Picture yourself in this courtroom. Arrested for starting a riot with his words, Paul stood before a powerful religious court. Humanly speaking, his fate was fully in their hands. Still, Paul did not flinch. Instead, he looked straight into the eyes of his accusers (Acts 23:1). When the priest ordered him struck, Paul did not cower. Even when the dispute became so violent “the commander feared that Paul might be torn apart” (v.10), Paul’s knees never buckled.
Trade places with Paul in your mind. Could you look powerful accusers in the eye, knowing they could have you executed with a wave of their hand? Could you stand the heat of their accusations without melting? Personal experience has taught me that my insides would more likely turn to jelly. My hands would shake. Words would fail me. On my own, I don’t have what it takes to endure this kind of pressure. Which makes me wonder: What truth kept Paul’s knees from knocking? What was the rod of steel that ran up his back really made from? More than moxie was required in that moment. His was a response to meeting the Messiah. Paul was doing more than making his mark on the pages of history as he stood before the court; he was showcasing the gospel.
Hebrews 10 describes another kind of courtroom. Let’s imagine ourselves there. It’s not Sadducees and Pharisees who sit behind this bench but God Himself. Humanly speaking, we can expect the gavel to drop because we are guilty. Each of us has violated the holiness of God. We deserve to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Still, we can enter this courtroom just like Paul entered his, with confidence. Though the high priest in Paul’s case wished him struck, Jesus, our High Priest, took the blows upon Himself.
There are times when I fear that the weight of my own sin might tear me apart, moments when I am suddenly and painfully aware that I don’t deserve to be in the presence of a holy God. You have those moments too: when a sin you thought you were free of suddenly ensnares you again, when you catch the idol factory of your heart churning out something or someone new to worship, when you’ve tried and failed to live like Scripture calls you to live. When those moments come, we share in Paul’s defense. “It is with respect to the hope of the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial” (v.6 ESV). It’s not that the gavel will not fall but that it has already fallen on Jesus at Calvary. What the Lord spoke to Paul in his hour of need He speaks to us in ours. “Take courage” (v.11 ESV). Heads high. Palms steady. Pulses slow. Because of our High Priest, Jesus, “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).
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60 thoughts on "Paul Before the Sanhedrin"
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I strive to have the bold faith of Paul.
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So many things about Paul from the passage sthat Erin highlighted in the devotional stand out to me…
-Paul did not flinch
-Paul did not cower
-Paul’s knees never buckled
-Paul entered with confidence
Wow…oh, to be so courageous, calm, articulate and, and, and… Again as I’ve said before, he is so faithful in his commitment and carrying out the Gospel. And again and again I am challenge by Paul’s example to stand up for Jesus.
The second part that deeply hits me….
“There are times when I fear that the weight of my own sin might tear me apart, moments when I am suddenly and painfully aware that I don’t deserve to be in the presence of a holy God. You have those moments too: when a sin you thought you were free of suddenly ensnares you again.”
Sigh (with sadness and tears) I feel this as the weight of my esnaring sin and unworthiness deeply hits me. And yet, our gracious God, the wonderful, merciful Savior offers His forgiveness to me and do how can I not be bold and courageous for Him? My heart is both heavy and deeply grateful with these thoughts.
I am reminded of the beautiful song, Wonderful, Merciful Savior by Selah.
Lord God, I am so undeserving yet you love me so much and have given your grace. The world right now need You more than ever. It feels like it is self-imploding with evil all around. Please protect us Lord. Help us see your light in this darkness. You are sooo good. Amen
I pray that I would live for the audience of one. Knowing that I am innocent before Jesus, and i pray that is all that matters.
Happy Friday shes. Several things stood out to me today and I love a deep dive into the wisdom of the Bible. I will speak on three things.
