Enduring my Conduct

 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country, he endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert, he overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance. Acts 13:16-19

Paul was addressing a group in the synagogue. They had asked that him to speak a word of encouragement. He begins a summary of the move of God and his people. Starting out with the escape from Egypt, Paul recounts the story. Concerning the 40 yeas in the desert, he states that “he [God] endured their conduct.”

That’s not much of a summary of life.

I can imagine standing before the creator of the universe one day. I can imagine him set to give a recap of my life. Sure, all the things I have done wrong, but also the things I have done right. I would hope to hear “well done.” I would hope that behind me would be hundreds of people that I have influenced toward Christ and his cause. I would hope it would be the pinnacle moment of my life, where all the work, all the struggles, all the good times and bad, now come to a single focus. I would not wish to hear “I endured your conduct.”

God, may my life not be a matter of you enduring my conduct. May my life be a life lived in genuine community, knowing you, and serving your cause. Continue to save me from myself. I again commit myself to your ways. There is simply nothing greater to give my life to than to you. May you increase and may I decrease.

[tags]God, conduct, Paul, life-journal, devotions, Bible[/tags]

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  1. Lord indeed may our physical, wordly selves decrease and may our zoe, spiritual selves increase. May we be more of who You meant us to be so we might allow You to be the true ruler and You might be the King of our lives. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

    Looking forward to Summit :-).

    God bless,
    ~Scott

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