Crowds shouting accusations. Soldiers exerting their force. A violent crowd hurling insults. Calls for putting an innocent man to death. When we see Paul in Acts 21, the events feel pretty familiar, almost like we’ve been here before. The last time was when Jesus was accused and hung on a cross.
The thing about Paul was he had countless people in his life tell him not to go to Jerusalem before he went. It was other believers—a prophet, disciples, and his friends, all warning him not to do this thing that they feared would lead to his death.
And yet, Paul went. He told them that the issue was not what the people in Jerusalem would do to him. The important thing was what God wanted to do through his obedience (Acts 21:12–13).
Paul said, “I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (v.13). He was committed to bringing the hope of Jesus to the Gentiles. When Paul went into hostile territory with the hope of the gospel, it reminds me of what we’re all called to do in the first place.
If we consider ourselves to be Christians and followers of Jesus, we’ve been called to go into all the world and preach the gospel. That doesn’t mean just going where we’re comfortable or where we’re well received. It’s a guarantee that we will face suffering and persecution because of our faith. If Jesus is our example, if we truly want to follow in His footsteps, then we are blessed when we’re persecuted and treated badly because of the boldness of our faith.
People may make false claims about us. There may be whispers or words of hate because of what we believe and whose we are. But our reward in heaven is greater than anything we can imagine here on earth.
Sometimes I need the reminder that this world is not our home. It’s not our final destination. We are headed for glory. And in the meantime, our job is not to be comfortable, happy, or loved by everyone. Our job is to share the hope of Christ. In some places, this will make us outcasts. Some people may look down on us or discredit us because of what we believe. That’s okay. We’re blessed.
God, help us to be more like Paul today. We pray for opportunities to give an answer for the hope that we have in You. Give us your strength and the boldness to live out our faith today, regardless of what the consequences might be.
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67 thoughts on "Paul’s Determination to Reach Jerusalem"
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amen Please give me the opportunity today to share the reason for my hope
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“our job is not to be comfortable, happy, or loved by everyone” -so good ABBY FLYNN. Thank you for stating this.
What a faithful, committed example Paul was, at all costs. He was relentless for the cause of Christ. Too often I let fear lead me, I default to safe, comfortable or feel inadequate to speak and be bold.
But, in this simple statement from Abby,our call is summed up “Our job is to share the hope of Christ”. Thats it. Yes Lord, God help us to be more like Paul. Amen
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Amen
#morelikePaul amen
So much to think about. Paul did a complete turn around. And he remained faithful even in death. Why do I get caught up in fear? Rejection I suppose. But this life is a blip. Maybe my desire for the next life with God needs to become stronger. To be everything.
Your words ring so true, Abby Flynn… “And in the meantime, our job is not to be comfortable, happy, or loved by everyone.” I have always wanted everyone to like me. Prideful, I know. I need to remember to be more like Paul was in this passage.
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This world is not our home. Hard to remember sometimes, sweet sisters, but let’s do it!
I love Paul’s determination and stubbornness to follow after Jesus’ plan for his life. I pray that I would be that focused and determines to follow after God’s plan for my life.
Oh man was that timely.
Okay sisters, here is the list of caregivers that I have (some are from several years ago). I wish I had updates but I think some of these ladies aren’t on here with us anymore. Linda in NC, Nancy S., Grammiesue, Dee Dee, Bee Bee, Susan Landreth, Anna Howard, and R. If you know any of theses ladies and can reach out to them for an update, that would be great.
Here is the list of sisters who have lost their spouse. Mia Faith, Martha Hix, Sandi, Joy Joost, Ruby E., Ann Harris, KO, Lynn Saylor, and me. Please feel free to give your husband’s name and the date of his passing if you feel comfortable doing that. I pray for each of our caregivers and for these who have lost their spouse. I feel your pain.
My spouse was my precious Jack who went home to be with Jesus 02/27/2025.
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Dear Shes. I believe there is a “Jerusalem” in each of our lives. Something we move … walk, run, crawl…towards in either faith or fear. Something that calls. Somewhere a course. Yes, Paul was unique. The stakes tremendous. But also ordinary. The steps surrendered. As I go about each day, I pray with every iota of strength to enter whatever “Jerusalem” awaits. Openly, boldly, gladly. So help me God.
