READ Acts 24
Paul’s first trial before Felix, the governor of the region, is not decisive.

INSIGHT
During World War II there was a popular song with the phrase: “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.” This snatch of verse captures a theme that runs throughout the Bible: Assume human responsibility while relying on the sovereignty of God. Throughout the Bible, God’s people pray and then act. Paul’s arguments are clever and his logic is deft, as though he is relying on himself for his freedom. And yet under it all is a peace, a trust, a confidence that can only be explained by his rest in the Lord whom he serves. Whether his circumstances are good or bad, Paul regards wherever he is as the “world” into which the Lord wants him to go to “preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15).

PRAYER
Praise the Lord that we can rely on Him:
And Mary said:
My soul magnifies the Lord,  
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,  
Because he has looked with favor
On the humble condition of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations
Will call me blessed, because the Mighty One  
Has done great things for me,
And his name is holy.
His mercy is from generation to generation  
On those who fear him (Luke 1:46-50).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Even now —
This is the Lord’s declaration —
Turn to me with all your heart,  
With fasting, weeping, and mourning.  
Tear your hearts, not just your clothes,  
And return to the Lord your God.
For he is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in faithful love,
And he relents from sending disaster
(Joel 2:12-13).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us
(Romans 5:8).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• A passion for moral excellence
• Christian educational institutions
• Today’s activities

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is (1 John 3:2).