Acts 27 - 12.31.25

Scripture: Acts 27:22-25

But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 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.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

Observation

Paul is on a ship with other prisoners bound for Rome. He is going to plead his case before Caesar. On the way, the ship is overcome by a devastating storm. Even though it looks like all will perish, the centurion in charge follows Paul’s advice, and although there is a shipwreck, all survive.

Two things stood out to me as I read Acts 27:

1. Even in the midst of what looks like the most impossible situation, God is faithful and will fulfill his purposes.

2. Paul’s faith and leadership resulted in many others being saved.

Application

We now know how God used Paul’s trip to Rome to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul took the gospel directly to the center of the Roman Empire. He spent two years under house arrest, preaching about Jesus to all who would hear and writing letters to churches throughout the empire. I don’t think Paul knew the huge role he would play in spreading the gospel. He just knew that God had called him to go to Rome, and he had the faith to believe that God would fulfill his promises.

Not only was Paul a man of great faith, he used that faith and his God given wisdom to influence and impact others. In this instance, he advised the centurion in charge and the centurion listened and followed his advice. And because of that, ALL on the ship survived the shipwreck. There are many other instances in the Bible where Paul was shown favor. Even those in power who may not have understood that God’s hand was on Paul sensed that there was something about him worth listening to and respected him.

Prayer

God, please fill me with faith and wisdom. Fill me with your presence and let it overflow so that those I come in contact with will feel it. Help me to walk in obedience and faith, regardless of the circumstances around me.

- Debbie Dunn

Acts 26 - 12.30.25

SCRIPTURE:  ACTS 26:19 – 23

19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 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— 23 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.”

OBSERVATION

Verses 19 – 23 are known as Paul’s “proclamation.” I see it as the icing on the cake. His testimony brings everything together on the who, what and why he is preaching the Gospel of salvation to all Jews and Gentiles.

Paul was in a tough position. His life was on the line. He was speaking before the King to prove the charges against him were not true. He gives a powerful testimony of his conversion and witness to God’s plan of salvation. He turned his current and very difficult situation into a very compelling sermon. Paul was bold under pressure. He was focused on the situation before him and brought it all back to God’s saving grace.

Besides sharing the Gospel message, he gave God praise by saying “But God has helped me to this very day.” Even through being beaten, under arrest, falsely charged, he was giving God all the glory. He also knew that God was with him, directing his words, giving him the boldness he needed in a difficult circumstance. Through his trust in God, and God being faithful, Paul was well equipped for this event.

I loved how he said “I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen.” Besides being in the presence of the King, who knew about Jewish customs, the Jewish leaders were listening. They understood the importance of his statement by quoting the prophets and Moses but sadly they didn’t believe him.

APPLICATION

I can’t imagine being in Paul’s shoes. He provides a compelling example of composure in an extreme situation. He was also bold in his presentation – not letting anything affect what he knew needed to be said. I am amazed and inspired by not only his testimony but how he:

Trusted in the Lord:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6

Was confident and bold:  “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” 2 Corinthians 3:12

He had no fear:  “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”  Proverbs 29:25

Gave God the Glory:  “that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”  Psalm 30:12

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for Paul’s example. His speech before the King and Jewish leaders was compelling, composed, and clearly led by the Holy Spirit. Lord, fill me with the right words when I speak about you before anyone. Help me to study your word, to be better equipped, and prepared just as 2 Timothy 2:15 says “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  Forgive me for the times where I fell short of being an approved worker. My goal is to correctly handle the truth, and to never be ashamed. Holy Spirit, fill me with all that I need to speak and share your truth and saving grace. You are faithful and I will forever praise you for everything and in everything. In Jesus name. Amen!

- Mary Oberg

Psalm 128 - 12.29.25

Scripture

Psalms‬ ‭128‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”

Observation

This Psalm, whose author is unknown, gives the secret to a blessed life. If we want our household to be blessed, we must fear the Lord and walk in obedience to Him.

Application

Blessing follows obedience.

When I was a newer Christ follower, my favorite verse was Proverbs 9:10 which says that, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

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This verse always convicted me to show reverence and respect for Jesus if I wanted to be wise. Then, the verse in the Psalms also adds that respect and obedience to the Lord brings blessings and fruit!

I am also reminded of King Solomon who was the wisest king who ever lived and who also wrote Ecclesiastes. He had access to all of the worldly pleasures and anything money could buy, but said everything was meaningless. He then concluded Ecclesiastes by saying, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” -Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This also proves that blessing according to God’s Word is not the world’s definition of blessing, like money, success, or possessions. If it was, King Solomon would not have said it was all meaningless.

Fear and obedience to the Lord produces fruit and blessings that this world cannot take away from us. It’s unending love, peace and joy in Christ that spreads and infects others beyond ourselves.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I pray that I would always follow what You want me to do and not what I want to do. You have shown me what reverence, obedience and submission to You could produce and it has definitely produced a bigger blessing in my life than doing things my own way. I pray for complete submission to You even when You ask me to do something that is difficult or that I don’t understand. Help me Holy Spirit to always remember that Your ways are greater than mine and that You always have my best interests in mind because You love me. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi