The Word of Grace Devotion for the Week of July 6, 2020 "Inconvenient." Acts 24:25

7/6/2020

The Word of Grace Devotion for the Week of July 6, 2020
Inconvenient
Acts 24:25, "As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” NIV
Beloved, The Apostle Paul was in Jerusalem delivering gifts and completing a vow when he was arrested on spurious charges. This was all God ordained as the Lord used this to bring Paul to Rome. God was working through a dangerous situation, which could have cost Paul his life. But as always, God was in control.
Felix, the politician was a man with considerable knowledge concerning Christianity, or “The Way.” Felix could have quickly pronounced judgment, finding for Paul, and setting him free. But this was not the case for at least two reasons: (1) God, in His sovereignty, had ordained that Paul go to Rome and that he preach the gospel to kings (see Acts 1:8; 9:15; 23:11). (2) Felix was a politician, who hoped to use this situation for his own advantage. If he were fortunate, he might not only obtain a bribe from Paul but also curry the favor of the Jews.
Paul had another idea. He always had the Gospel in mind. Brought before Felix, the preacher came to the politician. When Paul got around to the judgment to come, “Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”
Unfortunately there is no indication that he nor his wife Drusilla came to faith. Many other times Paul was called before Felix but the Gospel always inconvenienced Felix. Beloved, may we never consider Jesus an inconvenience. May we always be ready to do what the Lord asks us to do. May we be quick to hear his words and place feet to His requests. I pray that Jesus is never an inconvenience to us!
I pray that you will have a blessed week! I love you and I will be praying for you!

In Him,
Pastor Joe

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Senior Pastor
Joe Marquez

Beloved, we are soon to once again celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the human Son of man and the divine Son of God. He is one hundred percent human and one hundred percent God.

While there were many people instrumental in the birth of Christ, this morning we will look at His birth through the eyes of Joseph, His legal father. There is not too much known about the man who would care for Christ as He grew up. We know that Joseph was possibly a carpenter but most importantly we know that he was a righteous man who did the right thing.

When others would have ran away from a responsibility that was not even their own, Joseph stood steadfast and remained faithful to the end. We can learn much from his character and apply his attributes of faithfulness, purity, and perseverance to our own lives.

May you have a Blessed Christmas week and may Christ always be at the center of your lives!

P.S. Come back this evening as we look at the birth of Christ through the Gospel of Luke!