Day 77 - Rejection Leads to Degradation - Devotions for the Menopausal Woman

 Read:  Acts 25:23; 26:13-32

Rejection Leads to Degradation

"Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.  And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds" (Acts 26:28-29).

Bernice was the sister of King Agrippa.  It was she that sat with Agrippa while Paul pled his case for Jesus, the resurrected one.  Born a Jew, Bernice at one time lived out her faith with zeal.  As she grew older she became bored and discontented, rejecting her faith, she delved into a life of immorality.

Agrippa listened to Paul's story of his Damascus conversion and was touched by his words, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian," he said. Bernice's reaction is not told, we only know that they left the room to discuss what they had just heard.  God was giving Bernice a chance to repent, instead she chose to reject Jesus, and her life fell into a wallowing pit of degradation.

If we are not careful, we can fall into that same deadly pit.  As we age, we tend to cling to things that make us feel young.  For Bernice it was the constant love and attention provided her by her immoral lifestyle.  if we let our guard down we will fall into the same deceptive lie.  Don't be fooled by the world's view of significance.  Our worth comes from God alone.

Today's Hot Flash:  No pleasure is worth losing the peace that comes from walking with God daily.  Don't sell out for momentary pleasure.  It will soon pass and then what will you have?

Prayer:  Father, help me keep my eyes on You.  Forgive me when I measure myself to the world's standards.  Help me to remember it is only Yours that count.  Amen