September 27, 2012 - Acts 26:31

            “They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, ’This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.’”  Acts 26:31.

            King Agrippa and Festus and their party heard from Paul the story of how he met Jesus and how his life had dramatically changed as a result of that meeting.  Paul had also explained how it happened that he was arrested in Jerusalem, and gave his own defense.  As a result of this hearing, Agrippa and Festus could not understand why this man had been arrested, much less, why these religious authorities wanted him executed.  It made no sense to them.  They realized that Paul should not have even been arrested, so they were left wondering why in the world Paul made the demands that he did – to go before Caesar’s court.  They found this man, Paul, interesting and, yet, puzzling.  And Paul had no idea that these two powerful leaders continued to discuss his situation and his story.

            Have you ever wondered about the effect you have had on those in your world?  And what messages were you communicating that had this effect on others?  Occasionally, I will hear a comment about the effect that I had in someone’s life years before, and I had no idea that this had happened until, of course, I was told.  Some of that effect was not particularly positive, yet I heard a few stories where lives had been impacted for good.  As we go through the normal routine of our day, we may not really know the impact we are having on those around us.  Some, like those who brought the charges against Paul, will never respond well.  But there are those that the Holy Spirit may speak to, and their interest is stirred, and a seed may be planted. 

            Questions to consider: What effect do you imagine you have on those people in your world?  How does that impact the way you live your life?  Are there any changes you think might need to be made?

            Prayer: Father, I know that I have impacted the lives of those people in my world through the years, both in positive and negative ways.  Please help me to recognize how I need to live my life in this day and in the days to come.  Amen.

September 20, 2012 - Acts 26:29

          “Paul replied, ‘Short time or long – I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.’” Acts 26:29.

           Whether or not in chains, Paul was a free man. It didn’t matter what his circumstances, he was at peace with the hope he had in Jesus Christ. That is why Paul responded to King Agrippa in the way he did. King Agrippa, probably feeling some conviction by God, reacted to Paul’s words by commenting on Paul’s attempt to persuade him to be a Christian in such a short amount of time. Paul was in no way threatened by the king speaking to him in such a manner. Paul responded by saying that it didn’t matter to him how long it would take, he wanted the king and all who heard his voice to become followers of Jesus. The chains that were on his hands and legs wouldn’t stop him from proclaiming the Truth that he knew. He now knew the King of Kings, and was proud to proclaim Him to whomever he could. Nothing held him back.
            What are the chains that hold us back? As I read this portion of this book, I was reminded of my own limitations; my own chains, as it were, and I know that a decision needs to be made. Will I use those limitations to hold me back, or will I ask God to use me with my limitations. Many of you know about the condition of pain that I am dealing with. This limitation is a constant reminder to me of my need to rely on the Comforter – the Holy Spirit – to come and strengthen me for the day. There are days that I rejoice in how God used me, and there are days when I deal with my shame and guilt over giving in to the pain. Paul is an inspiration to me to be focused on Him every day and in every possible moment of every day. And it is my hope to go through my days remembering God’s great, unbelievable love for me.
            Questions to consider: Do you have any “chains” that hold you back? What are those “chains” in your life? How do you respond when it/they act up? Can you see how God’s amazing love for you can be the hope that will empower you through those limitations?
            Prayer: Father, I thank You for the hope that I have in Jesus, and I pray that I will have the boldness to proclaim Your goodness and love, no matter what my limitations or “chains” may be. Amen.

September 13, 2012 - Acts 26:24

            “At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense.  ‘You are out of your mind, Paul!’ he shouted.  ‘Your great learning is driving you insane.’”  Acts 26:24.

            As Paul told the story of how God miraculously and radically changed his life, Festus couldn’t believe what he was hearing and interrupted Paul’s speech, claiming that Paul had gone crazy.  Festus recognized Paul’s brilliance, but stated that because of Paul’s “great learning”, he had gone out of his right mind.  At least to Festus, what Paul was saying made no sense, so instead of trying to understand, he just assumed that Paul had gone crazy.  What Paul was saying just did not make any sense to Festus.  Either that or Festus was coming under conviction?

            I must admit that there have been times when people who had known me from the past heard me speak about the radical change in my life – that I had become a follower of Jesus – and they looked at me like I was crazy.  Members of my own family didn’t understand what had happened and knew that I was different, but they couldn’t make the connection that God was real and that He was responsible for the positive changes in my life.  Sometimes people will just flat out think that we, as followers of Jesus, are weird, crazy, strange, or some combination of all three.  And we need to just continue to move forward and not worry about what they think, but instead, focus on what He thinks and how He would have us conduct ourselves.  It is not about us.  It is about Him and about how we live our lives for Him before others.

            Questions to consider: Have you ever had someone you know think that you were at least a little off your rocker because of your belief in Jesus?  Have you ever worried that someone might think that you are weird, so you have not been fully genuine about being a follower of Jesus?  What is more important to you: what Jesus thinks of you or what those around you think of you?

            Prayer: Father, it is my heart to be more concerned about what You think of me than what others think, but I confess that I, sometimes, worry more about what they think.  I don’t want them to think that I am crazy because I follow You, so I act differently at times.  Please forgive me and give me the strength to stand up for You at all times regardless of what others think.  Amen.