A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
Proverbs 17:17 NLT
One encounter with God in the flesh, everything changes…
I made it to the Twitter Party last night, wonder of wonders! One eye peeled on my current fiction book, one eye peeled on Twitter, I made it almost to the end. Grabbing the word prompt, thoughts of the Apostle Paul swirl in my head.
Settling on the pillow, Kate Motaung’s one word prompt, LOYAL took me back to last weeks Sunday School lesson I prepared.
These past months stuyding the book of Acts, I have become a loyal fan of Paul. In fact, on the other side of this life I am planning a coffee date with the fellow. So many questions to ask. Stories to hear.
Paul was loyal. Met by Jesus on the Damascus road (Acts 8), his heart forever marked and changed. From that day forward he was never the same. A new fire burned in the pit of his belly. A fire that spread, impacted many lives, including mine.
When we first meet him, he is Saul, know for his meanness and persecution of Christians. Saul was a man to be feared, “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.” (Acts 9:1~NIV)
Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. Acts 18:4~NLT
Paul was loyal to preach the Gospel. Loyal at all costs, even to death. Going out of his way to darker places, answering the call to make disciples.
Paul stirs something deep inside me, leaves me to question my own loyalty. My calling to write, to share my story, to live my story as he did, with grace and humility. Willing to go the distance, suffer persecution. To make disciples. To proclaim the Gospel.
I love Jesus more than my own breath. I have encountered him in every crevice of rocky hard. He never fails to leave me breathless in awe and wonder. Standing on holy ground.
Then, I leave this place of whispered prayers and time in his Word, the world slips quietly in, smothers every good intention.
Loyalty misplaced on the dusty shelf of life.
Paul was loyal through all manner of adversity. Can I say the same of me?
Coming September 26th is this sweet collection of stories from Five Minute Friday
Graced by God
What really strikes me about this post is the thought that because Paul remained loyal to his calling we are now able to hear directly from God through scriptures like Romans and Hebrews. That is mind boggling! Its so difficult to remain faithful when the day-to-day creeps up, but to think that faithfulness could impact so many – that is life-altering.
Amen Melissa!
XO
Tammy
You know Paul was loyal Before Jesus too – to the wrong thing. Interesting, isn’t it? My mind is moving on that very thought. It was SO awesome to be at the party with YOU. xo
I love Paul, his story is powerful!
Yes, last night was fun, fun, fun! I can’t believe I made it that long!
XO
Tammy
THIS: “Paul stirs something deep inside me, leaves me to question my own loyalty. My calling to write, to share my story, to live my story as he did, with grace and humility. Willing to go the distance, suffer persecution. To make disciples. To proclaim the Gospel.” I’m over in the 35 spot this week.
Thank you for faithfully cheering me on Tara!
XO
Tammy
Ah, to be loyal to Jesus–not an easy thing to do in a world that reviles him :(. Thank you for reminding to maintain my loyalty to the one who is always loyal to me. I love the new digs!
Amen Anita! It was fun chatting at the #fmfparty! I’m loving my digs as well, space to breathe!
XO
Tammy
This line stood out to me – “Loyalty misplaced on the dusty shelf of life.” So many times the good intentions get pushed away by the busyness of life. I pray that I will be more aware and not allow my loyalty to be moved. Blessings to you, Tammy! Have a great weekend!
They do don’t they Gayl! Thank you for stopping by!
XO
Tammy
Been pondering the same thing with you lately. There’s something been placed on my heart, repeatedly, to write on and I’ve held back in fear of men because what I sense Him calling me to speak out against is something widely supported in Christian circles, but so gravely against what His Word calls us to. You’ve encouraged me here, as I start taking the first steps to pray, carefully research and write what He calls me to.
Keep me posted Anna! Thanks for stopping by!
XO
Tammy