Author: Dana Hagstrom

Read Acts 22:1-23

Absolutely riveted. You will recall from our passage yesterday – we’d been left with a bit of a cliffhanger. You may also recall that just moments before our reading today, these people were out to kill Paul. They became silent when a battered Paul stood up and addressed them in their own language. It was one of those pin-drop moments.

I enjoyed hearing Paul’s speech to them playing in my mind. You can imagine this is a story Paul would have told over and over again. Especially to Jews who would be able to relate to many parts of his story. It is the story that defines Paul and his transformation. We all have a story like Paul. Maybe not as dramatic at times, but our stories matter, too.

First of all, our stories are just that, they are ours. Secondly, God is involved in our story (hopefully), so they are God stories, too. My story will speak to some people, and yours will speak to some people. Those don’t need to be the same people. And, chances are they are not the same people. They are the “right” people that need to hear “our” story.

All the time we should be ready with our story. We shouldn’t wait for that golden moment. There will be lots of openings along the way, we just need to be mindful of them. I often marvel at how many opportunities to share my story I’ve let go by because I didn’t see clearly enough. I was too busy, too involved, working too hard, whatever. Fill in the blank what “it” is for you.

Paul was all in for God. Are we?

Take a moment just to think through your own story. If you don’t know what that is because you’ve been a Christian all your life…well, that’s your story. How do you think that defines you and makes you a better human being? What’s it like to have known Jesus your whole life? That’s a cool story most people will be intrigued by.

We all know people (maybe you’re one of them) who have had a fall over, crazy memorable time of conversion.  Kind of like Paul. You have to admit Paul’s story isn’t a common one! But people love “before and afters.” That is your story.

Whatever our story, I’m feeling a little empowered to tell mine more. I know I’ve helped women before (hopefully guys, too). How about you? Are you ready to let God use your story to help someone find God? Pray about it. God will reveal those who are ready to hear your story. He will open up those opportunities. You just have to be ready and watching.

Let’s pray. Father, I am so in awe of you and your greatness. You have so many “balls up in the air” I can’t even imagine. Thanks for giving me what I need to get through each day. Right now it’s wisdom in making decisions and seeing solutions. I can boldly put my trust in you to bring me to the situations and individuals who are ready to hear my story. Thank you for the boldness to want to open my mouth. Guide the words that come out. I want to reflect you brilliantly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Acts 21:26-40

Talk about a cliffhanger! I love how there is so much emotion building. We, as onlookers, knew that something was going to happen to Paul. I was totally caught up in the story and could see it happening as if right before my eyes. To hear the angry shouts of the crowd almost deafened me. I close my eyes and I can imagine the scene almost vividly. I love it when Bible accounts come to life in my head. Watching them re-enacted on film is also sometimes helpful, especially if done well.

Despite Paul being beaten and dragged off toward the “fortress” Paul remained bold. There was so much evil hatred being born from lies it’s frightening. But Paul was prepared. As he took each blow, knowing it could be the last, I’m sure he was praying like mad. I would be. When he asked to speak after all that, I was stunned. The power of God was truly at work in him to keep his strength up to speak, much less stand and address the crowd who just demanded his death.

Paul stood ever ready for an opportunity to set the record straight and let people know the truth. He never once tried to speak down on the Jew or the Gentile. He must have seen all men as God does, equal and deserving. Loved.

Sometimes it’s hard to love everyone, especially those we are at odds with.  For them, even more, grace is required. Do you have people who come to mind that just rub you wrong, that you want to avoid at all costs? Think about why you feel this way. Remember that God loves them no matter what they’ve done.

Do you stand ready to be bold like Paul? If not, what is standing in your way? Take time today to imagine you were on trial for your faith, facing the giants of life. How will you respond?

Let’s pray. Father, forgive me when I am not as bold as I could be. Forgive me when I am timid and avoid confrontation. I pray each day for new boldness to speak out and proclaim you. I am not ashamed, may my life reflect that adoration. Today I am a bit distracted letting some concern creep into my heart. Lord remove that. Cleanse me of this feeling. I claim that indescribable peace you so freely give. Thank you that you are in control and I am not.

Read Acts 21:15-25

Paul and friends have arrived safely in Jerusalem. That was Paul’s plan. You may recall Paul had many people begging him not to go to Jerusalem due to prophecies of harm to come his way. Paul is set on his mission, has listened to his own messages from the Spirit, yet knows he is where is supposed to be.

Sometimes we need to move out of our comfort zones for God’s kingdom. It’s easy to stay where it’s safe and secure. But we miss out on so much great ministry if we stay where it’s comfortable. I am learning that more and more as I grow in my relationship with God. He wants me to step into the unknown with boldness. Moving to a new country with an openness to be used by him is a great example of how we are listening to his call. Continue reading “Acts 21:15-25 – Our Jewish Roots”

Read Acts 21:1-14

I just love how God works in and around us. Before I retired and had more time on my hands, I missed seeing God at work. He was working, but I just wasn’t seeing. I wasn’t looking. That’s really sad because I know a lot of my friends are in that same place. Going through the motions but not really seeing God’s hand at work. Not feeling his presence spark inside them.

We see Paul today totally focused and ready for anything. He knew before he was told that he was about to suffer. He was fearless for Jesus. He was probably more fearful of not obeying his call or mission. Do we fear disobedience enough? Are we being obedient to what God wants for each of us? Continue reading “Acts 21:1-14 – The Lord’s Will Be Done”

Read Acts 20:13-38

Notice I didn’t use “Au revoir” in the title. That would be French for “until we meet again.” Paul is saying his final goodbyes here to the leaders he met in Ephesus. Maybe it’s just me, but I got a little teary as I read his words. He truly loves them, but his love for the Lord is greater still.

How many times have you had to say goodbye to friends and loved ones during your life? It never gets easier for me. We’ve left whole congregations behind as we followed God’s plan for us. I know how Paul feels. He has been a nurturer and watched many lives be changed as the Holy Spirit took over. To never see those people again, to not be able to watch their faith grow, to not be a part of their lives. Continue reading “Acts 20:13-38 – Adios, Good Bye, Auf Wiedersehen”