Acts 23...Stand up!!

"Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, "My brothers, I have fullfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." Acts 23:1

I couldn't even get past the first verse today. LOL! That struck me. He could stand before his accusers and honestly say I have done everything that God has asked me to do up to today. Can I? Can I say that I have always listened to Him, and done what He said for me to do?

The simple answer is no, I have in my past been young, dumb, and hardheaded.  I think we can all probably say that about some time in our life, right? I was too stupid to listen as He said, "Hey Libby, not that way, follow the path I showed you before." But I want to stand up and say today, that I will follow Him anywhere. He has shown me so much favor over the last year, how can I not follow Him? I want to show Him that I am overwhelmed with His love, and wanting to show my gratitude by doing everything He asks of me.

And here in verse 11 is why....
"The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

For me, this verse reminds me that if I am willing to stand up for Him....He will stand up for me always.

Lord, I want to follow after Your heart everyday of my life. I want to do what you would have me to do always. Lead, guide, and direct me please. I want to stand up for You, because I know that You will always stand up for me. Amen.