PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 26:24-32
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I pray to God that all who are listening to me today may become what I am” (Acts 26:29)
Paul is living with an inward love, joy and peace that has changed him.
This is what he wants for others, that they would become what he is in Jesus.
As a Jesus follower, I make no claim to be better than others.
There are things in my life I wouldn’t wish on others.
But the encouragement of Jesus with me is one thing I do wish for others.
Though I don’t experience it fully, what I do experience I love!
Daily the Lord encourages me and challenges me to be better.
Daily the Lord strengthens, warns and guides me through life’s challenges.
When anxiety, doubt or discouragement come at me, he guides me through it.
I am being used to bless and encourage others, and I sense my life purpose.
I feel deep down that I belong, and am secure, now and forever!
I’d rather not experience the ‘chains’, but knowing Jesus helps when I do!
My heart goes out to those who do not experience his presence and help.
Is your experience of knowing Jesus something that you want for others?
PRAYER
Lord, it is not my life I wish for others, but you. I pray to God that all who read this may know you, and experience even more love, joy and peace than I do.
Paul’s defense of his actions were successful – the ‘judges’ – Festus/Agrippa/Bernice basically declared him innocent: “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Yet it was by way of Paul’s appeal to Caesar that opened up the way for Paul to go to Rome. Roman judges cleared Paul – like Pilate wanted to clear Jesus. I/we need to be faithful in our testimony – to be genuine and truthful – giving testimony to what we have experienced and how God speaks to us through His word, creation and life’s events!