Acts 28; Romans 8:28 - "The Commission"

I finished reading the book of Acts again yesterday. The very last verse spoke volumes to me. I read it in different versions to get the 'just' of it better. It is about Paul's life in Rome when he was waiting as a prisoner to be sentenced. Acts 28:31 reads:

With great confidence and with no hindrance, he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the ultimate authority—the Lord Jesus, God’s Anointed, the Liberating King. (VOICE)

He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! (NIV)

...boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him. (NLT)

I desire to be like Paul. I do not want anything between the Lord and I. When I live in this manner, I will not only hear Him but I will walk in obedience to Him. This way of living allows Him to be Who He desires to be in my life so I can be who He desires me to be. What flows out of my life will be full of His love, wisdom, peace, etc. I am always amazed to read Paul's stories of all he went through yet was faithful to God. If he would not have been faithful, much of what we read in the New Testament today would not be there. If he were not faithful to God, we would not have such a great role model to follow. There was a major theme as I read back through my notes on the book of Acts. I desire to be like Paul and live with a great faith. Gruzik wrote: Trusting in Jesus, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Father, the word of God will continue to spread without hindrance and continue to change lives for the glory of God. The Book of Acts really is a never-ending story. As I trust Him and rely on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit He will use me to be an instrument for Him. Praise His Holy Name! Once again this morning He reminded me of the words of Romans 8:28 which encourage me greatly. He also reminded me of the words of the song "The Commission" by Cain...

Go tell the world about me
I was dead but now I live
I've gotta go now for a little while
But goodbye is not the end

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the book of Acts and for Paul's life that shows us how to trust You! Thank You for this song that encourages me to not give up doing what You have called me to do! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You ooze out of my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts in a mighty way. May people see/hear You and not me.  I pray Your peace for: my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Tony and Madeline; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Little Jensen who needs a heart; Sharon Sebolt and her Momma Shirley; Serena and her husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Pastor Sam; Mary Lilley; Preacher Bill Watts; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Timmy; David Faber; Amber; Julie from ankle surgery; families in turmoil; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments... Doug and Gay; Patty's daughter Tracy; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousins; Debbie's husband Kelly; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Patti Perkins; Tammie; Betty's friend in New York'; my friend diagnosed with mesothelioma; Dorothy's grandson; Little Ivy; and my friend who receives biopsy results today. I pray for: Jonathan whose mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Long Family, Baby Henry, Judy's great grand child, and Christina and her family, I pray for all our military and their families to lean into Your strength. Lord, continue to be with Anna, Michael, Matt, and myself as we continue to adjust to life without my Rickey. Yesterday was one of 'those' days where it seemed like every time I turned around there was a memory. I am thankful for the memories I have and pray the hurt will lessen with time. Thank You for being My Confidence! Amen.