Day 346 – Fruits of the Spirit
Thoughts and Reflections Today we read about Paul who appeals to Caesar since he is a Roman citizen. He is brought before King Agrippa and speaks about the gospel. In Galatians, Paul reacts to the teachings that say that Christians need to follow the teaching and customs of Judaism. He goes on to say that…
Day 345 – One in Christ
Thoughts and Reflections Today we read about Paul preaching to Felix and Drusilla. Felix resists Paul’s teaching and tells him to go away. He will later summon him. Paul Remains in prison for two years and Felix will summon him to discuss the faith. Felix will never convert and keeps him in prison for political…
Day 344 – The Thorn in Paul’s Side
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about Paul being on trial and he is told he made a disrespectful comment to a high priest, he apologizes. This demonstrates respect for non-Jewish law and traditions. Paul created an argument between the Pharisees and Sadducees about the resurrection of the body. In Corinthians, Paul reveals he was…
Day 343 – God Uses Paul’s Past
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read that Paul faces a mob in Jerusalem and speaks to them in Hebrew. This commands silence and respect. He tells them about a rabbi that met Jesus and was converted. They are spellbound, but then they grow angry and call for his punishment. He tells them that he is…
Day 342 – Generous Hearts
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about what Paul expects as to affliction and imprisonment in Jerusalem. This is what he finds as well. He still observes the laws and traditions of Judaism and is accused of bringing a Gentile into the Temple. This illustrates the growing divide between Judaism and Christianity. In Paul’s letter…
Day 341 – Eternal Weight of Glory
Thoughts and Reflections Today we read Paul’s actions in Troas and how they reflect the actions of Jesus. Paul knows that hardship and imprisonment await him soon, but he keeps going on because serving God is what he was called to do. We, too, will encounter obstacles. Just as Paul faced those following Jesus, we…
Day 340 – The Power of the Holy Spirit
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about the Holy Spirit. Many of us do not know what the Holy Spirit is but God wants us to fill us with the power so we can walk in his strength and power. We also read that people take handkerchiefs and other objects that Paul touches and use…
Day 339 – Priscilla and Aquila
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about Paul’s meeting with Aquila and Pricilla. They are in the Corinth because the Roman emperor expelled all the Jews from Rome. It is from this persecution that they met Paul and the persecution led them to freedom. Just as Pope Benedict wrote in his encyclical, these encounters with…
Day 338 – Death Defeated
Thoughts and Reflections Today we read when the apostles preach and bears fruit, they still encounter opposition. This does not deter them. One of the complaints has been that the apostles turn the world upside down. We find ourselves, today, in a culture of death and meaninglessness. Like the apostles, we should turn the world…
Day 337 – The Importance of Love
Thoughts and Reflections Today we read baptize a woman named Lydia and her household. Paul and Silas are recognized by a demon. The demon is possessing a slave girl and the family that has her makes money from the demon’s prophecies. Paul exorcised the demon and he is beaten and imprisoned with Silas. During their…