DECEMBER 26, Acts 23:11

Paul’s 3rd missionary journey ended in Jerusalem and he reported back to the church leaders. We would have thought that he would have his well deserved rest. But it was not so. Instead in Jerusalem he faced more persecution. In Acts chapter 21, there was a rumour that Paul taught Jews to abandon the Law and Jewish rituals. When he was in the temple of Jerusalem preaching, the Jews stirred up the people to throw him out of the temple and he almost died. The Roman soldiers on duty were ordered by their commander to put Paul in jail. The commander thought Paul was the Egyptian who had caused a riot a few days ago. All these sufferings that Paul went through had a very great impact on him, draining him of his strength physically and emotionally.

Later on in Acts chapter 23, inside a prison, the good Lord appeared to him and comforted him. The Lord brought peace and assurance to the lonely and sad apostle. This was the second incident recorded in the Bible that Jesus appeared to Paul.

When was the first incident? ______________________ .

Our Heavenly Father cares for us just as He cared for Paul.
Are you down and discouraged? Have you lost something precious? Are you facing a problem now? Perhaps it is a loved one, a grandmother or father, who is not well. Maybe you were scolded unfairly by teachers in school. Someone accused you of something you did not do. Talk to the Lord – cast all your worries to God!

1 Peter 5:7 tells us, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” That is our gracious God. He loves to comfort us, but we must first go to Him in prayer.

Thought: The Lord will comfort.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You care. Sometimes I feel lonely and sad. Sometimes I am confused and weak. Help me Lord, especially during those times, to turn to You for comfort. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.