Acts 23-24, Psalm 130
Acts 24:14-16 (NLT)
“But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.”
In Acts 24:14–15, Paul spoke before the Roman governor Felix and defended what he believed. Paul made it clear that he was a follower of Jesus Christ, whose followers were called the Way and were considered a sect. But Paul also made it clear that he worshiped the God of his ancestors and believed in Jewish law and everything that was written by the prophets. Paul then said he believed in the resurrection of the dead, both the righteous and the unrighteous, like many devout Jews at the time.
One Bible commentary I read noted that Paul emphasized that people who followed Jesus Christ also believed in the God of their ancestors, Jewish law, and the word of the prophets. Jesus Christ lived and was resurrected as a fulfillment of the Lord's promises to His people. Paul made it clear that Jesus was Israel's covenant hope. The resurrection of Christ was spoken about in Scripture, and Jesus was the fulfillment of the promised Messiah whom people prayed for. Paul then said he always strove to maintain a clear conscience before the Lord and others.
These verses show that Paul's faith in Jesus Christ was deeply rooted in his study of Jewish law and the writings of the prophets. The teachings and life of Jesus Christ did not depart from the faith of his ancestors but were instead the fulfillment of the covenant promise of a Messiah. Paul's hope in the resurrection of the dead motivated him to live a life that was honorable before the Lord and His people. When I read these verses, I liked how Paul acknowledged what he believed and affirmed the authority of the Old Testament because there were prophetic writings that pointed to the life of Christ and His resurrection. I pray that I can defend my faith as honestly and eloquently as Paul did, and not be ashamed of what I believe and why I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One whose life and resurrection were foretold in the prophetic writings of the Old Testament—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Day 289 Bible Readings for October 18 - Acts 21:13-14 (NLT)
Acts 21-22, Psalm 129
Acts 21:13-14 (NLT)
“But he said, ‘Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.’ When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’”
In Acts 21:13–14, Paul responded to the pleas of his traveling companions and the believers at Caesarea. Agabus warned that Paul would face imprisonment in Jerusalem. But Paul said he was not only ready to be arrested but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of Jesus. Paul was determined to go to Jerusalem despite Agabus' prediction because the Lord had already revealed that Paul would suffer for the sake of Christ. When the believers saw that Paul could not be persuaded not to go to Jerusalem, they surrendered to Father-God's sovereign purpose for Paul's life.
These verses show believers that Paul was ready to face imprisonment and death for the sake of Jesus Christ. One Bible commentary said Paul's motivation serves as an example for believers facing opposition. Believers need to stand firm in their faith and trust the Lord's plan. Paul's actions were also an example of the importance of submitting to the Lord's will, even when it leads to personal sacrifice and hardship.
Paul knew from the beginning of his ministry that Jesus had said he would suffer for His name. He accepted the suffering as part of what it would take to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. What struck me is that even when warned by Agabus of what would happen to him, Paul never wavered. He spread the name of Jesus Christ and had suffered, and he was willing to do it again when he went to Jerusalem. I pray that I have the courage of Paul in submitting to the will of the Lord, even when it could lead to personal sacrifice and hardship. I also pray for discernment like Paul's because he constantly turned to the Lord for guidance on his next actions.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who has a will for our lives and will give us the courage to follow it—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Acts 21:13-14 (NLT)
“But he said, ‘Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.’ When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’”
In Acts 21:13–14, Paul responded to the pleas of his traveling companions and the believers at Caesarea. Agabus warned that Paul would face imprisonment in Jerusalem. But Paul said he was not only ready to be arrested but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of Jesus. Paul was determined to go to Jerusalem despite Agabus' prediction because the Lord had already revealed that Paul would suffer for the sake of Christ. When the believers saw that Paul could not be persuaded not to go to Jerusalem, they surrendered to Father-God's sovereign purpose for Paul's life.
These verses show believers that Paul was ready to face imprisonment and death for the sake of Jesus Christ. One Bible commentary said Paul's motivation serves as an example for believers facing opposition. Believers need to stand firm in their faith and trust the Lord's plan. Paul's actions were also an example of the importance of submitting to the Lord's will, even when it leads to personal sacrifice and hardship.
Paul knew from the beginning of his ministry that Jesus had said he would suffer for His name. He accepted the suffering as part of what it would take to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. What struck me is that even when warned by Agabus of what would happen to him, Paul never wavered. He spread the name of Jesus Christ and had suffered, and he was willing to do it again when he went to Jerusalem. I pray that I have the courage of Paul in submitting to the will of the Lord, even when it could lead to personal sacrifice and hardship. I also pray for discernment like Paul's because he constantly turned to the Lord for guidance on his next actions.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who has a will for our lives and will give us the courage to follow it—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Day 288 Bible Readings for October 17 - Acts 20:33-35 (NLT)
Acts 19-20, Psalm 128
Acts 20:33-35 (NLT)
“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
In Acts 20:33–35, Paul met with the elders of the church in Ephesus and told them he never aimed to profit from his ministry. He did not covet anyone's silver, gold, or fine clothes. Paul then told them he worked with his own hands to supply his personal necessities. His labor also helped provide for his companions in his work to spread the gospel. Paul then reminded the elders of the church that his conduct had matched his teaching. Through his hard work, Paul was able to help those in need.