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1- The Paul before and after: The Paul before: “And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him” Acts 22:20. Look at “standing by” and “approving”. Is there such thing as a neutral observer? Let’s zoom in closely and unpack this. This talks about a psychological profile that we often mistake as passive behavior. Paul did not say he threw a stone, he said he stood there. Standing by and approving, this is far from being neutral on hind sight. Let’s look at the myth of the “neutral observer”, Paul is not mocking, he is not actively legislating against, or harming Christians, but is he innocent?. It is validation through silence, by standing there, Paul provided a seal of approval for the executioners. Presence is a form of participation. He created a safe environment and a guard for evil to proceed. It shows inward consent, his approving shows as a lack of grief. Heart check, when we see persecuted body of Christ and no pain or groaning inside ourselves, we are dangerously close to what Paul describes here, standing by and approving. We also have an example of this in the Bible, Peter in the courtyard. Peter tried to “stand by and watch” Jesus’ trial from a safe distance. He tried to be neutral. He ended up weeping in bitter regret because he realized that trying to be a neutral observer of a loved one’s persecution is actually a betrayal. Let’s look at the Paul after (I was one way and now I am another). How would Paul have responded if he were already a believer while Stephen was being stoned? The Holy Spirit would have demanded a move from spectator to participant in the suffering. This is the truth. The most immediate Christian response would be to leave the circle of the accusers and join the side of the accused. This would probably have signaled the mob that he too is the follower of Christ, and probably shared Stephen’s fate. Exercise wisdom here (Paul’s time is not yet). Stephen’s “crime” was his testimony about Jesus. If Paul were a believer, he would have been under the same mandate to confess Christ before men. Same for all of us. The danger of silence, Matthew 10:33, “Whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” Again, exercise wisdom. In Paul’s case, silence in the face of Stephen’s execution would have been a public denial of Jesus. What about us? Have we been keeping quiet when the “Stephens” in our community being stoned by culture? Have we traded our voice because it’s religion and politics, and highly sensitive? If silence was considered approval in the Book of Acts, where does that leave us today?
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2- We either intercede and advocate, or do the opposite. There is no neutrality. Could the mob be stopped by any chance? In Jesus’ time? In Stephen’s time or Paul’s time, or Charlie Kirk’s time and our time? The Christian Paul, the Paul after was called to appeal to the “conscience of the community”. And he did. Stephen did. Peter did. Charlie did. They all pleaded with the mob, with patience and unwavering courage. They rebuke the sin: call out the act what it was murder and the rejection of God’s values, and practice forgiveness: Lord, do not hold this against them. How would one appeal to the conscience of the community? This is where modern day social media comes in as a megaphone / mobilization tool. This could go either way, for amplifying the voice of truth, or as a rapid mobilization of mob, destroying the conscience of the community instead. Social media often bypasses the “conscience” by replacing it with “mob justice”. Because users are shielded by screens, making it psychologically effortless to attack and hurt others without feeling the weight of the harm caused. The anonymity and distance of the internet lower our empathy barriers… allowing anyone to participate in “online mobbing” without the guilt they would feel in a face-to-face encounter. God have mercy. Be careful. Guard our words. Guard our heart. When one can’t see a person’s face, one’s conscience doesn’t register the blow they are striking.
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3. Lastly, and so important, Paul said, “For it is written, You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people” Acts 23:5. This is from Exodus 22:28: “You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people”. Let’s look at this commandment, “You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people”. How well are we taught about this commandment? Lightly. This why we study the Bible in details. No man who skims the Bible can grow and benefit from it. How do Christians speak up without violating the command to respect the authority? The Bible teaches to prioritize God’s law over man’s. In Acts 5:29, the apostles said, “We must obey God rather than men.” If a ruler commands you to be silent about the Gospel or to participate in injustice, you must respectfully disobey the ruler to obey God. Take the Daniel’s approach, Daniel served under pagan evil rulers. He was never a “yes man” but he was always respectful following God’s laws. You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people. But to pray for them, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us to pray for “kings and all who are in high positions”. A Christian should be the first to stand up and say, “This policy is evil,” but the last to say, “this person is beyond God’s reach”. Pray and not curse. Bless and not curse. When King David committed murder, the prophet Nathan didn’t scream at him from a distance. He told a story that engaged David’s own conscience. He appealed David back to truth and repentance. Rather than venting anger at David’s actions hurting the vulnerable, Nathan appealed to the conscience of the king (he has love in his heart for David). So speaking up for righteousness and justice in some capacity is a mandate for us, those that love righteousness and justice. And courage is the foundation of it all. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the TESTING point”. Without courage, every other virtue, justice, mercy, honesty, remains a mere theory. We build characters with courage. And the way we speak with courage determines whose kingdom we are building. If we use the “evil speech” of the world to fight an “evil ruler,” we have already lost.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Thank you ❤️
Love this.
