DEVOTIONS - ACTS 25 & 26.

Are you ready for some reading this week? Two chapters in one week. Lots to read. Lots to think about.

Monday: Appeal to Caesar . Read: Acts 25: 1 – 12 Felix is recalled to in 57/60 AD. Festus takes over & rules for 2 years. Unfortunately for him he dies in office. Albinus follows on from Festus. Paul has already been in prison in Caesarea. Why? To keep the Jews happy! Will things be different under Festus? At the start it doesn’t look good. Paul stands his ground & again in the Court Room pleads his case - again NO Guilt proven. But it looks like the same result, PRISON! So he pleads to go to Caesar. Read: 23: 11 Have you ever had a tough time? No one ever believed you? You were called Guilty while Innocent? Well Paul knows how you feel. Who else in the could you name as well? So our response is needed to be Christ like. Prayer: LORD , you said in this World we would have trouble, but we are to be of good cheer because you have overcome the WORLD - Yes & Amen!

Tuesday: KING AGRIPPA. Read: Acts 25: 13 – 27 Remember its only about 2 to 3 weeks that Festus has been in power. KING AGRIPA & Bernice come to welcome the new Governor. But who is KING AGRIPPA? This King is 11. The son of HEROD AGRIPPA 1 - He killed James the Apostle. This KING AGRIPPA11 becomes a great leader & is given land & Cities by both Claudius & . When the rebellion comes he joins his Army to TITUS & assists in the Destruction of . One last thing - His Grandad is HEROD the GREAT - the HEROD at the Birth of Jesus. Bernice was his Uncle’s Wife & his Sister. With great pomp & ceremony King Agrippa is brought in & Paul stands before him. Festus has bought King Agrippa up to speed. “Paul claims this Jesus was raised from the dead”. Have you ever got “in trouble” for what you have believed? In Malawi, Tim & Mel often get in trouble & then ripped off because they won’t ‘pay bribes’. What is the cost of following Jesus fully? Is it getting harder & harder? Prayer: LORD Jesus, may I always make a stand for you. May I never bow down to the lies of this WORLD. Amen.

Wednesday: Paul’s Testimony before King Agrippa. (Part 1) Read: : 1 – 16 Paul starts his defence by acknowledging who he is standing before & declares himself fortunate to stand before someone who knows the Jewish Customs & Controversies. Paul gives his Story before Jesus - then he meets Jesus - is transformed & Jesus lets him know what he is TO DO. What was your life like before Jesus? What was it like for you when you met Jesus? What changes took place? Since that day what has Jesus told you, you are to do? Prayer: LORD Jesus, thank you for saving me & for forgiving me ALL my SIN. May I listen today for all you would have me to DO. Amen.

Wednesday: Paul’s Testimony (Part 2). Read: Acts 26: 16 – 32 Paul continues sharing his story. He tells of his journey & his preaching. “Repent & Turn to GOD & prove your repentance by the way you live” (Verse 20) He again states he has done Nothing Wrong. I am just stating what Moses the Prophet said, “that Christ would suffer & as the first to rise from the dead, proclaim light to Israel & the Gentiles”. (Verse 23) Festus & Agrippa try to calm Paul down. I am guessing he got quite passionate....Festus said, “you have gone crazy”. Agrippa said, “are you trying to convert me?” But at the end both agree Paul is INNOCENT. What is your passion? What gets you excited in GOD? Are you involved in this area? IF not, why not? - come & talk to me & let’s see what we can DO! Prayer: LORD Jesus, You are my Rock! I will look to you in the times of trouble. Fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit. May I be more Passionate Today than Yesterday. Amen.

Friday: Review Read: Acts 25 & 26 After reading the whole story, what jumps out at you? After this event Paul is finally sent to Rome; a journey that will take him 18 months to 2 years, with a ship wreck & everything. So Paul was on a journey. We are on a journey. What is GOD teaching you Today? Take time & Pray, thanking GOD for who he is & all he has done in & through your life. Then stop & recommit anew, your life & all you love - Be in the Father’s Hands & in His WILL. Amen.