AnActsDevotional

Acts 22:30-23:11   The Roman commander wanted to get to the bottom of why folks were so stirred up about Paul so he ordered the chief priest and the Sanhedrin to assemble with Paul.  He soon saw how religious leaders can act in ways that aren't pleasing to the Lord.  We find our position and stick to it!  Like the position of folks being raised from the dead.  But this left Paul in a good position to testify to the guards and those in authority. Lord Jesus, please help us to be better witnesses for You.  Teach us how to get along.  Give us Your wisdom and discernment and ultimately help us to testify to Your death and resurrection.  Amen

  Acts 22:23-29 Our heritage counts.  Who are you and where did you come from?  In Paul's case it was illegal to arrest or flog a Roman citizen without being tried.  So, even though he was safer in jail, those in authority take note.  Those in authority also don't understand why the Jews (including Jewish Christians) are so upset with Paul.  It reminds us that sometimes church issues don't make sense to those outside the church. Lord Jesus, please help us to model Your Kingdom within the church so although others accuse us they find nothing wrong with us.  Also, help us to value our heritage.  Not to ostracize but to use the good it brings for the extension of Your Kingdom.  In Your precious name. Amen

  Acts 22:21-22 Here Paul's mission to the Gentiles is not accepted amongst the Jews (even Christian Jews) Lord Jesus, sometimes the folks in our church don't accept the people we've been called to reach but we can be comforted in knowing we aren't the first to be treated this way.  Help us, when this happens, to stay focused on You and our mission.  In Your mighty name.

  Acts 21:37-22:21 Paul told his story of how he use to kill Christians. Lord Jesus, I pray for the leader of Russia; may he have a Paul experience.  Stop him in his tracks and grab hold of his life.  Protect the people of faith in the Ukraine.  Lord, this world needs you so badly.   I invite Your Holy Spirit to work amongst us today.  In Your mighty name.

Acts 21:30-36   Paul is arrested but this decision actually protected him. Lord Jesus, sometimes folks are better off in prison than on the streets.  I'm reminded of the woman whose boyfriend was abusing her so she called up the prison and asked to come back.  I'm also reminded of the man who told an officer to arrest him or he'd throw a rock through the jewelers store window, as his attempt to get a warm place to sleep and get food.  Help us not to judge, but come along side those who struggle.  In Your mighty name,

  Acts 21:27-29 Paul was appeasing the Jews by keeping a Jewish ritual but that wasn't enough for the Jewish Christians.  They were so willing to keep the Jewish law they wanted to kill Paul.  They didn't see Paul's point of view that the Gentiles needed to be reached for Christ. Lord Jesus, sometimes the church is very dysfunctional.  I don't know why you allow this to happen but I do know our fight is not against flesh and blood " but against the rulers, against the authorities,  against the powers  of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12b)  Help us to recognize this to stay strong in Your Kingdom.  Give us wisdom and courage to do what is right in Jesus name.

  Acts 21:20b-26 The church leaders were in a dilemma because the Jewish Christians thought Paul was telling the Jews to turn away from the heritage and tradition.  Paul had permission to not force the Jewish heritage and tradition on the Gentiles(with a few exceptions) but what about the Jews who accepted Christ?  We're not told if this rumour was correct or not but the church leaders asked Paul to fulfill his Jewish ritual with 4 brothers in the Lord so he modelled keeping the traditions. Lord Jesus, there are times when the people we meet don't met the standards of the church such that the bridge into the church is more like a draw bridge.  We need wisdom so we can meet people where they're at and allow the church to be a place where we spur one another along as we see the end approaching.  Jesus, would you help us to see the world as You see the world.  With eyes of compassion and healing.  In Your name.  Amen