Memorise: After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. Acts 19:21
Read: Acts 21:10-15 (KJV)
10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.
Bible in one year:
Numbers 32-33,
Ezekiel 3:16-4:3,
Hymnal:
Sing hymn 17
Message:
To be determined is to be single-minded. It also means having firmness of purpose or being resolute to achieve success in any assignment committed into one’s hands.
Determination is essential for anyone to succeed and be effective in life and ministry. God is looking for men and women who are faithful and determined stewards to commit special assignments to. Indeed, 2nd Chronicles 16:9 says that the eyes of the Lord run to and fro the whole earth in search of determined people. It was in the process of this search that He found David (Psalm 89:20). When God searches a person out and commits an assignment into his or her hands, such a person must realise that stewardship is a trust that must not be abused, and all stewards of God’s resources will give account of their service to God. As a faithful and dedicated worker in God’s vineyard, you have to be focused on your own mandate and never use another man’s parameter to evaluate your life (2nd Corinthians 10:12). To be focused is to have a target and work towards actualising it to the glory of the Almighty, keeping in mind that the business of God’s kingdom requires haste. In John 9:4, the Lord says:
“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
To be commanded by the Lord on His return, you must do His work heartily and cheerfully. It is my earnest prayer that as you devote all available energy and resources to the assignment committed into your hands, the Lord himself will prosper your determination in Jesus’ Name.
Determination is reflected in the lives of the heroes of faith. Noah showed determination in building the ark and carrying out all of God’s instructions to specification. Abraham displayed determination by obeying God to the letter. Moses showed determination in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and effectively communicating the will of God to them, and Nehemiah the builder was determined to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, even under hostile conditions. Sarah, David, Daniel, Esther and the prophets were all dedicated vessels of God who left legacies which endure even today.
Above all, Jesus Christ displayed uncommon determination and steadfastness, not only to come to this world but also to go to Jerusalem to die for our sins (Luke 9:51). Determination is a virtue that is highly rewarding. The Bible says that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). All the heroes of faith were greatly rewarded during their lifetime, and God gave them everlasting peace and joy in heaven. As you strive with determination in all your assignments, God will crown your efforts with resounding success, in Jesus’ Name.
Action Point
Pursue your God-given dreams with vigour, even if you have tried and failed in the past.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional Lessons was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical Churches in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
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