Acts 21:1-16

Be still: God thank you for calling me into your presence today. Amen

Read Acts 21:1-16

When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.  Then Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' (v12,13)

Encounter: Paul saw following Jesus as the most important thing. More precious and valuable than his own comfort and even his own life.

For many Christians in the world persecution is a real threat to their lives. Following Jesus might mean rejection, imprisonment or even death. We should pray for continued strength for them, and for our world to be transformed by Jesus.

Apply: Whether in large and complicated situations or in the simple everyday choices we make, the question is: what might it mean for me to be faithful to God where I am now?

Choosing to follow Jesus in the way that we show up to work or studies. How we engage with our friends or our families. How we talk about people when they are not around. How we choose to communicate the love of Jesus to people. 

I would love to have the kind of faith that Paul has – a confidence that God is more precious than anything. I imagine, like all good virtues, this grows in us as we choose daily to be faithful to God in the small things.

Devote: Father God, please help me to be faithful to you in the small things today.