Paul had warned them not to sail, but they didn’t listen. Now a deadly storm rages. All hope is lost—except Paul still has hope. Why? Because “this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship” (v. 23). That makes all the difference.
In the middle of chaos, Paul leads with calm. He reminds them of God’s promise, gives thanks in front of unbelievers, and strengthens the people around him. He may be a prisoner, but he’s the one everyone follows when everything falls apart.
🎯 Theme: Take heart – faith in God steadies us in the storm.
🌀 Reflection: In life’s storms, where do you turn first—fear or faith? What’s one promise of God you can hold onto when everything else feels uncertain?
💬 Mission Challenge: Encourage someone today who feels overwhelmed. Remind them that the same God who stood by Paul in the storm is still present—and still faithful.
Actually, excited is probably an understatement. I’m overjoyed, ecstatic, elated, exhilarated, thrilled, rejoicing, and grateful beyond words to be HOME after 18 days and 19 hours in the hospital and rehab. It has been so sweet to be with Candi and the kiddos and things that feel…normal. Now, I am looking forward to being with my faith family at Christ Community on Sunday.
I find myself a bit overwhelmed as I type this out because there is so much that I want to say. It was the same with praying about and picking the Scripture and music for Sunday; everything seemed right and good and appropriate. Thankfully, there’s just nothing better to sing about than Jesus’s finished work on the cross (Hebrews 10:12), His empty tomb (Luke 24:6-7), and His imminent return (Revelation 22:12, Acts 1:11) — about the living hope we have in Jesus (1 Peter 1:3)!
Concerning that living hope, there is a verse that has been on my heart and mind since I have been sick. It’s the verse I share with people who are going through trials to point them to Jesus, so as I preached to myself, it’s the verse I brought to mind to meditate on and remember. When I got to preach in the rehab unit last Sunday, it’s the verse that I shared with my fellow rehabbers to point them to Jesus. That verse is Nahum 1:7.
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.
“The LORD is good….” That’s who He is, not a mere adjective to describe His actions or tendencies. He cares for His people (1 Peter 5:7). He blesses those who trust in Him (Jeremiah 17:7). He has steadfast love toward His people (Psalm 103:11, Lamentations 3:22-23) and does good to them (Romans 8:28).
“The LORD [is] a stronghold in the day of trouble….” He is a fortress (Psalm 18:2). He is the protector of His people (Psalm 91:1-2). A fortress is a walled structure designed to protect. The specific type the original language references here is a like a mountain stronghold — not walls built out of bricks or blocks by men but the natural relentless strength God built into the mountains when He created them.
In the day of trouble, we can turn to the Lord and know that He’s got us and we are safe (Psalm 46:1). But here’s how strong our God is: He’s strong enough and big enough to keep us in the palm of His hand (John 10:28-29). And even though He’s so strong that no one could ever pluck us from the palm of His hands, He’s gentle and caring enough that by those same mighty hands, He will lift us up because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:6-7, Isaiah 40:11).
“The LORD…knows those who take refuge in Him.” Now, this is beautiful. If you were to be somewhere in Europe or somewhere where the remains (and sometimes ruins) of castles and fortresses exist, those fortresses would not know if you ran into them for refuge. They aren’t alive. And, as I said, some of them are ruins, meaning their ability to provide fortitude has an expiration date. The Lord is different. Those who put their faith and trust in Him are known by Him (2 Timothy 2:19, John 10:14). This is more than knowing about us or knowing who we are; this is intimate knowledge (Psalm 139:1-4). This is deep knowledge of who a person is. Our God is so good that He not only provides refuge but that the refuge provided in our times of deepest trouble comes with Him knowing who we are and comforting us by His very presence and salvation (Psalm 46:1, Psalm 34:18, Zephaniah 3:17, Isaiah 12:2).
