June 22

Acts 26

In this passage, again, Paul is being protected by God. I see God speaking through Paul, so King Agrippa and Festus are hearing God's voice rather than Paul's. Paul even recognizes God's help and protection through all of this. His message is heard and accepted-he is set free. He is not found guilty of any crime.

I really enjoy verses 28 and 29, Agrippa asks if Paul is he expects him to become a Christian almost instantly. Paul says it is not about when it happens, but that it does happen-that he does one day see the light. I think that is a perfect response. Sometimes people get too caught up in numbers when spreading the Good News. Believing is not an immediate thing for many people, it takes a lot of time, thought, and prayer-and honestly I think it deserves that, too. I think that decisions should be made because the individual wants it, not because it has been forced upon them. Only when we make the decisions ourselves will we see our faith being used to its full potential. Paul made the choice himself, and did amazing things for God-I have no doubt that God can use us in the way He used Paul.

-Jenni

June 21

Acts 25

This chapter is kind of hard for me. I see God protecting Paul throughout all of this, though. Festus ordered Paul to be kept in Caesarea-therefore he was not killed on the way to Jerusalem by the Jewish leaders and chief priests. Also, when Festus came to hear Paul's trial, he was not able to find him guilty of any crime. I think God is beginning to change the minds of those that matter most, in order to protect Paul.

Paul did exactly what God asked of him, and now God is proving that He is with him, that He has always been with him. I think we often get to hard times and forget that God is with us-we blame Him for things that happen. Paul did none of that, he remained strong, and now God is offering protection and grace that would otherwise be impossible.

-Jenni

June 19

Acts 24

Verses 14 and 15 really stood out to me. Maybe because it is a topic that is often discussed between friends of different faith beliefs.

The Contemporary English Version puts it this way: "I admit that their leaders think that the Lord's Way which I follow is based on wrong beliefs. But I still worship the same God that my ancestors worshiped. And I believe everything written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets. I am just as sure as these people are that God will raise from death everyone who is good or evil."

I think it states it very clearly and easily. The core of the belief is the same, the fundamental truth is present.

I believe that different branches of Christianity provide ways for many people to become a part of a faith, but I don't think one is right and the others are wrong. That is what Paul is trying to get across here-God is God-He is the same no matter what beliefs of Christianity you follow.

It is too easy to get caught up in the different branches and why ours is the "right" one. Shouldn't we look past all of the 'little' things to the bigger picture-that God came down in the form of Jesus Christ so that we can live forever with Him?

-Jenni

June 18

Acts 23

“Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, ‘My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.’”

Paul is honest in his answer before the council. He had done everything God had asked him to do. Would I be able to answer in the same, honest manner as Paul if I were questioned? That’s hard. I don’t always do what God wants me to; I don’t always ‘fulfill my duty.’ Often what God wants us to do is not what we want to do. I am struggling with doing what God wants me to do, now. It does not follow the plan I have set for myself. It’s not my idea of what I want. But isn’t that just the irony of it-the plan that I set, what I want. God has a different idea for me. The best I can do is pray for guidance, for strength, and for peace with what I do. I have to think that no matter what path I choose (mine or God’s) He will never give up, that one day, He will call again and I will be faced with the same decision to make.

-Jenni

June 17

Acts 22

How many times have we been in Saul's position? How often do we hear Jesus and not know who it is? Does Jesus ever think we are cruel to Him? Are we cruel when we question Him, or disobey Him? Are we ever like the men Saul was traveling with- we don't hear the voice? This passage evokes a lot of questions from me. I think because I have a lot of questions myself. So often God wants us to follow Him, to go where He leads us. Do we? It's hard sometimes...a lot of times. I think we are afraid that our outcome will be the same as Paul's, that we will be ridiculed and cast out by our peers, that we will be punished for doing what we are asked.

It is hard for us to always do what we are told. There are so many ways that people can respond to our faith-sometimes positively, sometimes negatively. Despite the ways that people respond, we must believe that, if we follow God, He will always guide us and lead us in the right direction.

-Jenni

June 16

Acts 21

"I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Paul's commitment to the cause of Christ is amazing. As he travels he hears the warnings of what lays before him. Yet, he is not afraid. He moves forward with confidence for he knows what is the greatest desire of his heart, to follow Jesus. He is willing to follow Jesus, even to death.

We leave for Kenya today. Please pray for us as we travel.

June 15

Acts 20

It is good to know that people fell asleep even when Paul was speaking. The story of Eutychus falling asleep while Paul was preachings is an example of what I believe is one of the great strengths of the bible. The bible does not try to hide the frailties of humanity. The scripture reveals the sins and shortcomings of great people of faith like Abram and David, as well as showing us the failings of ordinary people like Eutychus. These revelations are a constant reminder that we are in the need of the grace that God so freely gives.