Paul is told twice today, don’t go to Jerusalem. If you do, it will end badly for you. You will die. But Paul says he is called to go, even if it means his death. He is called by God to do this, so he has courage. Courage is not being afraid. Courage is being afraid and doing the right thing anyway. Stay rooted in the Spirit. Listen to God, listen for His voice, and stay rooted in His call. He will give us the courage for whatever may happen.

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It’s great to be with you on this beautiful day. It’s always a pleasure to come together each morning to study God’s Word. I know I’ve heard from some of you that we’re back to our regular schedule now that camp meeting is over. While I enjoyed preaching last week, I also cherish the moments when we can delve into God’s Word together each morning.

Today, we’ll be picking up with Acts chapter 21, reading from Acts 21:1 to 21:16. Yesterday, we left off with Paul preparing to go to Jerusalem. This is where our story continues.  You can read this passage here – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+21%3A+1-16&version=NRSVUE

As we read this passage, I’m struck by the challenges Paul faced in his travels. Just as we had to navigate multiple subways on a family trip to New York City, Paul encountered numerous ships and locations on his journey. Yet, he remained resolute in following the call of the Spirit, even when it meant facing danger and uncertainty.

Paul’s unwavering determination reminds me of a famous quote attributed to Martin Luther, “Here I stand; I can do no other.” It serves as a powerful example of courage, reflecting the idea that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to do what is right in the face of fear.

While being a Christian doesn’t guarantee an easy life, it does mean that we are called to follow God’s plan, even when it’s challenging. Our purpose is to bring glory and praise to God, regardless of the circumstances.

So, as we go about our day, let’s stay rooted in the Spirit, in the Word, and in God’s calling for our lives. Remember that, even when things don’t go as we wish, they will ultimately work for God’s glory and our good. Just as Paul knew what lay ahead, we too can find strength in our faith and be courageous, for God is with us.

Thank you for joining me today. We’ll continue with Acts 21:17 tomorrow. Have a wonderful day!