The real men with real tears streaming down her face real

You also wonder what keeps some people that go year after year? Those who read these articles must recognize by now that Paul is one of my heroes - not an idol, but a hero - there's a huge difference. What makes Paul tick? What motivated him? What kept him in a totally faithful, many circumstances when - and people! - Seemed to go against him?

At the end of Acts chapter 20, in the New Testament, we read of this touching scene, as Paul has this final meeting with these leaders of the Church of Ephesus. He talks about what he had done, and how he managed during his stay at Ephesus. He gives us the heart - the heart - of his preaching.

We talk about what he thinks is going to happen to him. Then Paul urges leaders to look after themselves - 'watch over you' - 'to be pastors' - the attacks will come from outside - the people inside will attempt to undermine - and speaks with tears.

It starts on the beach. And 'highly charged emotion, but not out of control - not hysterical - real emotions rich.

These elders were shocked. They were saddened, because Paul said he did not see him again. Here is love - true love. It is true men of God, with real tears streaming down their faces real. They now had to make their return from Miletus to Ephesus, and go forward with the chief and pastor of the Church of the Holy Ghost had made them elderly. They should go ahead with the task extremely challenging and spiritually responsible for feeding and to teach these young disciples.

Paul has to break away from these seniors. There was so much to say - much to share. He was so concerned that they had everything necessary to fulfill this high calling in Christ.

We sail to the south of Cyprus. As he saw the island, did the memories of 15 years ago, a new deluge in his mind? Cyprus was where he preached on that first missionary journey. Much had happened in the past 15 years.

I remember being in Cyprus in 1972 to the Minister at a conference, and standing on the beach at Salamis. The memories of that week still flood my mind. What was Paul thinking as he sails past? The mention of Cyprus is very significant.

The ship calls at Tyre, to discharge some of its load, and the first thing Paul does is look for some disciples of Jesus is soon on the ground looking for the Fellowship.

He wants to meet with these disciples of Jesus He does not waste time. He discovered where they gather and spend seven days fellowshipping with them.

Again, we see the quality of this man. We see something of what makes Paul tick.

Not enough merely to admire what he did, but we need to see it was in his heart. Here's an example. Here's an example to follow.

Paul has a close relationship and communion with Jesus Christ - there is a company - a friendship - almost an understanding. And he has this desire and the desire to be in close communion and fellowship with all others who believe in Jesus and have become disciples of Jesus Christ.

And 'the second it can be more difficult, but it is equally essential and necessary to have a close relationship with Jesus We do not choose our brothers and sisters when we enter into God's family. You must learn to live with their other brothers and sisters in Christ, and sometimes it is not easy. We must work on it at times.

The world got to see a community of believers where the reconciling love of Jesus Christ is visible.

Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ, gives us the example to follow, and gives us a model we can emulate.

Sandy Shaw ...