Today’s reading is Acts 21:1-22:30.

Paul had been traveling for the Lord for years. He had been stoned, beaten, persecuted. He had been through a great deal for the Lord. Now, he is on his way to Jerusalem and repeatedly the Holy Spirit is pointing out that when he gets there, he is going to be imprisoned by the Jews and handed over to the Gentiles. The Christians tried to get Paul to avoid this fate, but Paul’s reaction in Acts 21:13 is amazing.

“What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

What an example. Sometimes I’m not even willing to be looked at funny for the name of the Lord Jesus, but Paul was willing to go to prison and die for it. Such conviction is a pattern for us all. 

Today, I need to work on my conviction and my confession. Am I showing people that I am God’s child? Am I telling them? Or am I in fear that they might find out and do something about it? I need to grow to be like Paul.

***Question: How do you increase your conviction and your confidence in Jesus Christ?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC