Day 406: Political ExpediencyActs 24:27
When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Thoughts for Today:I must say I have become a bit of a skeptic when it comes to our country's political and judiciary system. Somehow knowing it is the best in the world (as my friend's often tell me) despite its flaws gives me little comfort. For example, it seems government regularly ignores its responsibilities to protect our rights as it seeks to win the political support of special interest groups. What happened to government of the people, by the people, and for the people? What about our constitution? Do our politicians or judges ever read it, or more important abide by it?

I wonder if Paul wasn't becoming a little skeptical about Roman justice as well. Paul was a Roman citizen, yet here he was still in prison, held without a trial for two more years. I would have become a bit agitated to say the least. I hate to admit it, but I might even have become a little upset with God as well, after all Paul was one of God's primary evangelists, so why would God leave him rotting in jail?

Two thousand years later as we look at this event we might come up with some answers: perhaps God was protecting Paul (he was so outspoken the Jews were on a mission to kill him); maybe God wanted to slow Paul down from his mission work long enough so he would write the "prison epistles"; or it could be God knew Paul needed a longer time to recover from injuries suffered during his mission work. We don't know for sure. However, we have the benefit of reflecting on Paul's prison term from our perspective many years later. But at the time, while sitting there for two years, Paul probably felt some impatience toward God, and skepticism with his government regarding justice versus politics. What do you think?
Questions to Ponder:I feel blessed to have been born in this country and at this particular time and age. I can actually write a criticism of government without the threat of imprisonment or death. We have religious freedom as well -- it is truly an incredible gift God has given to us. Unfortunately, when we are in a difficult predicament (like Paul) sometimes its easy to forget how blessed we are. In other words we're angry for what we lack rather than being thankful for what we have. Paul was caught between political factions, and his personal rights as a Roman citizen were being trampled upon. Paul didn't know how or why God would turn his imprisonment to good -- just that He would. This kind of makes any of our personal scenes seem pretty insignificant, doesn't it? Paul trusted God. Am I? Are you? When we trust God, we may not always receive the outcome we think we want, but we always are given the right one.

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​Day 405: Give Them JesusActs 24:24-26
Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
Thoughts for Today:We have a friend of the family who is in a pretty difficult spot, financially, emotionally, and most important spiritually. Her situation is complicated by a dependency on alcohol. Every time she calls I know the conversation will eventually get around to the one thing she thinks she wants -- money. So every time I talk to her I give her Jesus instead.

My wife and I have tried many different things. We've tried mentoring and coaching, finding intervention type of programs, helping her go through her bills to create a budget, looked through want ads to find a job, offered to take her to church with us, and given her money of course. None of that has worked, so every time I see her I say the same thing, "The answer to your problem will never be money, job, or therapy. You need the one step solution, you need Jesus. He and only He is the answer to all of your problems and all of your unhappiness. I can't fix you, Sherry can't fix you, but Jesus can."

When I read our passage today I thought about our friend. Paul "discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come." Felix was afraid but unchanged -- just like our friend. He sent Paul away saying, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." Unfortunately, the only time our friend finds it convenient to talk with us is when her life is spinning out of control.
Questions to Ponder:Does this story sound familiar to you? What has been your solution?

Day 403: Debunking MythsActs 24:21
[Paul speaking] "...unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: 'It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.' "
Thoughts for Today:When I was 8 years old, like many boys I developed a fascination with magic tricks. Watching a magician pull a rabbit out of a hat, or perform a card trick, fascinated me. My ultimate all-time hero was Harry Houdini. So you can probably guess who I picked, when in third grade my class was asked to write a biography about a famous person.

I found out a lot about the man -- his background, his famous illusions and escapes, and one thing I found particularly interesting: throughout his career Harry Houdini spent a lot of time exposing mediums and psychics as frauds. Just prior to his death he became so concerned these con artists would try to contact him beyond the grave (using his death to further deceive the public), that he gave his wife 10 code words to repeat to verify his identity. Although seances continue to this day on the anniversary of his death, no one has ever been able to say the code words correctly. In this way, Houdini was able to continue debunking spiritualists beyond the grave.

