Acts 27 - 28

What stood out today: v27:24 An angel said to Paul: 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all.’ v31 Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved. v44 In this way everyone reached land in safety. v28:31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

My response: God, you are so close, so involved. You know when we are afraid, you take action. Your plans will prevail. Your way is the way of safety – stay with the ship – in this way everyone reached land safely. Jesus, you are the ship. Your journey is precarious but safe. Lord, Jesus, as Paul preached about your kingdom and taught about you boldly and without hindrance, would you empower me to do what you want me to do? Jesus, you are the Life. You are the Lord of Life. Yes, you are the Life.

Acts 24 - 26

What stood out today: v24:25 Paul spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid. v26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" 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.

My response: Jesus, I am struck at the similarity of situation between a friend of mine and Paul. Men attacking them both, being put on the side for a time out. Yet for Paul your purposes prevailed. Paul shared the Gospel with rulers and authorities and then sent to Rome just as you said in 23:11: “As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Jesus, it will be exciting to see what you have in store for my friend.

Acts 21 - 23

What stood out today: v21:10-11 A prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” v23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

My response: God, I am still struck how present you are to your people. Also, how dangerous and hostile this world is. Yet you move in and out, you are never in a hurry or afraid or worried. It is because of who you are and the fact that we are yours that we too can walk with great confidence.

Acts 19 - 20

What stood out today: v19:2-3 Paul asked, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive? v15 The evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" v17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.

My response: Jesus, there is power in your name. Being baptized in your name we receive the gift of your Spirit, the Holy Spirit. If I were asked, who are you? I could answer clearly and confidently that I am yours! I am Richard, son of the Most High God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus and powered to life by His Spirit. Thank you, God.

Acts 17 - 18

What stood out today: v17:28 For in him we live and move and have our being. v18:9-10 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you.”

My response: Yes, Jesus, what great words, what great news! Its all about the relationship; intimate love with you and with other people.

Acts 15 - 16

What stood out today: v15:9 For he purified their hearts by faith. v11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are. v20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. v16:7 But the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. v14 A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.

My response: Jesus, these are more strange things. Why, when the church says the main thing is - by grace through faith in you - do they not write about that but tell them to obey four laws? Then Paul has Timothy circumcised. What they do seems so contrary. Then in verse 7, the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Jesus. Then there is Lydia, a worshiper of God before the Lord opening her heart. How does that work? Jesus, I have a lot of questions. You are the teacher. I am a disciple. Teach me.

Acts 14

What stood out today: v3 The Lord confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. v9 Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed. v15 We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God. v22 We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.

My response: Lord Jesus, what an exciting time for your early church. You must have been so pleased. In verse 15 you say that repentance is good news. Turning from stinking-thinking and spiritual adultery to the living God who created, loves, provides, and sustains. This turning is hard work and God brings many hardships to help us transform into the Kingdom of God.

Acts 12 - 13

What stood out today: v12:2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. v5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. v10 The iron gate opened for them by itself. v13:47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." v48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. v52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

My response: Well, Jesus, a lot was going on here. James put to death. Peter put in prison, then rescued. Your church gathering to pray. Powerful angels, powerful preaching, Procounsils believing, Elymus blinded. Many believing, many not believing. Great persecution, great fruit produced. Much use of scripture. I love the Isaiah 49:6 verse, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” People who were appointed, believed. Paul and others were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. Yes, Jesus, when we obey, when we cooperate, we experience your joy. You fill us with the Holy Spirit. Jesus, would you help me to walk in this way? The way of love, obedience, yielded to you and to others. Jesus, I love you; help me to love others better.

Acts 10 - 11

What stood out today: v10:15 Do not call anything impure that God has made clean. v34-36 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” v43 That everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. v11:18 So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.

My response: God you are so generous and good. I see the new covenant here. A new purity = you made us clean. A new identity = you accept us as your children. A new affection = a fear of you and repentance unto life. A new power = the gift of the Holy Spirit, the power plant for the Life, the Christ Life. The Life you’ve always wanted. The Life I long for. Jesus, I come to you. I take your yoke upon me; teach me, show me, the Christ Life. God, I am also struck how you initiate and how we are an integral part of your redemptive plan. You involve us, you work with us. We get to share your good news of Peace and Shalom with people you dearly love.

Acts 7 - 9

What stood out today: v7:3 “Leave your country and your people,” God said, “and go to the land I will show you.” v8:35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. v9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

My response: Yes, Lord, it is a new land, your kingdom. We must leave our country, our family and go. Jesus, show me this new land. Show me this good news about you, Jesus! Show me this peace. Show me this power, show me this courage. Let me show and tell others. Let me live in this fear of the Lord; this place of Shalom.

Acts 4 - 6

What stood out today: v5:5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. v10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. v11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. v20 "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."

My response: Lord Jesus, this great fear of you was important preparation for your church to not be afraid in the world. The old wine skins – people of the law – could not see what you were doing. What is this message, this full message of this new life? Jesus, I want to know this abundant life that you came to give. I want to help others find it too.

Acts 1 - 3

What stood out today: v2:28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. v3:16 It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

My response: Jesus, you have made your pathways know. These paths of forgiveness, generosity, love, peace, and kindness are all pathways of life. Jesus, the presence of your life in me is joy I still need to discover. Would you show me? Show me the life, show me your joy. Heal my wayward heart. Grant me faith to take hold of all your wonderful promises.