This verse hit hard when we had church in the rehab last Sunday. Some were afraid that they’d never regain movement in their body because of a stroke. Some that their broken back might not heal fully or that another injury might mean paralysis. Others were there as caretakers and feeling inadequate about their ability to comfort their loved one while also feeling totally out of control and incapable to do anything to help. But it was good to know that there is a God who saves (Isaiah 45:21, Titus 3:4-6). There is a God who loved them enough to send His Son to die on their behalf (John 3:16, Romans 5:8) and raise from the dead to offer them new life in Him (Romans 6:4-5, 2 Corinthians 5:17).
It was good news to know that if God can save our souls, healing our bodies is small potatoes (Psalm 103:1-5).
It was good news to know that God never leaves us or forsakes us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) even when we find ourselves more alone than ever before in our lives — that we can take refuge in Him right where we are and know that He knows us, our needs, and how to give us the strength and grace we need (Matthew 6:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Isaiah 40:29-31).
And it’s good news for all of us as well. If you have put your trust in God — confessed Jesus as Lord and believed God raised Him from the dead and are saved (Romans 10:9-10), He knows you and cares for you, too (John 10:14, 1 Peter 5:7).
I know I’ve said it at least a dozen times, but y’all, that’s good news! And it’s that good news — the good news of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ that we’re singing, reading, and preaching about Sunday.
So if you’re weary, hurting, searching, or could just use some good news — come. Not just to attend a church service, but to come to Jesus. He is the refuge we come to and the risen King who is our living hope. We’ll gather to worship Him, read and sing of His cross and resurrection, and have John remind us from God’s Word the good news — the gospel — of Jesus.
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Standing before King Agrippa and all the pomp of Roman power, Paul doesn’t defend his life—he declares the gospel. With courage and clarity, he shares his story of seeing the risen Christ and the mission he received “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light… and receive forgiveness of sins” (v. 18).
Even when Festus mocks him and Agrippa shrugs off the message, Paul presses on: “Whether short or long… I would to God… all… might become such as I am—except for these chains” (v. 29). He knows it’s not about his freedom—it’s about their salvation.
🎯 Theme: Almost persuaded isn’t enough – Paul wants everyone to be saved.
🌀 Reflection: Are you prepared to share your story like Paul? Who in your life needs to hear what Jesus has done for you?
💬 Mission Challenge: Ask God to give you boldness today. Look for an opportunity to speak about Jesus—even if it’s just a sentence or two. The gospel doesn’t need a stage—it just needs a willing voice.
Political pressure, religious rage, and unjust accusations swirl around Paul—yet he stands firm, appealing to Caesar rather than being handed over to those who sought his death (v. 11). Festus wants to appease the Jews, but God is working a greater plan. Paul may be in chains, but the gospel is not.
Even King Agrippa and Bernice arrive with pomp and power, but it’s Paul, the prisoner, who carries eternal authority as a witness to Christ. Behind the politics and pretense, God is fulfilling His promise—Paul will testify in Rome (Acts 23:11).
🎯 Theme: Paul refused to back down and appealed to Caesar.
🌀 Reflection: Are you trusting God’s purpose even when life feels unfair or uncertain? Do you see difficulty as a platform for witness?
💬 Mission Challenge: Pray for someone who is facing injustice or difficulty today—and encourage them with God’s promises. Stand with them, and remind them that the gospel never stops moving forward.
Paul stood before the Sanhedrin with integrity and a clear conscience. When struck unjustly, he spoke boldly yet submitted to God’s Word (v. 5). In a moment of Spirit-led strategy, he used the council’s own division to protect himself (v. 6). Though surrounded by chaos, Paul wasn’t alone—the Lord stood by him that night and said, “Take courage… you must testify also in Rome” (v. 11).
God’s providence moved quietly but powerfully—from a listening nephew to a Roman escort of 470 soldiers. The road ahead was difficult, but God was guiding every step.
🎯 Theme: Take courage – Jesus promises we will testify for Him.
🌀 Reflection: When life feels uncertain or dangerous, are you looking for the quiet ways God is still at work? What would it look like to take courage today?
💬 Mission Challenge: Encourage someone this week with the words from Acts 23:11. Reach out to someone facing a hard road and remind them: Jesus stands by His people.
