"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Day 325 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 24:1-19; Psalm 119:121-128; 1 Corinthians 8:1-6)
COURAGEOUS FAITH
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”” (Acts 26:27-29 ESV)
Paul appealed to Caesar for a trial in Rome rather than be subject to the treacherous lies of the Jewish leaders. But first he is questioned by Roman rulers Festus and Agrippa. Paul’s defense is a clear proclamation of the saving Gospel of Jesus the Christ. King Agrippa’s familiarity with the Jewish prophecies prompted Paul’s direct and challenging statement: “I know that you believe.” Agrippa gave a disappointing and tragic answer. “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (King James Version) But almost doesn’t it make it when it comes to faith.
Next, we get a revealing glimpse into the focus of Paul’s life and ministry.
“Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
Paul was filled with confident faith in the Babe of Bethlehem, the Christ of Calvary and the Savior of his soul, as his letter to the church in Rome reveals.
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of courageous faith revealed in St. Paul. Lord, please give that same kind of faith so that You can use me to reach others for heaven too. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
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