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.