Thank you Mercy for your insights, always good!!
Mercy….this is so insightful. Thabk you ❤️
I’m finally caught up this week. What I have seen through it all is Paul’s boldness to stand up for the Gospel. He didn’t flinch. All because of Jesus. He knew without a doubt I’m sure how his story on this side of eternity would end, but he gave it all for the glory of God. I am praying for boldness to do the same.
Have a wonderful weekend ladies. Going to be a cold one here in northeastern Pennsylvania.
“There are times when I fear that the weight of my own sin might tear me apart, moments when I am suddenly and painfully aware that I don’t deserve to be in the presence of a holy God.”
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Oh how I can relate to Erin here. So often I feel so undeserving of God’s mercy and grace.
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But praise God, it’s not according to how I feel, but according to who He is — Wonderful, Merciful, Savior.
Our loving God has made a way for each of us to be fully and completely be made clean by the precious blood of the Lamb — made as if we had never sinned, and for that I am forever grateful.
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Song Share – I’m Forever Grateful by Glad…
You did not wait for me to draw near to You
But You clothed Yourself in frail humanity
You did not wait for me to cry out to You
But You let me hear Your voice calling me
And I’m forever grateful to You
I’m forever grateful for the cross
I’m forever grateful to You
That You came to seek and save the lost
You did not wait for me to draw near to You
But You clothed Yourself in frail humanity
You did not wait for me to cry out to You
But You let me hear Your voice calling me
And I’m forever grateful to You
I’m forever grateful for the cross
I’m forever grateful to You
That You came to seek and save the lost
I’m forever grateful to You
I’m forever grateful for the cross
I’m forever grateful to You
That You came to seek and save the lost
And I’m forever grateful to You
I’m forever grateful for the cross
I’m forever grateful to You
That You came to seek and save the lost
And I’m forever grateful to You
I’m forever grateful for the cross
I’m forever grateful to You
That You came to seek and save the lost
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Happy Friday She’s! ❤️
ERIN DAVIS, thank you for this BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED devo! Your words covered our Scripture passage so eloquently, yet so easy to understand, so encouraging and uplifting.
ERIN SAID:
“Paul was doing more than making his mark on the pages of history as he stood before the court; he was showcasing the gospel.”
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Hebrews 10:22 really stole my heart this morning so I am glad ERIN ended with that!
“let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.”
The result if having a TRUE HEART is FULL ASSURANCE.
That was Paul’s ‘rod of steel’ Erin mentioned.
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Biblegateway verse of the day (so timely!):
Proverbs 21:21-
Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
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Erin’s devo brought to mind again a song shared recently.
SONG SHARES:
Made for More by Josh Baldwin
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I woke up this morning with this chorus in my head:
Friend in Jesus by Cain
Oh I have found a friend in Jesus
He is everything to me
And I have found a friend in Jesus
Yes, He is my everything
Wonderful Cee Gee! Made for me- I just save that for my new class for a journal thoughts at the end of class!
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Praying for boldness and God’s strength and grace to share Him with whoever He sends my way! Stand firm ladies!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/heb.12.1-2.ESV
Praying for all!
