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        I suppose that the twentieth chapter of Acts might be entitled Paul’s victory lap. It seems that he is becoming more aware of his mortality and the increasing persecution that lies ahead.   Beginning at verse twenty-four of that chapter we read:    But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

  There are some important points to think about here. First think about the word ‘assigned’. Each of us as believers have also been assigned a role in the Kingdom. Each of us have been given at least one spiritual gift and God has plans, purposes and work for each of us.

   Secondly, the word ‘finishing’. Is our personal goal to finish well appreciating our personal call and gifting from the Lord? It is easy to fall into the trap of coasting to the finish line leaving the work of the Kingdom to others. Note how Paul believed his life was worth nothing unless he was totally engaged in finishing well.

  Thirdly, note the phrase ‘the work of telling others’.  In II Corinthians 5:20 we read: “ So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.”  If we are not engaged in this work of telling others how will people hear? Each of us have a unique network of contacts. We might well be the only contact some of them have to hear the gospel.

  It has been said that no one is too old to have a new goal or a new dream.   Shouldn’t each of us make a renewed commitment to God’s plan and purposes a goal for our life in 2023?  And shouldn’t each of us be dreamers? Dreaming of significant Kingdom accomplishments in the months ahead?

                                                                                                                               Pastor Dave