“Now when day came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath (curse), saying that they would not eat or drink until they had killed Paul. There were more than forty [men] who formed this plot [and swore this oath].” Acts. 23:12-13.
There was this true life incident that happened, a Christian leader, let's call him Steve -- was traveling recently by plane. He noticed that the man sitting two seats away was thumbing through some little cards and moving his lips. The man looked professorial with his goatee and graying brown hair, and Steve placed him at fifty-something. Guessing the man was a fellow-believer, Steve leaned over to engage him in conversation. "Looks to me like you're memorizing something," he said. "No, actually I was praying," the man said. Steve introduced himself. "I believe in prayer too," he said. "Well, I have a specific assignment," said the man with the goatee.” "What's that?" Steve asked. "I'm praying for the downfall of Christian pastors." "I would certainly fit into that category of those you are praying against." Steve said. "Is my name on the list?" "Not on my list," the man replied. In other words, your name may be on another man’s list.
The devil is a wicked devil, there's no telling the level he can go to make you fall short of the standard established God for you to walk in. Look at our text and see the length to which men can go to see a fellow man fail. These men brought themselves under a curse, they would not eat or drink until they killed Paul. Paul’s only offence was preaching the gospel. You can't afford to be casual about your faith in God. You must make up your mind to go all the way, do all there is to be done to ensure you do not put yourself in harm’s way. Seeing the level of attack you attract by being a believer, then you need to be a believer indeed.
A strong commitment to Christ involves intentional effort, not simply a causal decision. It means consistently seeking God's will, pursuing holiness, and resisting distractions, even when it's difficult. The world is full of distractions that can pull you away from your commitment to Christ. It's important to be vigilant and resist temptations, prioritizing God's kingdom above all else. You must remain focused on His path, even when it's not convenient. Truth be told, your commitment to Christ often means facing challenges and hardships. It's important to persevere through difficult times, trusting in God's strength and guidance.
FURTHER READING:
“to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.” Acts. 25:3.
“The crowd listened to Paul until he made this statement. Then they lifted up their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He is not fit to live!” Acts. 22:22.
DECLARATION:
Dear Abba Father I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Dear Lord, I come before you seeking protection against all satanic schemes and evil influences. I acknowledge that the battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of darkness. I ask you to rebuke and dismantle every plan that the enemy has against me, my family, and my home. I refuse to be a victim of his lies and deceits, in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Psa. 100:1-5.
Psa. 101:1-8.
Psa. 102:1-28.
Psa. 103:1-22.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“A Part-time Christian Cannot Defeat A Full-time Devil.”
