December 6

December 6

Paul -- Journey #2 (Lystra, Philippi) -- Paul's suffering at Philippi & other places.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Acts 16:6-40

Reading 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Reading 3: 2 Corinthians 11:22-33

Sometimes we have a distorted view of greatness!

Paul was a great apostle, even though he had not been a disciple until well after Jesus' death and resurrection. But Paul did not have the trappings of greatness that his Jewish Pharisee colleagues would have expected. No lavish home or opulent clothing, no group of faithful followers, just Paul and his little team working very hard to support themselves while they ministered to the Thessalonians, after being beaten in Philippi

.There was no sign of the easy life for Paul, but there is no hint of self-pity or resentment in his writing. Instead he sees his sufferings as a "badge of honor" and his hard work as an opportunity to tell others about Jesus.

How valuable those qualities would be in our lives! Let's ask God to help us live for Him in our daily lives.

Have a great day!

Mark.