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God Can Turn Things Around
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Acts 9: 18-19, NIV Saul, also known as Paul, was once a man who hurt Christians. He was full of zeal and eagerness to destroy those who follow Jesus. In fact, he went to Damascus just to threaten the people there, not knowing God had a different plan for him. It turned out that Saul met Jesus along the way. He encountered the Man who changed his life forever. From a person who persecuted the church to a person who was willing…
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Paul Became A Blessing Even Though He Was Held As A Prisoner
Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ Acts 27:23-24, NIV Paul was held as a prisoner and sailed to Rome. He was in the middle of a situation that was not favorable and comfortable. But even though he went through some trials, he still managed to encourage the people around him. The ship where he was boarded encountered storms. People were already losing hope, but an angel of God reminded him of…
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Let’s Not Focus On The Pain And The Bad Things That Happened
Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. Acts 5: 17-21, NIV When the apostles were arrested, God sent an angel to rescue them. After that, they were instructed to continue preaching…
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Repay Evil With Good
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:17,NIV “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.” Sadly, this is usually what the world follows. You would rarely see people who would repay evil with good deeds. Repaying painful words with unforgiveness, heartbreaking deeds with bitterness and grudge, mistakes with disrespect. These are the common things you would experience. But here comes Paul, trying to remind us to do good despite the pain. IT’S NOT EASY. But it’s possible. It takes dying and surrender. And the more you do what is right in the eyes of God, the…
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Acts 28:31, NIV
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! Acts 28:31, NIV Paul arrived in Rome because the Jews compelled him to appeal to Caesar. There, he continued to testify about what Jesus did in his life, and because they couldn’t find any justifiable reason to keep him in prison, Paul was given the chance to stay in Rome for two years. And there, He proclaimed the Kingdom of God. The difficulties and persecutions that he experienced in Jerusalem didn’t stop Him from teaching people about who Jesus is. With all boldness and without hindrance, Paul chose to glorify God. He…
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Acts 28:8, NIV
His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8, NIV Paul was held as a prisoner and was going to Rome. While they were on the journey, they encountered unexpected storms and were brought to the island called Malta. The people there saw what happened to Paul when he was bitten by a snake, but he suffered no ill effect. Because of this, they thought that Paul was a god. They brought the sick people to him, and one of them was the father of the island’s chief official.…
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Acts 27: 25, NIV
So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Acts 27:25, NIV Paul was still in bondage when He said these encouraging words. While he and the other prisoners were boarding a ship, they encountered a storm, and sailing had already been dangerous. But even through the storms, God sent His angel to comfort Paul. He received a message that reminded him not to be afraid. And because of this, He gained enough strength to also remind the people who were traveling with them. Even though He went through difficulties, Paul still firmly believed and kept His faith.…
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Acts 26:22-24, NIV
But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” Acts 26: 22-24, NIV Paul was an intelligent person. He knew what was written in the law, and He was even part of the people who…
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Acts 24:16, NIV
So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:16, NIV This is what Paul explained to the governor in Caesarea. He was accused as a troublemaker and was believed to be a ringleader of a Nazarene sect (this is what they labeled Christians in the early days). When Paul tried to testify about his faith, he never failed to glorify God through the words that he said. He strived to keep His conscience clear before God and man. He remained faithful and true to the words that He said, fearing nothing. This moment was not easy, but Paul learned to present himself as a…
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Acts 23:11, NIV
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”Acts 23:11 NIV The Lord was with Paul when He experienced persecution and interrogation. People were in an uproar because of the message that he shared. They were triggered, and they tried to accuse Him of things that weren’t true. But even though Paul was questioned about His faith, He still testified about the gospel. He stayed faithful to God. And all throughout His suffering, Jesus never leaves him. He gave Paul the strength that He needed. He provided him with enough grace. He…