Wow! That’s so deep…hit me to the heart….gotta meditate on that one!
Some things that stood out today – how “human”
Paul and his companions were, as seen in Acts 20:36 to Acts 21:1. They experienced the same emotions as we do like when they had to say their final goodbyes. They wept, they embraced, they had to tear themselves away. This hits me every time I read it, and tears well up. Saying goodbye to those we love, knowing we will never see them again this side of heaven, that’s really hard!
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The other thing that stood out was how willing Paul was to return to Jerusalem, knowing that hardship & persecution awaited him – and me thinking how I try to avoid hardships at all costs. .
I love to quote, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” But do I really believe it? Do I? I can only hope that if it were put to the test – I would choose Christ, even if it cost me my own life.
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Abbey has left us with some good questions and thoughts to ponder. May I always choose Christ and May I gain the courage and boldness to share with others of the hope and joy that lives within me.
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Happy Thursday She’s – writing down & praying for your requests. Have a blessed day.
Yes, amen Sharon. It is so easy to read through the scripture too fast. I read what you read, but went on without any TRUE empathy of what that was like saying goodbye knowing it could be the last. Thank you for making me ponder it some more. When we get put in “the shoes of others” it is life changing. All of a sudden we care about that. We relate, we feel, we have empathy.
I WAS feeling the trepidation and fear of Paul going on to Jerusalem. That gave me anxiousness for him, but encouragement for me to move where God tells me to, no matter what lies ahead.
This world is not my/our home. I’m/we’re just passing through. I don’t have words to say “how grateful” I am that this world is not our final destination. Especially in the mist of trails. Even during those trials I remind myself it’s not forever (like labor pains). JESUS! My hope is in MY JESUS that someday day this will life on this earth will be no more and no longer remember it. I feel challenged by what Abby said: “in the meantime, our job is not to be comfortable, happy or loved by everyone.” I’m ashamed to say sometimes I did not speak a word of encouragement to someone who may have needed it. Yesterday when I picked up my daughter from school, I could tell something was bothering her. She went on to say, she overheard a phone conversation and that person (they were not being discreet) was so discouraged and words coming out of her mouth left my daughter so sad, but did not want to approach this person as she didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. I even asked my daughter if she wanted to go back to the school to check on this lady, but said “no” because she didn’t want that lady to know she overheard the conversation, even though she was being loud and most likely others heard that conversation as well. My daughter was crying so we did the next best thing. We prayed for her on our way home. My prayer this morning is for that lady as it sounds like she is very discouraged with school and life.
So thankful this world is not my home. Some days I just thank God for the things that will not be in eternity. It really keeps my perspective in check and my eyes on Heaven.
GM! It’s Thursday already- How are we doing on the Prayer Challenge? Are you slowing down, putting down your phone when at apts or around strangers, LOOKING for any opportunity?! Be expectant and God will give to you!
Oh Acts is coming down to it, I feel the same as when we knew the days of Jesus going to Jerusalem. No..no..I don’t want this to happen. Not to Paul..we love him. All that the epistles tell us of his heart and earnestness, and passion. His love is purposeful- simply to not live quietly for Jesus but to go and tell. Giving up everything of comfort and peace.
The other disciples gave up everything- We know the fishermen gave up their careers to go with Jesus. Matthew gave up a lucrative career as a tax collector. He was living large, most likely with lots of extra money and higher up friends. But he followed.
The more impact of Jesus on our lives the more we feel compelled to share. Like Paul, he feels mournful of his past “for I was one of the worst…” BUT GOD…He loved me enough to strike me down and turn me around! Did God make such an impact on us? Sometimes when we grow up in a Christian world we don’t think we have a BIG IMPACT testimony to share. But I assure you, the more you talk about your faith, the more fuel it gives you! When I first started jail ministry, several people from the homeless ministry asked where I had been since I didn’t go anymore. (I had switched my volunteering mode-lol) My answer was sincere at the time- “I really want to be able to talk about Jesus and share him, going to jail ministry gives me that! The ladies CHOOSE to come in and learn and talk about Jesus!”
