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Day 106 Acts 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them, “You know, from the first day I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 See, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 Indeed, now I know that all of you, among whom I preached the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore, take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore, watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. 32 So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one’s silver, gold, or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 36 When he had said these things, he knelt and prayed with them. 37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship. Does the work you do give you pleasure? Does it bring satisfaction in work well-done? Do you do your work to the best of your ability? What about unsatisfactory work? Do you do it also to the best of your ability? Paul was on his way to Jerusalem. While in Miletus, he sent for the elders of the church in Ephesus and told them the joy he had in preaching the gospel to them and told them he would never see them again. It brought them much sorrow when he told them they would never see him again. Yet, they didn’t stop him from leaving. As Christians, you know your work can be difficult, yet it should always give you joy. When you do God’s work, no matter what kind of work it is, you need to do your best, to show God’s love to your co-workers and never complain. When you do, your co-workers will see God’s love in you, whether they recognize it as God’s love or not. They will know you are a person of integrity and can rely on you. Paul preached the gospel to the people, working with his hands to provide everything he needed for himself and those with him. He never complained but did his work with joy. He knew the cost. Those who knew him, knew the cost as well. They let him go, knowing they would never see him again. Do you know the cost of the work you do for Jesus Christ? Do you labor with love for the people you work with? Or do you consider your work contemptible and worthless and don’t give your best effort? Paul always knew the cost would lead to death. He suffered many things for the gospel, but never backed down. When you know the cost of the work you do for Jesus Christ, and continue to do your best, people will see it and respect you for it. Never back down. Always give your best effort for the gospel of Jesus Christ. You don’t know that the work you do will make a difference in someone’s life. Let’s pray: Father, help me give my best effort for the gospel of Jesus Christ. No matter what I’m called to do for Your kingdom, let me do it with joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 30 October 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.