Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. ²⁴ Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”

470 armed men protected Paul all the way to Caesarea! God was going to fulfill His plan to have him testify in Rome (Acts 23:11)!  

We can trust God with our lives, too, as we actively follow His commands and direction. I think right now that means wisely using the information we know to protect ourselves our family and those around us from the virus. If we must go somewhere, we can follow the laws of wearing masks and keeping the recommended social distance.

My sister and her family were planning to come for a visit in June. However, we are all praying for direction to make a wise decision. We want to be like Paul, wisely using the information we have and then trusting God with the result.

Where do you need to trust God for provision or direction? How will you be like Paul? Let’s not react in fear nor sit back and do nothing, but respond in active faith and then trust the results to God!   

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Loving Concern

James started kindergarten last week! He was super excited, but I was quite nervous. In fact, over the past month, he told everyone he saw that he couldn’t wait until school started! He then would add, “but Mom’s worried…”

James is a loving, compassionate and caring child. He loves life, has lots of energy and is quick. So, he often doesn’t think before he acts, needs re-direction at times and is easily distracted. I talked to the kindergarten teacher about that at orientation. As much as we’ve reviewed appropriate school behavior this past month, I’m still concerned about his discretion in the moment.

Similarly, Paul was concerned for his “children in Christ” and gave them some final reminders as he closed his letter to them.

Romans 16:17-20 ¹⁷ I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ¹⁸ For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. ¹⁹ Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. ²⁰ The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Like James and the Romans, where do you and I need reminders?

How can we prepare well now, so that in the moment we make wise decisions and aren’t easily misled or distracted?

Let’s welcome those giving us godly warnings, out of loving concern, so we can make wise choices in the moment.

Alice