Makes me laugh now, because, yes- although noble for me wanting to talk about Jesus, and it is amazing to go and edify them and strengthen them each week. What about the lost down at the homeless feeding each week- that I dismissed because it was TOO HARD FOR ME to talk to them about Jesus!
Well, since then I do go to Homeless more often to make conversation with those that I don’t know if they will talk about Jesus. But I am now bold enough to try. An easy saying Hi and asking their name. Then can I pray for you. Yes, more rejection there. More nerves. More out of my comfort zone…but more lost souls. Once I actually let one with the sinners prayer! That took guts for me. But oh how good it felt! Thank You Jesus..Glory to You. The Holy Spirit will always help us! But not enough to make it easy. Where would are growth come from if so? The trust that grows our faith. No, only the hard way makes it the best way!!
The lyrics sound in the background right now on the radio…
“Just to know You and
To make You known”…
So perfect! Here is more from Thrive by Casting Crowns!
“We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Into Your word we’re digging deep
To know our Father’s heart
Into the world we’re reaching out
To show them who You are
So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire
Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible ”
Let’s THRIVE joyously this week in offering Prayer to the lost! Maybe even that prodigal—sending them a prayer by text!
Another great song playing (isn’t it funny how God downloads the same theme over and over)
Be Brave by Danny Gokey!
We are the generation that HAS to MAKE a CHOICE. Standing strong, bold, and courageous! We have a voice that can be used! More about our liberty, but it is our liberty in Christ!!
I love this. Holy Spirit has recently put on my hear to make the most of every moment. With the cashier, with the lady looking at grapes beside me, the person behind me in line, this list goes on. Love the challenge to put your phone down at appointments. Good stuff! My husband recently told me that he saw a reel where the lady goes up to people and says, God just hightlighted you to me, do you mind if I pray with you? She asks God to highlight people she comes across. I just love that!
Good morning ladies, the HRT ‘the true tragedy is treasuring our own lives above the call of Christ’ really hit me this morning.
continued prayers for my husband❤️ he is recovering slower than expected. He’s worried the surgeon did not address every area that was bad, I’m trying to calm his fears. He tried to sit yesterday for an hour and it was not good. He’s scared about needed to return to work and not being able to with a relatively newer position, he has worked himself up about it quite a bit. Would love continued prayers for true healing and peace for him❤️
Prayers for him Mollie, I know what back surgery is like, and how we hope to be better afterwards. But it’s so important to take it slow and steady! (not that they listen, lol)
Continued prayers for your husbands recovery and that God would give him peace of mind & heart.
Praying
I am convicted. I came back from the AnswersVBS Showcase with a zeal and passion. Ready to go! But that zeal should be every day. The passion should be to show God’s love and share God’s love everyday; not just for VBS. Lord, forgive me. May my zeal be for You and spread to all areas of service in my life. In Your Holy Name, Amen
From He Reads Truth:
“As odd as it may seem, losing our lives and laying down our freedoms is not so tragic in light of eternity. The true tragedy is treasuring our own lives above the call of Christ.
It’s been said that we must die to ourselves before we die—there are no chances after. I imagine that when Paul breathed his last, he did so with no regrets. He followed God wherever he was called. I wonder if you and I are ready to say the same?”
Written by Matt Capps
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Sobering read today with much to ponder. So many characters! Like the closing chapter of a book series, Luke mentions several people whose lives were impacted ny Paul – some, like Philip (negatively and positively), but they were here on the ‘same team’.
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Gotta run for now. Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
SONG SHARE:
Consumed By Fire – Walk With Jesus (Official Lyric Video)
Partial lyrics:
I’m gonna live the way he says to live
Do what He says to do
You can choose whatever road you choose
But I’m gonna love the way He says to love
Trust the way He says to trust
This world alone will never be enough
So I’m gonna walk with Jesus
2/5/26
“our job is not to be comfortable, happy, or loved by everyone. Our job is to share the hope of Christ. In some places, this will make us outcasts.” I feel like Rhonda could’ve written this devo today. This is so in the spirit of what you write about. Wouldn’t it be cool if SRT chose some of the women here as guest writers? I can think of so many of you that would do an amazing job.
