While in the Prayer Center (ANHOP) this morning I was led to the following verses.

(New KJV) Acts 20: 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“And 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“But 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.

(Amplified) Acts 20: 24 But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God's grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy).

(The Message) Acts 20:24 What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.

I do think the Message says it best. The translator takes the word grace and expands upon it. I see from the above passages that Paul didn’t let the pressures of life deter him from what matters most. The Lord asks us to finish what he started; simply just show everyone you meet His “incredibly extravagant generosity”. I have found that His extravagant generosity is “His presence in our lives.” The assurance and joy He gives ranks way above prosperity, health and physical security. As we acknowledge His presence we just naturally share His presence with others. His joy simply overflows on to others.

It never fails, I start acknowledging His blessings in my life and the world’s troubles fade away.

I remember singing the following song when I was growing up in a Baptist church.
Words: John¬son Oat¬man, Jr., in Songs for Young People, by Edwin Excell (Chicago, Illinois: 1897).

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
Refrain
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Refrain
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Refrain
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May the Lord bless you today as you bless others. May you use that measure of wisdom He has blessed you with to extend His Kingdom today.