Not Shrinking Back

What is the purpose of your life? 

Meditation
Acts 20:24,27--But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. And now I know that none of you will ever see my face again—everyone I went about preaching the kingdom to.  Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of everyone’s blood,  for I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole plan of God.
 
Acts 20:24-27 gives us a powerful example of what it means to walk through life with a clear purpose. First, the value of our life is measured by faithful perseverance to God’s calling instead of living for our pleasure and pursuits.  Second, our lives should always testify to “the gospel of God’s grace.” What God does in and through us matters. Our relationship with Him should be evident and authentic to those who know us. Third, we do not want to stand before God someday and be exposed for failing to share Him with those around us. That would be shrinking back, which is almost a form of denying Him if we think about it.  
           
I love to play pickleball.  It’s a great exercise but an even better platform to meet people. Winning pickleball matches is fun, but that is nothing compared to building relationships with those with whom I’m competing for the purpose of sharing Jesus.  I asked Charlie, a 67-year-old friend I’ve made on the court if I could take him and his wife to dinner so they could tell me all about Saint Marys and southern Georgia—my new home. Food is a great excuse to meet and get to know someone over an enjoyable activity where conversation is natural and comfortable.  
           
God uniquely made you.  He perfectly loves you.  He wants that love to be seen and understood by others so they will want what you have.  So, find the natural connection point for you (sports, music, hobbies, etc.) to intentionally know others to proclaim the good news while there is still time and opportunity.  Not shrinking back!  Are you up for the adventure? 
 
Inspiration—My Friend
My friend, I stand in judgment now,
And feel that you’re to blame somehow.
On Earth I walked with you day by day,
And never did you point the way.
 
You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.
 
Though we lived together here on Earth,
You never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned,
Because you failed to mention Him.
You taught me many things, that’s true;
I called you “friend” and trusted you.
But I learn now that it’s too late,
And you could have kept me from this fate.
 
We walked by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
You knew I’d never live on high.
 
Yes, I called you “friend” in life,
And trusted you through joy and strife.
And, yet, on coming to this dreadful end,
I cannot, now, call you “my friend.”—Mark Cahill in One Thing You Can’t Do In Heaven
 
©2024 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.     
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)

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