I never thought about the parallel of Jesus and Paul, and today it was made so clear. Paul really did “honor Christ in his body” in everything he did. Against all the “don’t go to Jerusalem”, Paul still went, knowing that he would face danger, or worse, death. You know when people say, “just take the first step, and then God will reveal the rest.” Well here it was revealed what would happen and Paul still went! I mean, truly amazing. This makes me think of missionaries around the world who face similar dangers while I am afraid to talk to a friend about Jesus. So much to think about.
It’s funny that you say that because as I was reading the devotional I thought- —I gotta say all this at my first class on Saturday! It’s called (as you know) “What Happens When Women Say YES to God!!” By Lysa TerKuerst. I really want to challenge them in this class! Although I had 1 withdrawal after I sent the first zestful welcome email…Hahaha! Might have to take it down a notch! BUT I’m telling ya..our Yeses are where it’s at.
Tami, you’re not the only one who fears sharing the gospel, I think we all do to some extent, I know I do!
But it’s good we recognize it because then we can pray about it and ask others to pray for us – that God would give us the boldness and courage to freely speak about the gospel of Christ. ❤️
I’ll pray for you and you can pray for me:) Thanks for the reminder to pray!
Tami I feel the same. It is scary to share. Maybe taking that first step will be the scariest/hardest? After that God will lead us. I hope one day I can get over my fear.
To have the zealous mission Paul had throughout his life, what passion. Yes his focus changed for Jesus but us passion never does. Also I could find nothing else about Philip’s daughters except that they were 4 unmarried women who prophesied. I had not picked that up from reading before.
Yes I also googled them and couldn’t find anything else.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart today! God, because of you I have hope and joy forever. Remind me that this world is not my home and give me courage and bones to share your love and hope with others, including the people in my own home. Help me to not be ashamed to tell of your great love.
Amen! Me too!
Yes and Amen! Just this morning during my prayer time it was once again impressed on me that this world is not our home – heaven, our eternal home, which is far more better & glorious than this world could ever be – awaits us! Hallelujah!!
Catching up from yesterday’s devo being posted late – out of time for today’s so will do later.
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The verse that stood out to me was 2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
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Such obedience by Paul, location after location – teaching, pleading, encouraging, warning – as he was led by the Spirit. Knowing he would be facing chains and tribulations, clarifying to those who were with him of his innocence and imploring to them to keep the faith.
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Keep our eyes on Jesus, the main thing.
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JENNIFER ANAPOL- praying for healing, comfort and treatment plan for your friend
KRISTY – ❤️ thank you for sharing-Obedience determines the destiny of souls.. and so does disobedience.
CEE GEE ❤️ Are we following God closely enough to show someone else the way? And great share on Day 30, “The power of the gospel and the church of Jesus Christ are eternal- not here today and gone tomorrow! There is great comfort in that.”
TAMI ❤️ that boldness, it is difficult for me to grab and hold on to. A few times, I have felt a nudge (compelling at times) to share with someone and I have nervously done so – stumbling over my words and wanting to bolt. I don’t know whether they turned to the Lord, but I obeyed in presenting the truth to them. If you ever feel that nudge, don’t drag your feet too long. The one time I did, I lost the opportunity. It haunts me to this day and I hope, while I was procrastinating, that someone else connected with them before they passed away.
MELISSA VANDIVER – praying for Cerah and Shane, that they are protected and healed, putting their trust in Christ.
ADRIENNE – praying for Matt!!!
LYNNE FROM AL – ❤️❤️ you know better that anyone how difficult and isolating caregiving is. I haven’t been as diligent lately about praying for our caregivers, but will do better starting today.
MERCY ❤️ the 1800’s … yes, that could have been written today.
It makes me feel good that I am not alone in this. Not too long ago I was out to dinner with a friend who asked me about my faith and I too was stumbling over my words. And she was genuinely interested!