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Happy Friday!! Looking forward to a three-day weekend! Thank you Tami for your extra search. I learned something new! How sweet of Jesus to come to Paul at his low point to encourage him! In our present time we have those sweet friends I refer to as Jesus with skin on who come alongside us to do the same. Continued prayers for my daughter Alyssa as she finishes off this semester. More to say but out of time.
I wanted to share the song to that has become my nightly prayer for a month or so now…I just sing it on my knees every night- “Jesus Have it All” by Jeremy Riddle. Another good song for today is “Center” by Bethel.
Sorry to post so much…!I will try to tame myself.
What made Paul so strong, so fearless, so vocal? He had a true encounter with Jesus Christ! It wasn’t his philosophy, or theology from before, uniform with the Pharisees. Something they grew up in, power in unity, tossing out their scriptures. No- Paul was Born Again because He knew Jesus was real. He had talked with Him, been pierced to the heart spiritually by Him, living water through Him. Paul was able to stand and say all this when being persecuted because he knew truth. His confidence was in Jesus. I was one way, now I’m another. That is the same way we each have a testimony. Our radical encounter with Jesus. I was this way, Jesus met me, now I know the truth and I can testify to others in His strength.
But it isn’t glorious. Just like Paul, we may gather salvations where we speak out, but if you are doing great things for the Lord, be assured the devil will try to put a stop to it. And usually that’s all it takes. The devil doesn’t have to do much unfortunately for most of us. Many Christians stay lukewarm just from the fear of failure or pride. This sure makes Satan happy and is job easy. Why do we let that happen? When we have friction and walls, and hardships against sharing the good news, let it be more of a challenge to us! Do you want to make it that easy for the evil one. No! We want to say yes to God, no matter what we come against! The more you encounter, the more good you can be assured you are going to do for God! Doesn’t that make you glad! It does me!
I had to keep reading in Hebrews and glad I did. Hebrews 10:32-36 This passage functions as an encouragement for Christians to remain steadfast, reminding them that their endurance in trials leads to receiving the divine promise of heaven!
“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
We are were blessed in America that we didn’t suffer persecution just for choosing to be a Christian as many do. But now, more and more we Christians as a whole are being labeled. So now we must buckle up, know what we know, and be ready to choose. Many have thus far during Covid, during Roe vs Wade, during sex changes and pride parades and more. If you are labeled, you will suffer flack and ridiculed but perhaps worse one day. If you are not paying attention it is time to. We may all have to follow Paul’s example. If we are afraid now in the little, how shall we make it in the really hard?
Sometimes I wonder why God has me write the things I write, but I just know so many really don’t see how we are in the time that has been told. The birthing pains are closer and closer together.
Lord, open the eyes to see the true impact of this study of Acts, right now, in such a time as this. It is no accident, it is timely, it is a wake up call. Help the ears to hear, and be ready and prepared for you, with our lamps full of OIL! The Holy Spirit must be first and center in our lives. Not only do you want to be our center Lord, our all and all, but we must be ready to bear our cross for you Lord. Equip us, ready us, help us to put our armor on and be prepared. For the battle is raging Spiritually all around us. The world is not our home, we are aiming for the Heavenly Kingdom, and that means turning away from wordly things. To earnestly and fervently want your ways above our ways!! Lord, with just a couple of days left of a Prayer Challenge Week, help us to step out in action and faith to say not just baby prayers but Powerful Prayers with your Spirit!! Bold and Courageous Prayers. Just like Paul stood against accusers, we too, must start against the fear. For the devil is the accuser, and we must not cower! Thank you Lord for never leaving us or deserting us! Let us be obedient! Thank you Jesus, for all these things will be added to us, when we seek the righteousness of God. When we pursue a life obedient to you, you will work it out. I believe, I chose to say Yes to you today in every way possible! Amen!
AMEN!!
Rhonda, I echo your thoughts! The Lord has been speaking to me over and over about in future times choosing Christ will become hard and we need to stand firm keeping our eyes on Jesus!
“When we pursue a life obedient to You, You will work it out.”
