Daily Reading: Acts 24
Scripture Focus: And as he [Paul] reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” (Acts 24.25)
Devotional Thought: This is a "Limited Time Offer!" I really don't like that phrase. I feel if the sales price is good today, it ought to be good tomorrow. At the same time, there are things that are, by their very nature, "Limited Time Offers." Raising children is one. We have to take advantage of opportunities while they are young to train them up in the way they should go. Taking care of our health is too. We need to eat right, exercise and rest properly before our health declines. Studying for a test has a time limit, does it not? On test day the time for preparation is past! Preparing for retirement by saving, investing, and foregoing spending is a "Limited Time Offer."
The Apostle Paul reasoned with Felix about his spiritual state and the coming judgment. Consider the offer...
Felix was warned. And not only was he warned by Paul, he was warned by the Holy Spirit, for he was 'alarmed,' indicating spiritual conviction. The Bible says that we are accountable for the good that we know yet fail to do.
Felix wrestled. Time and again, Felix called for Paul to discuss spiritual matters with him. But he could not get past his greed to seriously consider surrendering his life to Christ. Felix had a comfortable life and he knew that following Christ would jeopardize his contentment.
Felix waited. Over the course of two years, Felix kept putting off his decision for Christ. There is no record of Felix ever having believed in Jesus. When he was succeeded by Festus, it would seem that his best opportunity for salvation was past. He missed his "Limited Time Offer."
What about you? Are there things you need to do concerning God? Do not miss your "Limited Time Offer"!
Prayer: Father, thank you for giving me this day. I know it will never come again. Help me seize this day with you. I give myself to you. Live in me today. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 1 We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds. 2 "At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity. 3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah 4 I say to the boastful, 'Do not boast,' and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up your horn; 5 do not lift up your horn on high, or speak with haughty neck.'" (Psalms 75:1-5)
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