Awesome that she was interested enough to ask! ❤️❤️
“Keep our eyes on Jesus, the main thing.”- Amen! ❤❤❤
Thanks so much. We haven’t heard anything after the scan. I’m trying not to think that must be bad news… maybe it means good news. Still praying for miraculous healing!
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Help us Lord to be bold in our faith.
Give me boldness, Lord. Sometimes I think it’s less lacking boldness and more that I become apathetic. Lord, light a fire in me.
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Apathetic is a great word!
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Amen❤️
Amen!
From HRT today: “The question we must all ask ourselves is this: Are we willing to lay down our comforts and safety for the mission of God? We all understand that the risks are high. At the end of the day, we must decide if we believe that the reward is worth it. As odd as it may seem, losing our lives and laying down our freedoms is not so tragic in light of eternity. The true tragedy is treasuring our own lives above the call of Christ.”
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Echoing Abby’s prayer: “Give us your strength and the boldness to live out our faith today, regardless of what the consequences might be.”
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JENNIFER ANAPOL – praying your friend’s light shines brightly to all as she goes through treatment. Praying for a full recovery.
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MARY – Yes, “we lead people to God by the way we live our lives and by speaking the truth of the Gospel”
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MELISSA VANDIVER – praying the Lord brings peace to Cerah troubled soul and draws Shane to Himself for healing and purpose.
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TERESA EDDY – what happened at you meeting?
Dear Father, give us courage and unwavering boldness to share the hope of Christ wherever we find ourselves. Amen.
Thank you Kelly (NEO) ♥️♥️ I just listened to a video / excerpts of sermons yesterday about the great blessing of embracing discomfort / affliction if it is for the Kingdom.
It remind me of….
A priest we know of who died in early 80’s (in the Middle East) used to walk the same path every day…and EVERY single day, a non-Christian man would hurl insults and spit on him as he passed. (Once home, priest would be tearfully thanking God for the honour of sharing in the same humiliation as Jesus.) He felt compelled to continue to walk the same path.
One day, the priest walked the path and the non-Christian wasn’t there…so he asked about him…found out he was in hospital….So he went to visit him…
“What are you doing here?!” (perhaps the priest had come to take advantage of the man’s vulnerable moment?!)
“You weren’t on the street today so I worried about you…I asked a few people about you and found out you were here.”
The man wept in the face of such love (“How can you love in the face of my profound hatred ?!”). The man (and, I believe, his family) came to Christ.
Oh what an powerful story!! Thanks for sharing that!! Why can’t we remember these tasks set before us, but rather we complain and talk back! Holy Spirit..CONVICT me HARD! I need a total kick not a still small whisper!
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Yes, very good thoughts and questions to ponder!
“I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus”
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What a turn around for a man who was so anti Christ’s church and followers!
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All through Acts, my thoughts have been, this man whose heart was so hard and wicked, look at him now, prepared to die, probably in the same way he disposed of Christ’s followers, and yet he forged on to face whatever was to come!
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Indeed, what a transformation!
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This brings my heart to the beautiful list TAMI has made for our prodigals…
They may choose to walk away, harden their hearts, wash their hands..
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BUT GOD..
Look at Saul/Paul.. he persecuted. He killed. He made life awful for Christ followers, yet God knew just how to change that heart to the point where he now in his maybe last days is prepared to die for Christ!
God never sleeps. He walks with us believer or not, giving us the choice, but one day and in His time, He says, “I’m taking you back”!
It is usually these folk that shout the loudest for Jesus because, oh my goodness, they see who they were and what God has done for them now and in-between.. and they believe..
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Take heart my sisters, who are praying for prodigals, their journey is not over, not by a looooooong shot..
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN.
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Happy Thursday my loves.. sending warming hugs as it is chilly and wet here..❤️
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You are so right! If God can transform Paul, he can transform anyone! Thank you for pointing that out for our prodigals and others we know who are not following the Lord. We never know!
♥️Amen, Lord Jesus, do not leave us to ourselves. Take hold of us that we. and our prodigals, may live with You for ALWAYS ♥️
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Happy Thursday Tina and a great, big HUGE thank you to all who are praying for our prodigals – I am praying for a Damascus Road conversion and a God encounter for them all! ❤️