JULY 16, 2018

“My father told me once that the most important thing every man should know is what he would die for.” 
― Tana French, Faithful Place

PSALM 19-21

7The law of the Lord is perfect,

refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

8The precepts of the Lord are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

9The fear of the Lord is pure,

enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

and all of them are righteous.(19:7-9)

ACTS 19:21-41

23About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 24A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 25He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. 26And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. 27There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”

JOURNAL 

Paul is constantly being challenged, misunderstood, persecuted etc. Yet he never stops, for his objective is simply to spread and teach the word of God. He is not vying for position or wealth or power. He is single minded in purpose...therefore no matter what happens to him as a result of his teaching...he persists. 

Here then is my issue...There are too many things that I am influenced by and therefore occupy my thoughts and ambitions. Often the issue is that I simply don't want to give up things, I want to hold onto them and fear losing them. Yet to truly be a disciple requires that I turn loose of some things. It requires sacrifice and giving up hoping in some things that are not crucial to my faith. 

23Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 

LUKE 9:23-24