John Goddard, author of KAYAKS DOWN THE NILE, has been called a modern "Indiana Jones." He has climbed the highest mountains and has swam the deepest seas. He says that some of us wait so long for our ship to come in that our pier collapses.

St. Paul's pier didn't collapse. His influence has extended over two thousand years of turbulent history because he knew what God wanted him to do, because he let nothing deter him and because he was willing to put his faith into immediate action. Whether he was standing before scholars, mobs, or kings, he was faithful to the high calling of God in Christ.

What is it that God wants you to do? Do you know? Have you focused in on that contribution to the world and God's kingdom that God is calling you to make? Are you willing to lay aside the pain of the past and commit yourself to today alone? Are you ready to go into immediate action?

Dear God, yes, I will act to fulfill your invitation in my life. Amen.

Ron Newhouse