In our passage today, Paul references his belief in resurrection and the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus is unique in this well-documented historical event. He is the only person to not only make the claim ("Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days" - John 2:19), but also do it ("Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." - John 20:26-27). No myths, superstitions, illusions or magic tricks -- just the indisputable evidence of life after death. Houdini's death debunked claims of contact with the spirit word; Christ's death and resurrection proved His life, purpose and identity. Are you living as someone who knows the truth?
Questions to Ponder:Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:12-14, "But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." I believe in the resurrection of the dead, do you? How significant is this to your view of life on this earth? Sometimes our bodies can seem so real, tangible and permanent, yet we know this world to be an illusion. Which world will you live for today, the one that will pass away or the one that is eternal?

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Day 402: Who is Your Support?Acts 24:17-20
[Paul speaking] "After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin -- "
Thoughts for Today:Paul is saying, "I was in the temple to do good (gifts for the poor and to present offerings), I was ceremonially clean, there was no crowd and I wasn't agitating anyone -- I was just minding my own business -- so if anyone says I did something wrong, at least they should be here to speak." Tertullus (the hired "legal gun") and Ananias (the chief priest) were present, yet they had not witnessed Paul's actions. Mosaic Law required every accusation to be confirmed by at least two witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15), therefore Paul had discounted Tertullus' accusations as "hearsay" (information that is heard from other people) and inadmissible so to speak.

Certainly the Jews have trouble with their case before Felix, however one glaring problem is Paul's lack of witnesses. Remember it was James (and the other leaders of the Jerusalem church) who had instructed Paul to go to the temple in the first place. Where were they when it came to defending their brother?

I read a story recently about an 18 year old who had become cheerleader for her high school. On the surface it isn't a remarkable story except Brittany Blythe was born without shinbones (at two years of age her legs had to be amputated from the knee down). Her lifelong dream was to become a cheerleader despite doubt from her coaches in her ability to do the stunts. Yet Brittany was undaunted and in 2007 when her high school won a junior varsity cheer leading tournament, she was right there with them, dancing and cheering with the rest of the squad.

When I first shared this story with my wife, her first thought was, "She must have had some really great parents to help her get through it all." How important is support for those who have big plans, and where does that support come from?
Questions to Ponder:Where does your strength come from? Parent, husband, wife, family, friends, etc? How strong are your convictions and your faith if you were forced to stand alone? The Psalmist asks the question (Psalms 27:1): "Whom shall I be afraid; Whom shall I fear?" Then answers: "The Lord is my light and salvation; The Lord is my stronghold." Is your faith in your support group or in the Lord -- the only One with the power to save?

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​Day 401: Part 4: What I DoActs 24:16
"So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."
Thoughts for Today:I have really been struggling with business and financial decisions lately. The economy has been a challenge and I don't have a clear idea of "the right" thing to do. I don't want to make a mistake which might put my family at risk financially, nor do I want to commit an ethical blunder because I am trying to protect assets. Sometimes things can be so confusing (especially when money is involved).

As I discussed my dilemma with other Christian brothers including the pastor of my church, there seemed to be three common themes or questions:

1. Have you prayed about it?

2. What does the Bible say about it?

3. Is your conscience clear before God and man?

All three of those force us to defer to God's higher authority rather than our own self interest. But that last one from our passage today is a particularly sticky one -- it throws man into the mix as well. Maybe I could justify my conscience clear before God, but is it clear before man? (This implies the laws of our society as well as the interests of another individual or group.) And if I could keep my conscience clear before man, what about God? He knows my heart and my intent. For Him righteousness does not involve legal gamesmanship or self justification.

All of this brought me back to 1 (prayer), and 2 (Scripture). Prayer convicted me and Scripture instructed me: It's all God's so why try to hold on to something that isn't yours to begin with? When I let go of things/stuff/money I finally saw God's will in my circumstance. It was really pretty simple. Too bad it took so many months to figure it out. I guess I'm just a slow learner.

In our previous devotions, Paul admitted he was a follower of Jesus Christ (Part 1: What I Admit); his belief in all Scripture (Part 2: What I Believe); and his hope in the promise of God for a resurrection of all believers and non-believers (Part 3: What I Hope for). In our passage today, he now tells us these foundational principles control everything he does (Part 4: What I Do), as he "strives always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." I think that's a pretty good way to approach life on this earth and the myriad of choices and decisions we face each and every day.
Questions to Ponder:Romans 12:1 tells us, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship." We are a "living" sacrifice. Why? Because we regularly crawl off the altar to go back to doing our own will rather than God's. When we struggle it's because we've lost our way. We need to get back up on the altar. Put our stuff back up there as well. Are you having difficulty with a decision? What does the Bible say about it? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit's influence? Have you surrendered everything you have and everything you are to God?

