"With Eternal Perspective" August 3, Readings: Job 17-18, Acts 25:13–27, Psalm 89:42–48, Proverbs 19:12–14
Reading the Bible in 2025
Each day this year, we will read a selection from the Old Testament, the New Testament, a portion of the Psalms, and part of Proverbs. By the end of the year, you will have read the entire Bible. We read this way to give you a bit of variety.
NOTE: If you get behind, do not give up. Read today's readings and try to catch up when you have a chance. The goal is not to "accomplish a task" but to meet God in his word. Read the word. Also, if you are short on time, READ GOD'S WORD and skip my devotional!
Bible Readings: Job 17-18, Acts 25:13–27, Psalm 89:42–48, Proverbs 19:12–14
Scriptures linked to Bible Gateway in ESV version
Daily Devotional: With Eternal Perspective
Consider how things have changed.
There would not have been many back in the First Century who would have chosen Paul's life over that of either Felix or Festus, the Roman officials before whom he appeared in Caesarea. They were men of power and influence - people served them, respected them, feared them. Paul? He was in chains, and people were out for his blood. Festus and Felix had money and everything that came with it. Paul had nothing.
Now, nearly 2000 years later, things look a little different, don't they? Most of us would rather have been Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. Though he suffered greatly, he invested his life in things that were eternal and made a tremendous impact on people's lives that continues to today. He gave himself to the gospel, to the message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. He was a fool for Christ, and whatever it cost him during his lifetime, it has given him back throughout time.
Of course, there is the obvious issue of heaven and hell - Paul is in glory with Jesus, and Festus and Felix would not seem to have that same eternal home. But it goes beyond that. The effects of Paul's life and ministry continue today in the lives of each of us who follow Jesus. He ministered to people who ministered to people who ministered to people who ministered to people who ministered to you and me. We are the spiritual grandchildren of Paul. His life counted.
The trial of Paul before Festus and Felix was so much more than an examination of the facts of the accusations against Paul. This trial is an archetype of the great battle each of us goes through - the decision of whether to seek the treasures of heaven or earth. Will we invest ourselves in the things of this world to accumulate possessions, build bank accounts, and seek to rise to the top in the eyes of the world? Or, will we invest our lives in the kingdom of God, dying to self so that we can live to Christ and for eternal glory? Eternal things or temporal? Earthly gain or kingdom glory?
Paul stood trial before these men, but in reality, he stood before God, and he made a wise choice. He chose what was eternal over what was temporal. We never lose when we do that.
Paul passed his trial. He proclaimed Christ.
Today. Tomorrow. Every day as you walk through life...will you pass the trial? Will your life count for now and forever?
There would not have been many back in the First Century who would have chosen Paul's life over that of either Felix or Festus, the Roman officials before whom he appeared in Caesarea. They were men of power and influence - people served them, respected them, feared them. Paul? He was in chains, and people were out for his blood. Festus and Felix had money and everything that came with it. Paul had nothing.
Now, nearly 2000 years later, things look a little different, don't they? Most of us would rather have been Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. Though he suffered greatly, he invested his life in things that were eternal and made a tremendous impact on people's lives that continues to today. He gave himself to the gospel, to the message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. He was a fool for Christ, and whatever it cost him during his lifetime, it has given him back throughout time.
Of course, there is the obvious issue of heaven and hell - Paul is in glory with Jesus, and Festus and Felix would not seem to have that same eternal home. But it goes beyond that. The effects of Paul's life and ministry continue today in the lives of each of us who follow Jesus. He ministered to people who ministered to people who ministered to people who ministered to people who ministered to you and me. We are the spiritual grandchildren of Paul. His life counted.
The trial of Paul before Festus and Felix was so much more than an examination of the facts of the accusations against Paul. This trial is an archetype of the great battle each of us goes through - the decision of whether to seek the treasures of heaven or earth. Will we invest ourselves in the things of this world to accumulate possessions, build bank accounts, and seek to rise to the top in the eyes of the world? Or, will we invest our lives in the kingdom of God, dying to self so that we can live to Christ and for eternal glory? Eternal things or temporal? Earthly gain or kingdom glory?
Paul stood trial before these men, but in reality, he stood before God, and he made a wise choice. He chose what was eternal over what was temporal. We never lose when we do that.
Paul passed his trial. He proclaimed Christ.
Today. Tomorrow. Every day as you walk through life...will you pass the trial? Will your life count for now and forever?
Father, may my life be a life that matters, a life that counts for now and for generations to come, because I invest myself in your word, your people, and your work.
Consider God's Word:
Which of these four passages spoke most clearly to you today?
Is there sin in your life that needs to be confessed and dealt with that was revealed in one of these passages?
Is there something in your life that needs to change?
Is there a struggle in your life that one of these passages spoke to?
Is your life eternal in focus?
Is it invested in that which will impact generations for Christ?
Comments
Post a Comment