Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything, but God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

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Read

Acts 26:24-29 (NRSV)

While he was making this defense, Festus exclaimed, “You are out of your mind, Paul! Too much learning is driving you insane!” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth. Indeed the king knows about these things, and to him I speak freely; for I am certain that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?” Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that not only you but also all who are listening to me today might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

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Reflect

Paul never missed an opportunity to evangelize. Even when Paul was imprisoned, he didn’t stop preaching. The two guards who were chained to Paul’s right and left were subject to hours of talk about God and Jesus each day. Not even the Roman authorities were exempt from Paul’s preaching. Governor Festus must have found Paul to be quite brazen, standing before his court and daring to instruct the Roman representative. And as for Paul? His most fervent prayer was to go to Rome to appear before Caesar himself, so Paul might tell him about Jesus.

What an example we have before us! Can we be more like Paul, never failing to take an opportunity to tell others about the wonderful love of Jesus? Let’s look around us today to see whom WE might tell!

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Pray

Master, we want always to be your faithful followers. Fill us with the boldness of Paul so we, too, can tell people of your love and goodness. Help us to seize upon every opportunity to tell others how you came to take away our sins—and theirs. Only with your help can we do this, Lord! Amen.

Go with God.