Day 400: Part 3: What I HopeActs 24:15
"... and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked."
Thoughts for Today:Although there is still much discussion about this issue, most Biblical scholars agree there will be two resurrections, the first for believers and the second for unbelievers.

Resurrection of believers:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words."

This passage is the foundation for what has widely become known as "The Rapture," in which Jesus comes back and the world experiences one thousand years of unparalleled peace and prosperity.

Revelation 20:1-5, "And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended... They [believers] came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection."

At the end of this time will be the second resurrection, the Resurrection of the unbeliever:

Revelation 20: 11-15, "Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

There will always be those who profess to live by their own set of moral and ethical standards, who compare themselves to the world and ask, "I'm a good person aren't I? Why then should I go to hell?" That is until the records are opened and every thought, lie, attitude, and deed is revealed. There is no grading on the curve. There is no higher or lesser degree of guilt or innocence. Either we are guilty or innocent. Which are you?
Questions to Ponder:Paul's hope was for a resurrection -- one in which all believers would stand blameless before God, our sin covered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This past week the Pastor of my church asked the question, "Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, or is being a Christian just something you do?" In other words, is being a Christian simply another activity or a job like being a mechanic, hairdresser, or skier. In Colossians 1:27 Paul wrote, "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." What is your "hope of glory"? Mine is Jesus.

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Day 399: Part 2: What I BelieveActs 24:14b
"I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets... "
Thoughts for Today:I was flipping channels the other night when I happened on comedian Bill Moyer commenting on the credentials of then Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Moyer said, "How can you vote for anyone who believes a big fish ate a guy then barfed him out three days laterunharmed, or in a boat that held two of every animal and insect in the world? Think about it, why didn't he just swat the mosquitoes and be done with them?" 

Sometimes Bible stories can cause us to wonder, "How is that possible?" I think the answer is in our concept of God. If we begin with the belief that God is the creator of the universe and everything in it, then we also acknowledge He made the rules -- and if He wants to change them on occasion to make a point about who He is, then who are we to question Him?

I was playing handball with my seven year old daughter Amanda the other evening. This is not adult handball but elementary school handball played with a big red ball which is hit double fisted against the garage door. I never quite got the hang of the rules or the objective. Every time I thought I made a point, my daughter would say something like, "underdog," "babies," "tap," "slider," "out of the court catch," etc. I was confused to say the least, so it is not surprising when she told me I had lost. I couldn't help but think she was making up the rules as we went along.

My point is twofold: first, just because we don't understand how something is possible doesn't mean it isn't; and second, just because we don't think there are rules doesn't mean they don't exist. I think the best place to start a discussion regarding the authenticity of certain Biblical events is where Paul began his dissertation in our passage today, "I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets." The world says the Bible is foolishness and anyone who believes in it is a fool. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:18-19, "Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a fool so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight." I am proud to be called a fool for my belief in the Bible. What about you?
Questions to Ponder:Where do you stand on some of the least scientifically explainable Biblical events? Doubting? Waiting for the next scientific breakthrough for explanation? Or do you take the Bible and God at face value? How strong is your faith and belief when confronted with the world's wisdom?

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Day 398: Part 1: What I AdmitActs 24:14a
[Paul speaking] "However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect."
Thoughts for Today:Paul is speaking before Felix, defending the accusations made against him by the Jews. Previously, Paul had denied some of the charges, now he begins with the first of four "What I's." He clarifies "What I Admit".

