Pleasing God vs. People

[S] Acts 24:23 --
27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

[O] Felix, under the pressure of trying to favor the Jews imprisoned him and then left him in there fully knowing Paul did not deserve to be in there.  There is a picture of someone trying to please others resulting in decisions to persecute the innocent (and in this case godly) people.  I get wrapped up in other people's opinions that I paralyze myself from making the right decisions or at least the ones from the bottom of my heart.  But then, it was God's purpose and will for Paul's being left in prison which leads me to two takeaways: 1) When doing God's ministry, don't try to please other people but God; 2) God is bigger than any bad decisions I make to bring forth His plans.

[A] God has been working in my heart on the topic of trying to please others a little too much which may hinder God's timing and this passage was a good re-enforcement for that.

[P] Dear Jesus, thank You for working in my heart always to be more aligned with Your purpose and plan for and through my life.  May my heart be like the iron being hardened and sharpened as I go through the trainings You're putting me through.  In Your name.  Amen.

Moving Window of God's Calling

[S] Acts 17:5 --
5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people.

[O] Many non-Jews believed Paul and Silas as they heard the gospel while these Jews filled with jealousy rejected the truth from God even though they are the ones who knew the message God had sent until that time. I see how critical it is to believe God with pure hearts and motives otherwise, it's like trying to run blind-folded because I wouldn't recognize God's message for me.  Furthermore, if I miss the window of opportunity for me to get it, then God will move on to others who will get it.

[A] I should not take everything for granted and just coast along with my spiritual walk.  Instead I need to make sure my heart is pure toward God and that I stay humble to receive the privilege of being called to carry out His will on earth.

[P] Dear Father, Your amazingly privileged calling for my meager life for Your great Kingdom's work is what I want to pursue after as long as I live in this world.  Please continue to pour into my heart Your love for me to live out Your calling.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.