Tied Up in Knots

After several days of visiting [in Caesarea], a prophet from Judea by the name of Agabus came down to see [Paul and his traveling companions and hosts]. He went right up to Paul, took Paul's belt, and, in a dramatic gesture, tied himself up, hands and feet. He said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: The Jews in Jerusalem are going to tie up the man who owns this belt just like this and hand him over to godless unbelievers."

—Acts 21:10-11 MESSAGE

Key Thought​

Courage is knowing the danger, and yet pressing on to do what we are convicted must be done even if our stomachs are tied up in knots. Paul demonstrates great courage. He has repeatedly been warned that great hardship, difficulties, arrest, and danger await him if he goes to Jerusalem. Nevertheless, Paul is absolutely convinced that he must go to Jerusalem, and from there, he must go on to Rome and other parts of the Roman Empire sharing the good news of Jesus (Acts 19:21; Romans 15:23-25). Paul makes his passion clear in the following words: "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace" (Acts 20:24). Purpose and passion, empowered by the Holy Spirit, make us courageous to do the work of God in spite of clear dangers.

Today's Prayer​

O Father, please give me a clear sense of my purpose and the passion to live out that purpose regardless of the consequences. Lead me and empower me by your Spirit so that I can fulfill your mission for my life and live that mission with integrity and courage. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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[The Encourager]

Let Us Pray For The Faithful Members of this Prayer Site : God I ask You in Jesus’ name let every faithful member of this prayer site (including myself) make drawing close to You, knowing You, loving You, and obeying You our number one goals in life. God as we each draw close to You bless each of us to grow in the holiness of God. God help us and show us how to always seek Jesus as our source and standard of holiness. God also show us how to appreciate and excel in each of our spiritual gifts and the calling You have placed upon each of our lives. God don’t let any of us be envious or jealous of others because of their spiritual gifts, callings, and or blessings. But let each of us focus on drawing close to You, living a lifestyle of holiness, appreciating and excelling in our spiritual gifts, and all that You have called each of us to do for the glory of God. God please do the same for the writer of this prayer and all those I love and care about. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so in Jesus’ name.
Prayer was written by Encourager Linda Flagg, M.A., Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach

James 4:8: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
1 Peter 1:15, 16: But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

 

[Rizakar]

Amen. May the Lord give us the courage to keep witnessing to others no matter what comes our way. I remember praying for the Lord to prepare me after reading Foxes's Book of Martyrs and He told me not to worry about it because when the time comes He will be with us each and every one of us to tell us what to do and say. Glory to GOD!

 

[alg]

After several days of visiting [in Caesarea], a prophet from Judea by the name of Agabus came down to see [Paul and his traveling companions and hosts]. He went right up to Paul, took Paul's belt, and, in a dramatic gesture, tied himself up, hands and feet. He said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: The Jews in Jerusalem are going to tie up the man who owns this belt just like this and hand him over to godless unbelievers."

—Acts 21:10-11 MESSAGE

Key Thought​

Courage is knowing the danger, and yet pressing on to do what we are convicted must be done even if our stomachs are tied up in knots. Paul demonstrates great courage. He has repeatedly been warned that great hardship, difficulties, arrest, and danger await him if he goes to Jerusalem. Nevertheless, Paul is absolutely convinced that he must go to Jerusalem, and from there, he must go on to Rome and other parts of the Roman Empire sharing the good news of Jesus (Acts 19:21; Romans 15:23-25). Paul makes his passion clear in the following words: "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace" (Acts 20:24). Purpose and passion, empowered by the Holy Spirit, make us courageous to do the work of God in spite of clear dangers.

Today's Prayer​

O Father, please give me a clear sense of my purpose and the passion to live out that purpose regardless of the consequences. Lead me and empower me by your Spirit so that I can fulfill your mission for my life and live that mission with integrity and courage. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

---

Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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Amen!

 

[The Encourager]

Happy Father's Day.
God Thank You. You are an excellent father. Happy Fathers' Day God. Thank You Jesus. Amen!