Such truth in your post, Rhonda! I think with lots of words, but don’t have the gift to write them as you and others have.
You sisters who have that gift are such a blessing to us. Thank you all! ❤
Amen. Agreeing with you in prayer Rhonda. ❤️
Oh my goodness, I have to copy this down and re-read each line, so good! And how did we quote the same thing “I was one way, now I’m another”- one of my favorite Chosen quotes ❤️.
Amen❤️
This is a double feature as I catch up from yesterday:
Acts 21:14 …..”The will of the Lord be done.”
What a faith filled and painful prayer that likely we’ve all prayed many times on our own and countless times as we have prayed (KJV as I learned it):
Matthew 6:9-10
9 .…Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
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Are we praying it by rote or from the heart?
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And the treatment of Paul – Acts 21:35-36 – their treatment and hatred of him, so similar to their hatred of Christ.
35 When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.
36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, “Away with him!”
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Today’s study:
It’s both difficult and encouraging to read of Paul’s courage and obedience in these chapters. Like TAMI, I had also forgotten that Jesus encouraged him and confirmed that he would preach in Rome – of which Paul was already convinced. Acts 19:21 … “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
If there was any doubt in Paul’s mind about reaching Rome as he faced the opposition and beatings, Jesus standing by him and confirming it removed every smidge.
I am wowed by Paul having such confidence in speaking to the crowds, even the angry Jerusalem crowds.
Me speaking to a group? One and done. I hadn’t been out of college long and was tasked with presenting a report on a completed project to the organization’s large group of members. I was fine walking out to speak, and absolutely froze once I reached the podium. Those giant hooks they use to comically pull someone off the stage? That apparently was my boss’s arm, leading me off and sending someone else to save the moment. I don’t remember anything between freezing and being off the stage. I’m still embarrassed almost 50 years later.
Praying for confidence in talking to others about the Lord, though likely only one or two at a time.
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MOLLIE – praying for your husband’s healing and patience in the process, and it is a process as everything is knit back together. Praying he will be kind to himself and follow PT and other guidelines for getting back on track.
CEE GEE – joining you in that walk, and praying we are all walking with Jesus … I’m gonna walk with Jesus (love the beat!) ❤️
FOSTER MAMA ❤️ powerful share!
TAMI and SHARON JERSEY GIRL – joining you in praying for a Damascus Road conversion for all the prodigals, along with praying especially for healing of mental health challenges for so many, especially children and teens
Oh my gosh! Terrifying! One and done! lol. But I am so like that too, very gung ho in the Yes, then freezing when the time comes! But that’s what makes it SO amazing! That we have to keep depending on Him!! When we afraid to even pray around, out loud, other believers- which more than half usually are I have discovered in my countless groups- WE have to do better in the name of Jesus Christ! We just keep doing it, over and over. People would say—The Holy Spirit will lead you….and tell you what to say. Well, that failed many, many times in the beginning! But it was because my fear was too strong. I kept doing it though, volunteering to pray out loud. Stepping out in faith. Stepping out leading. Stepping out on Altar Prayer team (the scariest!! which is funny because you are praying with believers! lol)
I say all this not to BOAST BUT to encourage us all that if I can do it…the one that can NOT speak well in front of people, anyone can.
It has been so fun to see people step out of their comfort zone in my Practicing Prayer group that only came about by my own experience. And now in jail encouraging the ladies to pray for us. We have had about 5 nervously pray in front of their peers. And every prayer has been beautiful to my ears and the Lords!
I have a new group start tomorrow, and yep, I am nervous. The more new names to me that show up on my list the more nervous I get! But that makes me pray more..and that’s what he wants. Us to GIVE TO HIM!
Practicing Prayer group – i love this.
It was so good! I need a Practicing Prayer- Part 2. I used a little of “Before Amen” by Max Lucado and “The Battle Plan for Prayer” by Steven and Alex Kendrick. Both were good books but I needed a creation of my own of the practice of prayer theologically but also practicing prayer literally. It worked good. I wish I had done a handout for the plan, it would be good for jail ministry.