One Bible commentary I read noted that Paul's freedom from the desire for possessions and status confirmed his reliance on the Lord's provision in his life. That same Bible commentary also noted that Father-God wants the hearts of believers free from greed so they can give themselves fully to Christ and His people. Another Bible commentary noted that these verses show that Paul exemplifies the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. Paul demonstrated that he had a selfless approach to his ministry.
These verses remind me that, as a believer, my conduct needs to reflect the character of Jesus Christ. Paul showed that giving was a source of blessing in his life and aligned with what Jesus taught. The fruit of Paul's labor was that he was able to be generous to those who worked alongside him and those in need. I pray that, like Paul, I am motivated to give the Lord glory and to build up the Lord's people.
Acts 20:33-35 (NLT)
“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
In Acts 20:33–35, Paul met with the elders of the church in Ephesus and told them he never aimed to profit from his ministry. He did not covet anyone's silver, gold, or fine clothes. Paul then told them he worked with his own hands to supply his personal necessities. His labor also helped provide for his companions in his work to spread the gospel. Paul then reminded the elders of the church that his conduct had matched his teaching. Through his hard work, Paul was able to help those in need.
One Bible commentary I read noted that Paul's freedom from the desire for possessions and status confirmed his reliance on the Lord's provision in his life. That same Bible commentary also noted that Father-God wants the hearts of believers free from greed so they can give themselves fully to Christ and His people. Another Bible commentary noted that these verses show that Paul exemplifies the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. Paul demonstrated that he had a selfless approach to his ministry.
These verses remind me that, as a believer, my conduct needs to reflect the character of Jesus Christ. Paul showed that giving was a source of blessing in his life and aligned with what Jesus taught. The fruit of Paul's labor was that he was able to be generous to those who worked alongside him and those in need. I pray that, like Paul, I am motivated to give the Lord glory and to build up the Lord's people.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One whose character is an example for believers to emulate—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Friday, October 16, 2026
Day 287 Bible Readings - Acts 18:9-11 (NLT)
Acts 17-18, Psalm 127
Acts 18:9-11 (NLT)
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, ‘Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.’ So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.”
In Acts 18:9–11, Paul heard from the Lord in a vision when he was in Corinth. Paul was preaching in the synagogue, but when the people there opposed him, he decided to preach to the Gentiles. Paul stayed at the home of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and his entire household became believers. Many others in Corinth also believed and were baptized. Father-God told Paul that He was with him and that no one would attack and harm him because many people belonged to the Lord. After the vision, Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching about Christ.
One Bible commentary I read noted that the implication behind the Lord telling Paul not to be afraid was that Paul feared his work in Corinth would be cut short by opposing Jews or others. Paul had recently faced hostility in Philippi and Thessalonica. Paul later wrote to the church in Corinth and said, “I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3). Father-God told him to keep on speaking and not be silent and promised him protection. Paul trusted in what the Lord said and stayed in Corinth for eighteen months.
What struck me about these verses is that the Lord spoke to Paul directly in a vision and strengthened him. Father-God knew that Paul was fearful, so He encouraged him not to be afraid and to keep on speaking. The Lord also assured Paul that He would be with him in Corinth and that Paul would be protected. These verses tell me that Father-God knows when His children are fearful and will reach out to them in a hard season and assure them of His love and presence. The Lord will also give them encouragement and whatever they need to continue walking in faith.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who knows when we are afraid and will reach out to comfort us—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Acts 18:9-11 (NLT)
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, ‘Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.’ So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.”
In Acts 18:9–11, Paul heard from the Lord in a vision when he was in Corinth. Paul was preaching in the synagogue, but when the people there opposed him, he decided to preach to the Gentiles. Paul stayed at the home of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and his entire household became believers. Many others in Corinth also believed and were baptized. Father-God told Paul that He was with him and that no one would attack and harm him because many people belonged to the Lord. After the vision, Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching about Christ.
One Bible commentary I read noted that the implication behind the Lord telling Paul not to be afraid was that Paul feared his work in Corinth would be cut short by opposing Jews or others. Paul had recently faced hostility in Philippi and Thessalonica. Paul later wrote to the church in Corinth and said, “I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3). Father-God told him to keep on speaking and not be silent and promised him protection. Paul trusted in what the Lord said and stayed in Corinth for eighteen months.
What struck me about these verses is that the Lord spoke to Paul directly in a vision and strengthened him. Father-God knew that Paul was fearful, so He encouraged him not to be afraid and to keep on speaking. The Lord also assured Paul that He would be with him in Corinth and that Paul would be protected. These verses tell me that Father-God knows when His children are fearful and will reach out to them in a hard season and assure them of His love and presence. The Lord will also give them encouragement and whatever they need to continue walking in faith.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who knows when we are afraid and will reach out to comfort us—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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