Paul is crystal clear: "I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way." Six times in the Book of Acts, believers are referred to as followers of the Way. Only two times are they referred to as Christians -- the word "Christian" (little Christ) was actually considered an insult when used by those outside the faith. I really like "the Way," because it truly reflects the message of Jesus Christ. Jesus wasn't one of many options. He wasn't one of several paths that lead to God. He spoke very plainly, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

I have a friend who considers himself a Christian because he believes in Jesus. I asked him if he believes that Jesus is the son of God who lived as a man, died for our sins, yet defeated death through His resurrection. He said, "Sure, but I don't believe that God or Jesus created some exclusive club for Christians only. I don't think God is that narrow-minded." In other words, he believes that Christianity is just a "sect" containing a lot of truth, but only one of many paths. I quoted John 14:6 and asked him how he reconciled his many paths concept with what Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father except through me." He looked at me for a really long time and then said, "I don't know, I'll have to think about that." I said, "I hope you give it some serious thought, because everything hinges on that one statement."
Questions to Ponder:What do you admit? Do you admit Christianity, or your "sect" (Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, etc)? Do you admit your belief in the one and only Way or have you become more open-minded to other perspectives? Jesus was very clear on this subject. Are you? Who do you follow?

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Day 397: A Witness for Your Own DefenseActs 24:10-12
When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me."
Thoughts for Today:When I was growing up, my younger brother was the biggest pest on the face of the earth. One of his favorite things to do was to sneak up on my older sister and I -- slap, pull hair, or pinch one of us -- then run from the room laughing. He would continue to do this until one of us would stop what we were doing and give chase.

Unfortunately for my sister and I, when we gave chase he would immediately start crying while running to my Mom or Dad and say, "Mike and Nancy are picking on me!" The evidence of an angry older brother or sister chasing a tearful sibling would seem to support his testimony. So, invariably, we would be chastised and sometimes punished, until one fateful day when my Dad observed the whole story. Needless to say it was the last time one of my parents came to my brother's defense. If only in life we were able to find justice as easily.

In our passage today, Paul begins his own defense, but rather than use words of flattery like Tertullus did, he gives a statement of fact about Felix: "for many years you have been a judge over this nation." He then recounts the exact details of the charges made against him. While there had indeed been riots in Jerusalem while Paul was there, the charges that he caused them must be proven.
Questions to Ponder:The lesson many learn from Paul's experience (or our own similar ones) is to not get involved. That's especially true in today's culture where so often people are afraid of confrontation. After all, if Paul hadn't gone to Jerusalem in the first place he wouldn't have been in trouble. If he hadn't gone to the temple he couldn't have been accused of defiling it. If he hadn't spoken about Jesus he wouldn't have been attacked. But are those really the lessons God would have us learn from the passage, or even from our own experiences? Have you learned the wrong lesson from anything in your past that has made you more timid, skeptical or afraid? Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:12 where his boldness comes from, "since we have such a hope [in Jesus], we are very bold."

My Dad taught me through my childhood experience with my brother to have faith that justice would ultimately prevail and to not (in frustration) take matters into my own hands. What I have learned as an adult is justice may not come in this life, but that shouldn't stop me from living "boldly" for Christ. What lessons have you learned that need to be maturely rewritten?

Day 396: Spin ControlActs 24:5-9
"We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him." The Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
Thoughts for Today:You have probably heard the old joke that is often targeted at lawyers or politicians: How do you know a (lawyer or politician) is lying? Answer: when his lips are moving. In our passage today, Tertullus is a litigator who was hired by the Jews to bring charges against Paul is speaking. But is he lying or just "spinning" the truth? It seems, a bit of both. Let's look at each accusation:

* Was Paul a troublemaker? Wherever Paul went in the Jewish community he created controversy because he spoke the truth of the Messiah who was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. And people believed.

* A ringleader of the Nazarene sect? The people who were against the early church insulted new believers either by calling them Nazarenes (referring to Nazareth, the small town Jesus came from and which Nathaniel referred to in John 1:40, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?").

* Did he try to desecrate the temple? The rumor mill had it that Paul had taken Gentiles into the temple. Although this was not true, Tertullus was more concerned with winning the case than he was with the facts.

Exaggeration, insult, and an outright lie -- that's pretty tough to defend.

For many of us the truth depends on your point of view. Jesus said, "Everyone on the side of truth listens to me," (John 18:37). Pontius Pilate replied, "What is truth?" (John 18:38). I guess getting to the truth can be confusing and difficult for some (like Pilate) -- it all depends on who you listen to. Who do you listen to?
Questions to Ponder:In these days of exaggeration, insults and lies, it can be very difficult to get at the truth. Eloquent speakers such as Tertullus come forward and spin facts toward their own self-interested conclusions. So how are we to know the right thing to do, the right cause to support, or who to believe?

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