Praying over all the requests!
Me too Searching and Rhonda. Public speaking and praying out loud scared me to death most of my life. I am still learning and growing one day at a time but so how amazing how He equips me! It’s not me – it’s the spirit in me! So grateful!
It does take great courage to speak on behalf of our Lord, but we are commanded to. It’s the “pain point” that we have to get passed, the pain of rejection, being mocked, being misunderstood. I’m still working on getting past it but I’m confident that one day by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit’s power, I will!
❤️ love this.
Oh, Searching, how humiliated you must have been! Bless your heart!
I was like you in school (elementary and high school) when I had to stand in front of the class to give a book report or even answer a question from my seat when called on. BUT, for our high school graduation ceremony I was tasked with writing and delivering the invocation! I don’t remember being unduly fearful even though I was new to speaking into a microphone. Whether I was fearful or not, I often remember that moment with a little amazement. Thanks for sharing your moment! ❤ You are nit alone!
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The beat… yes, me too!I could walk a long time to it! I need to listen to that when I ride my bike.
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Amen
“when a sin you thought you were free of suddenly ensnares you again”
When we put ourselves on trial mentally that’s where the most damage happens. We allow the enemy to speak false narratives ..
Holding on to Gods word and humbly repenting and seeking forgiveness will allow Holy Spirit to fight on the battle field with us just as Holy Spirit did for Paul !!
So true! ❤
“when a sin you thought you were free of suddenly ensnares you again”
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Thanks be to God that my freedom is a prayer of confession and repentance away. May I be quick to respond to the Holy Spirit’s warning me of tempation turning to sin.
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Praying for your requests, ladies.
A friend said she had never read the bible, but wants to. I bought her one and we will be reading one on one. Praying Debby’s desire for The Lord takes root in her heart, thru the Holy Spirit! lent is coming up and we will read SRT. I’m nervous but confident in what the Lord will do.
Awesome! Praying God’s word and the need for salvation resonates in her heart.
That’s AWESOME Lena!! Oh how blessed you will be!! That’s what we don’t realize that we get empowered the more we see the light come to others!
What a growth opportunity for you both! Agreeing with Searching’s prayer! ❤
“when a sin you thought you were free of suddenly ensnares you again”…and doesn’t it just! But God, and His mercy and grace, so thankful for the cross and for Christ who willingly died for our sin.
Amen, Kelly! ❤❤❤
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V11 the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage!
The Lord stood by (Tami) and said, “Have courage”. I try to imagine what it would be like to have a visible manifestation of the Lord tell me to have courage. This verse also stood out because I hadn’t remembered Jesus appearing here before.
I did a little goggle search: Jesus appears because Paul has reached a critical low point where obedience has led to suffering, rejection, and uncertainty, not visible success. Having nearly been killed, arrested, and publicly dismissed in Jerusalem, Paul could reasonably question whether he had misunderstood God’s will. Jesus does not rebuke him but affirms that his witness in Jerusalem “counts” and anchors his courage in a promise rather than an outcome, assuring him that he will testify in Rome as well. This moment marks a hinge in Acts where Paul’s mission shifts from self-directed travel to being carried forward by God through imprisonment and Roman power. Luke uses the appearance to show that, despite human authorities seeming to control events, Jesus remains actively guiding the gospel’s movement from Jerusalem to the heart of the empire.
@Tami – thank you for sharing this! It is something I needed to hear today
Yes! #Havecourage
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Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this….”have courage” Its 2 very simple, good words to keep as our default when opportunity presents to speak up and be bold abd courageous for Jesus.
Full assurance of faith. Yes Lord. Let me not be swayed by my every day frustrations, or when I feel “on trial” in my life. Let me stand in the full assurance of faith and trust you completely to speak and move through me. I pray you do.
Amen, Elizabeth! ❤
Amen❤️