Acts 28: 17 Three days later he
called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul
said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our
people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in
Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They
examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any
crime deserving death. 19 The
Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly
did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you
and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound
with this chain.”
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“Want to go hang
out?” were code words from a neighbor that meant let’s get drunk and possibly
have sex with a stranger. I said “No thanks” this time. He asked again the next
week a little more persistently. I said “I’m trying to get my life together
with GOD this time.”
- There were times when I used pleasure as my hope.
- There were times when I used money as my hope.
- There were times when I used power as my hope.
Paul called the
local church leaders together and explained his plight. He wanted to appeal
rationally to this group in hopes that they would believe in JESUS. He placed
his hope in GOD over being free.
- GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM.
- GOD wants me to make HIM my priority.
- GOD wants me to choose hope in HIM over anything else.
When GOD says “I
will reward you” I can place my hope in this. I mean, I have to have total
trust that GOD will do just as HE says. HE also says things I do not want to do
like “Love those who hate you.”
When I place my
hope in GOD, I can say “No” to things that will not please HIM. The things that
please GOD become my priority. I am honored to place my hope in GOD.
- What is your priority?
- Are you focused on controlling all your situations?
- Will you live your life with the purpose of GOD so you will use hope in JESUS to make your decisions?
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