Saturday, December 12, 2009

Acts 20

3 comments:

Unknown said...

What a beautiful chapter. It struck me for the first time that we often thing of Paul preaching for like 10 hours or something because it says he preached till midnight. But really, we have no way of knowing when they came together to meet. It very likely could have been an evening meeting. Not that it matters, just had never thought of that possibility before.

I love the passion and zeal Paul has for the growth and faith of the people he disciples. It stirs me and makes me want to make an impact in the lives of my own friends.

Chris said...

I always laugh when I read the bit about Eutychus... typical young man, hey? I can picture Kyle up on that window ledge easily. :)

I think it's so touching, the relationship Paul has with the Ephesus elders... it encouraged me to skim Ephesians and Revelations to see how the church responded to his teaching and encouragement.

Denise said...

I was really encouraged by this chapter too today. v. 24 stood out for me, "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God"

Love what my notes have to say:
We often feel that life is a failure unless we're getting a lot out of it: recognition, fun, money, success. But Paul considered life worth NOTHING unless he used it for God's work. What he put INTO life was far more important than what he got out.

Sometimes I feel like I am just putting one foot in front of the other just trying to get through my day. I know that God has blessed me with being able to stay home. Sometimes I really need to remember that right here and now is the work that God has given me - being a wife and mother (which is contrary to my upbringing which focused on work, success, and recognition - all with huge doses of women's liberation!).

I also loved the reminder at this time of year (and discussed with my children) v. 35, "...It is more blessed to give than to receive". (Although I have to say, I feel truly blessed and humbled by what God has given me: faith, family, friends).