A life in Motion, Anchored in God
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Oct 29
- 2 min read
Rev. Enoch Thompson | October 29 2025 | Acts 18:18-23
KEY VERSE: “Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken.“ (Acts 18:18, NIV)
MESSAGE:
Life can often feel like a roller-coaster — a beehive of activity where we move from one task to another, always busy, always in motion. The Apostle Paul knew that kind of life.
In today’s text, we see him constantly on the move — from Corinth to Syria, Ephesus to Caesarea, Jerusalem to Antioch. Yet beneath all this travel and transition lay a steady spiritual rhythm: obedience to God’s voice and a deep personal relationship with Him.
Paul’s decision to cut his hair at Cenchrea was in fulfilment of a vow, likely a Nazirite vow (see Numbers 6). Though the act seems minor, it reveals a heart devoted to honouring God. Even amid a demanding apostolic ministry, Paul did not neglect private consecration. Beneath the outward busyness was a rested centre — a mind, soul, and spirit anchored in God.
He maintained personal commitments that shaped his spiritual strength. His vows influenced what he ate, where he went, and what he touched. This inward discipline sustained his outward ministry. Faithfulness in small, personal commitments and covenants with God must be the bedrock of our public ministry and service. We must make private vows to God and keep them. Public ministry without private engagement with God may soon become poor publicity and mere showmanship. Such neglect can gradually erode character, weaken faith, and lead to the ignominious end of one’s life and ministry.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
What personal commitments do you want to make to God? Perhaps fast weekly on your day of birth, commit to sharing the Gospel with a certain number of people each week, or avoid places and company that pollute your spirit or drag you into sin. Establish that private centre with God — let it anchor your heart and empower your public life.
PRAYER:
Lord, may my life be in motion but always anchored in my private relationship with You and Your purpose for my life. For Your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: VOW The word “vow” in Acts 18:18 is translated from the Greek εὐχή (euchē), meaning a prayer, a wish, or a solemn promise made to God. In Jewish custom, such a vow often involved dedication, abstinence, or a physical act — like Paul cutting his hair — as a visible sign of devotion. (see Numbers 6:1–21).
A vow is not mere words; it is a sacred commitment that links our faith with action. Paul’s vow symbolised a private covenant of gratitude and consecration to God amid his public ministry. True devotion begins in the secret place — in the quiet, unseen moments of surrender that shape the strength of our public witness.
Reflect on this:
What personal promise or act of devotion anchors your walk with God today?
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