Daily Devotional for January 7, 2015
Acts 26
Scripture:
19-31 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen–that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long–I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”
Observation:
Late at night, a burglar attempted to enter a home by crawling headfirst down the chimney. A few feet into his endeavor he found himself stuck. His cries for help went unanswered because the residents were sound asleep. In the morning, sounds of whimpering coming from the family room led to the man’s discovery, and the police were summoned. After the demolition of a few bricks, the perpetrator was in handcuffs. The man claimed not to remember anything. “I’m innocent,” he said. His actions spoke much louder than his words.
At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable” (Acts 26:24–25).
Not everyone who hears of our hope will accept our message. The evidence of our lives—the joy we have and the peace we know—speak loudly on our behalf. When we are caught living our faith, some will see our trust in Jesus as true and reasonable.
Application:
- Personal Application: Our words and actions are inseparable. Actions that honor God can be overshadowed when our speech does not. Likewise, our speech that honors God can be overshadowed by actions that don’t. As Spirit-empowered men our words and actions must always honor God.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that we must honor God with our actions and our words at all times. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you stay innocent of sin and be willing to live your faith for all to see.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will embrace the importance of not only saying how good God is, but also proving it with their life.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, January 3 – Sunday, January 10:
- Sunday, January 3: Acts 22
- Monday, January 4: Acts 23
- Tuesday, January 5: Acts 24
- Wednesday, January 6: Acts 25
- Thursday, January 7: Acts 26
- Friday, January 8: Acts 27
- Saturday, January 9: Acts 28
- Sunday, January 10: Psalm 70-71
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
Portions of this devotional are adapted from God’s Word for Today, November 25, 2013.
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