Blank Page

I have been staring at this blank page for some time now.
I am trying to figure out what else to say about 7 chapters in the Bible which are primarily about the years Paul spent in jail and on trial following his trip to Jerusalem.
I had some ideas for the fourth devotion in this series; but nothing seemed to work.
Had I been asked to write about my kids, I would not have this problem. But, alas, I am staring at a blank page.
How unlike Paul I am. He never seems to be at a loss for words when he is on trial or in prison. He knows exactly what to say. Many of his longer responses include his testimony.
Hmm. It includes his testimony.
When asked about his faith, he shares what Jesus did in his life. He shares how he was changed by the One he attacked. He shares about the One he loves.
Maybe I am more like Paul than I think. It is easy for me to talk about the ones I love and the One that I love.
Perhaps always being prepared to share about our faith has more to do with our love for Jesus than knowing the exact right words.
1 Peter 3:14-15 explains it this way: Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
Revering the Lord involves love, respect, and spending time with Him. When we truly love Jesus with all of our hearts and have spent time with Him, it’s easy to talk about Him and the wonderful things He has done for us.
Moreover, when we love Jesus, we will follow Him no matter the cost as Paul did.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15, NIV).
Our love for Jesus propels us to follow His will instead of ours.
Sometimes life can feel like a blank page. We spend a lot of time trying to figure out what to do; but nothing seems to work.
Once we allow Jesus to be the love of our lives, however, the blank page turns into a beautiful story of God’s work in our lives.
Today, love the Lord like Paul did and allow Him to fill up the page of your day.
By LaRaine Rice
I am trying to figure out what else to say about 7 chapters in the Bible which are primarily about the years Paul spent in jail and on trial following his trip to Jerusalem.
I had some ideas for the fourth devotion in this series; but nothing seemed to work.
Had I been asked to write about my kids, I would not have this problem. But, alas, I am staring at a blank page.
How unlike Paul I am. He never seems to be at a loss for words when he is on trial or in prison. He knows exactly what to say. Many of his longer responses include his testimony.
Hmm. It includes his testimony.
When asked about his faith, he shares what Jesus did in his life. He shares how he was changed by the One he attacked. He shares about the One he loves.
Maybe I am more like Paul than I think. It is easy for me to talk about the ones I love and the One that I love.
Perhaps always being prepared to share about our faith has more to do with our love for Jesus than knowing the exact right words.
1 Peter 3:14-15 explains it this way: Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
Revering the Lord involves love, respect, and spending time with Him. When we truly love Jesus with all of our hearts and have spent time with Him, it’s easy to talk about Him and the wonderful things He has done for us.
Moreover, when we love Jesus, we will follow Him no matter the cost as Paul did.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15, NIV).
Our love for Jesus propels us to follow His will instead of ours.
Sometimes life can feel like a blank page. We spend a lot of time trying to figure out what to do; but nothing seems to work.
Once we allow Jesus to be the love of our lives, however, the blank page turns into a beautiful story of God’s work in our lives.
Today, love the Lord like Paul did and allow Him to fill up the page of your day.
By LaRaine Rice
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