Today’s Key Scripture

“To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know.… I appeal to Caesar.”

—Acts 25:10-11

Paul’s reliance on the Lord never wavered. In the face of the Jews who hated him and the Romans who were baffled by him, he remained not only confident but lively and aggressive! He boldly maintained that what he had done was legal under the laws of the land, and he even desired to face Caesar!

Now make no mistake, the Romans had heard Paul’s message, even though they didn’t quite understand it yet. In fact, the Roman official noted his understanding that Paul’s message was about “Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive” (Acts 25:19).

What baffled them was that Paul not only affirmed it, he was totally convinced of it. His confidence was unshakable, regardless of the questioning or persecution that he faced.

How did Paul know Christ was alive, despite the loneliness of a prison cell, in the pain of a flogging, or in the desolation of a shipwreck? How could he write, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37)?

Through his never-ending companionship with the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul understood and was emboldened.

The Holy Spirit will be with you, too, in all the tough times you encounter.

 

 

A Prayer for Today

Good morning, Holy Spirit! I arise today so confident in Your arms, empowered by You, and immersed in Your love. May I ever be mindful of what a unique privilege it is to wake up every day, confident and able to come into Your presence. May I never take this cherished honor for granted; instead, may I seek to honor You with a willing spirit, an open heart, and an intense determination to serve You obediently and wholeheartedly today and every day for the rest of my life. I pray this in the name above all names, Jesus, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.