Paul stood before the Sanhedrin with integrity and a clear conscience. When struck unjustly, he spoke boldly yet submitted to God’s Word (v. 5). In a moment of Spirit-led strategy, he used the council’s own division to protect himself (v. 6). Though surrounded by chaos, Paul wasn’t alone—the Lord stood by him that night and said, “Take courage… you must testify also in Rome” (v. 11).
God’s providence moved quietly but powerfully—from a listening nephew to a Roman escort of 470 soldiers. The road ahead was difficult, but God was guiding every step.
🎯 Theme: Take courage – Jesus promises we will testify for Him.
🌀 Reflection: When life feels uncertain or dangerous, are you looking for the quiet ways God is still at work? What would it look like to take courage today?
💬 Mission Challenge: Encourage someone this week with the words from Acts 23:11. Reach out to someone facing a hard road and remind them: Jesus stands by His people.
Paul stood on the temple steps and gave a defense—not by arguing, but by telling his story. He spoke of his Jewish upbringing, his zeal for the law, and his dramatic encounter with Jesus. His testimony was both bold and respectful, deeply personal and clearly centered on Christ.
But when he mentioned being sent to the Gentiles (v. 21), the crowd erupted. It wasn’t the story of his conversion that offended them—it was the grace of God going to people they didn’t think deserved it. The same gospel that saves also divides.
🎯 Theme: Paul was appointed to know God’s will and be His witness.
🌀 Reflection: Are you willing to share your story—even if it’s rejected? Have you grown cold to the grace of God being extended to those who seem far off?
💬 Mission Challenge: Write out or record a short version of your testimony. Share it with one person this week and pray that God would use it for His glory.
Paul knew danger was waiting for him in Jerusalem. Multiple times, the Holy Spirit—through faithful believers—warned him of what lay ahead (vv. 4, 11). But Paul’s heart was resolved: “I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 13). His goal wasn’t safety—it was obedience to His Lord, Jesus Christ.
When he arrived, he tried to unify Jewish and Gentile believers, but rumors stirred, mobs formed, and Paul was violently arrested. Still, God was working. Even chains would not stop the gospel.
🎯 Theme: Paul was ready to die for Jesus, trusting the Lord’s will above all.
🌀 Reflection: Are you willing to follow Jesus even when it’s costly? What would it look like to surrender your comfort for the sake of Christ’s name?
💬 Mission Challenge: Encourage a fellow believer who is walking through a hard season. Remind them of the hope and purpose found in Jesus—He is worth it.
As Paul journeys toward Jerusalem, he takes time to encourage believers along the way—especially the elders from Ephesus. In his farewell, Paul reminds them of his example: a life of humility, courage, and faithful teaching. He says, “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (v. 27) and testifies, “I do not account my life of any value…if only I may finish my course…to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (v. 24).
His words are heavy with love, urgency, and warning. Wolves will come. The church must be alert. But through it all, God’s grace will sustain and build up His people.
🎯 Theme: Being faithful to the end testifies to the gospel of the grace of God.
🌀 Reflection: Are you living with gospel urgency—serving, teaching, and finishing your race with joy? What part of Paul’s example challenges or encourages you most?
💬 Mission Challenge: Write down or pray over your personal mission—to live and speak the gospel. Ask God to help you “not shrink back” but keep pressing forward.
God’s Word is powerful—and when it goes forth, it exposes false religion, transforms lives, and causes real spiritual upheaval. In Ephesus, the gospel disrupts both demonic activity and economic idolatry. New believers burn their magic books (v. 19), and the name of Jesus is exalted. As the chapter says, “the Word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily” (v. 20).
But not everyone celebrates. Paul’s ministry sparks a riot led by those whose profits were threatened. The gospel still challenges idols—whether carved in silver or hidden in the heart.
🎯 Theme: The Word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
🌀 Reflection: Is there anything you’ve been holding onto that competes with the Lordship of Jesus? What needs to be surrendered so His Word can prevail more fully in you?
💬 Mission Challenge: Share your testimony this week with someone—even briefly. The gospel that changed Ephesus is still changing lives.
Just Keith Harris 