Skip to main content

Acts 25-26

Today we read an account of Paul, who is in chains in Acts 25-26 and had appealed to Caesar. He is defending himself against accusations made against him by the Jews. In his lengthy defense, he recalls living as a Pharisee, punishing and persecuting many believers. Paul then recounts the story of his dramatic conversion on the way to Damascus, after which he becomes a Christian and a fervent missionary for Christ.

What stands out to me in this passage is the fact that Paul tells his story, which is definitely very unique. Everyone has a story, and it is important that we share our stories with others. We don’t know for sure how Paul’s testimony affected his listeners during this time, other than the fact that he remained a prisoner, though these particular leaders didn’t think he deserved death or imprisonment. But who knows how his words and story may have resounded with them long-term? Perhaps some within earshot at this trial went on to become believers. We don’t know, but God does.

You may think that you don’t have a story, but I can assure you that you do! I myself think I am not very interesting, but I found myself chatting with a stranger last week and ended up telling her just a snippet of my life. Maybe she was just being kind, but she was very interested in what I had to say. You see, God has done unique and amazing things in your life and in mine that He will use for His glory. Don’t be afraid to share your story with others! You have no idea how the Lord will use it.
Rachel Craig

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Luke 2-3

Merry Christmas!  Oops.  It’s a little late to be sharing Christmas greetings.  But here’s some good news.  Only 310 days until next Christmas.  In the meantime let’s look at one way we can get the most out of the 320 days.  Let’s see if we can learn a lesson from the shepherds that will help us move forward the way God wants us to. The shepherds weren’t going anywhere until they dealt with their fear.  Luke 2:8-9 tells us they were afraid on the first Christmas night.  In fact they were filled with fear.  The KJV states it in a memorable way – “They were sore afraid.” It was not just the angel that terrified them but also the visible manifestation of the glory of God. What was the glory of the Lord?  It must have been a superb light show.  The glory shone around them – a dazzling specter of light.  It was infinitely better than a meteor shower. But God’s angel had good news of great joy.  The news would calm th...
Post a Comment
Read more

John 7-8

And the dispute continues about who this man Jesus is. They had witnessed Jesus speaking with unexplainable wisdom and performing miraculous healings. Yet some still thought he was demon-possessed, a blasphemer, or a suicidal nutcase. Verse 5 of chapter 7 tells us that even his own brothers didn’t believe in him. We shouldn’t be surprised then that it may be even harder for people today to believe that Jesus is God’s Son.    If you have settled the question of who Jesus is, and have accepted him as your Lord and Savior, it’s more important now than ever that you walk the walk, not just talk the Christian talk.  It’s true that you “may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” Let’s be the salt and light that our evil society needs. ~Elsie Shepherd
Post a Comment
Read more

Acts 27-28

There are some very interesting developments in Acts 27.  One of the most amazing is to see the quick rise of Paul’s status on the ship – the meteoric rise from low man on the totem pole to chief of the whole tribe.   In v. 1 we find that of the 276 people on board the ship heading for Rome, Paul was numbered among the prisoners.  He was near the bottom of the barrel.  When we approach the end of the chapter we find that Paul has now virtually taken over the leadership of the boat.  He has practically been given command.  The others are looking to him for inspiration and leadership.   From prisoner to commander in a short voyage.  How did it come about?  It came because Paul demonstrated leadership in the storm.  Everyone else was looking at the storm.  He was looking at God.   The child of God, no matter where we find him, can be master of the situation.  Circumstances should never affect our confidence an...
Post a Comment
Read more