November 14 - Acts 22-24
Have you ever noticed that Satan attacks God's children by having people bring false accusations against them? It is a fact of life for Christians. It is very destructive, but it is not totally effective, if we will live a blameless life before God and men. That was Paul's aim, and it should be our aim each day. Look at Acts 24:16. That is Paul's testimony. Is that your testimony? I pray that we all understand this principle of the Christian life. Some people will be upset with you for some reason all the time. That is Satan stirring them up. However, we must all strive to live so that we are right with God, and so that we do not sin against other people either. In the case that we do sin against God or men, we should confess it to God to receive His forgiveness. (I John 1:9) Then, if the sin involves someone else, we should seek their forgiveness, too. This is difficult, but it is possible. We must live as much like Christ as we can and protect our integrity before God and men.
Paul begins this passage with his testimony. When was the last time you told someone how you met Jesus? It is a powerful witness, and we should do it as often as possible. It helps us and them. Then, Paul goes on to give a defense of his beliefs and his actions in the rest of the passage. He had to do it several times. The Bible calls on us to be ready to give a defense to other people. In other words, we should be ready to tell people why we believe what we believe and why we live as we live. The reason should be related to our relationship with Jesus and our belief in His inerrant word. Any other reason is too shallow. Many times we even have to explain why we know the Bible is God's word, too. Can you give a defense in this way? I pray that we all can and will do this as God gives us the opportunity.
In the midst of Paul's captivity God gave him hope. The Lord appeared to him, and the Lord told him he would go to Rome. (23:11) This confirmed that God would work through his troubles to accomplish His will for Paul's life. We must all realize this. No matter how bad things seem to be. Even if 40 people form a conspiracy to kill you. God can deliver you and accomplish His will for you. We must continue trusting Him and serving Him as Paul did. That is my prayer for you today. Be faithful, and see that God is always faithful.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 25-28.
Paul begins this passage with his testimony. When was the last time you told someone how you met Jesus? It is a powerful witness, and we should do it as often as possible. It helps us and them. Then, Paul goes on to give a defense of his beliefs and his actions in the rest of the passage. He had to do it several times. The Bible calls on us to be ready to give a defense to other people. In other words, we should be ready to tell people why we believe what we believe and why we live as we live. The reason should be related to our relationship with Jesus and our belief in His inerrant word. Any other reason is too shallow. Many times we even have to explain why we know the Bible is God's word, too. Can you give a defense in this way? I pray that we all can and will do this as God gives us the opportunity.
In the midst of Paul's captivity God gave him hope. The Lord appeared to him, and the Lord told him he would go to Rome. (23:11) This confirmed that God would work through his troubles to accomplish His will for Paul's life. We must all realize this. No matter how bad things seem to be. Even if 40 people form a conspiracy to kill you. God can deliver you and accomplish His will for you. We must continue trusting Him and serving Him as Paul did. That is my prayer for you today. Be faithful, and see that God is always faithful.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 25-28.