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- Oct 26, 2007
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But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 ESV
The apostle Paul knew what awaited him when he arrived in Jerusalem. He’d called for the elders of the church in Ephesus and explained that the Spirit had told him he would face imprisonment and afflictions. Yet he didn’t account his life as precious to himself. Instead, he would stare down death because his earnest desire was to stay faithful to the end.
Throughout the centuries, Christians have been willing to die as martyrs for Christ. It’s not that they didn’t value their lives; they valued the ministry that God had given them more. Christ died for them. The least they could do was offer up their lives for Him if the situation arose. Such a spirit is still alive and well in believers all around the world who want to finish well in countries that are hostile to the Gospel.
What would finishing well look like for you? What ministry has Christ given you and how determined are you to complete it? What steps do you need to take today?
Prayer: Lord, give me the determination and unswerving dedication that Paul mentioned in today’s verse to finish the ministry You have given me. I want to finish well, for Your glory.
The apostle Paul knew what awaited him when he arrived in Jerusalem. He’d called for the elders of the church in Ephesus and explained that the Spirit had told him he would face imprisonment and afflictions. Yet he didn’t account his life as precious to himself. Instead, he would stare down death because his earnest desire was to stay faithful to the end.
Throughout the centuries, Christians have been willing to die as martyrs for Christ. It’s not that they didn’t value their lives; they valued the ministry that God had given them more. Christ died for them. The least they could do was offer up their lives for Him if the situation arose. Such a spirit is still alive and well in believers all around the world who want to finish well in countries that are hostile to the Gospel.
What would finishing well look like for you? What ministry has Christ given you and how determined are you to complete it? What steps do you need to take today?
Prayer: Lord, give me the determination and unswerving dedication that Paul mentioned in today’s verse to finish the ministry You have given me. I want to finish well, for Your glory.
