Daily Devotional:
BE RESOLVED TO LIVE FOR HIM

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God (John 13:3 NIV).

In Acts 21, the saints at Tyre warned and pleaded
with Paul not to go to Jerusalem, because of the afflictions
he’d face there. They told him he’d be tortured,
imprisoned and killed. But Paul’s response is most inspiring!
He said, “…Why are you weeping and breaking my heart?
I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13 NIV).

What a resolve! He refused to fear; he set his face like Jesus,
to go to Jerusalem, even though it meant death!
The Bible says, “And it came to pass, when the time
was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his
face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). The phrase, “stedfastly set”
is “stērizō” (Greek), which means “to turn resolutely
in a certain direction,” to be resolved.
Jesus’ countenance was so resolute that anybody that
looked at Him knew He was up to something; he had
made a decision. He knew what was awaiting Him in
Jerusalem. He said to His disciples, “…The Son of man
must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified…”
(Luke 24:7), but He was undeterred; He steadfastly set his face to go to
Jerusalem.

The Samaritans were hostile to Him, because they
could see on His face He was headed to Jerusalem, and
they didn’t like it (Luke 9:53). His decision was obvious
from His countenance; registered on His visage! Why?
He knew the Father was depending on Him.
Even though the Father had given all things into
His hands, the decision about whether or not to die for
the world, was left to Him (Jesus); but He was focused.
This is how you should be resolved to serve Him with
your life, to live as a Christian, no matter what!
Make a decision that’s worthy of Jesus, because
He made a decision to save you. Never allow any form
of distraction in your service to the Lord and spreading
of the Gospel around the world. Let it be so strong
that even your countenance conveys it.

CONFESSION:

I live purposefully unto the Lord, and for His glory.
I’m excited about the Holy Spirit, about the Word
of God, and fervent in soul winning. Irrespective of
the challenges and the difficulties in today’s world,
I’m resolved in serving the Lord, shining brightly in
glory and righteousness. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 5:14-15; John 9:4