–It’s not about the prison, but the possibilities to tell about Jesus?
–It’s not about the beatings but wanting God’s best so he can show others how to live for Jesus?
–It’s not about personal comfort but about passionately praying others will know Jesus?
–It’s not about having his personal friends and family near by to cheer him but about the promises of Jesus to never leave him?
–It’s not about where he is as long as he is where God wants him to be so he can share Jesus’ story?
–It’s not about having stuff but about having Jesus?

In the midst of our study of Paul and his journey share Jesus, we must stop and just meditate on how Jesus is at the center of it all, his life and his journey. Take a moment. Pause and pray and reflect. Is Jesus truly at the center of all I am and all I do? Is my first thought each day my love for Jesus? Are my first words to those around me about Jesus…so they will know or just be encouraged by thoughts of Jesus, too?

Acts 21-23 “It’s because of this ‘whole world’ dimension that the Jews grabbed me in the Temple that day and tried to kill me. They want to keep God for themselves. But God has stood by me, just as he promised, and I’m standing here saying what I’ve been saying to anyone, whether king or child, who will listen. And everything I’m saying is completely in line with what the prophets and Moses said would happen: One, the Messiah must die; two, raised from the dead, he would be the first rays of God’s daylight shining on people far and near, people both godless and God-fearing.”

Yes, Jesus is truly at the center of Paul’s life. Is Jesus at the center of our lives?

Dear Heavenly Father, We have our own overwhelming circumstances to deal with on the journey. But Your love overwhelms us more! May our first thoughts be of You, Your saving grace, Your relentless love for us and your promise to never leave us no matter what happens or who betrays us. You must be the center of life to have life eternal. I love you with all my heart, mind and soul. Thank you for saving us through the “beyond our wildest imaginations” work on a cruel cross, by the blood of Your Only Son, Jesus, the Christ. We give you all the glory for all your ACTS in our lives each day.
I believe.
In Jesus Name, Amen