Ac21

What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you because you decided to take a stand for Christ? Have you ever been beaten? Incarcerated? Stoned? Anything worse than a simple subtle rejection?  Not me.  In fact, I can't remember a time I stood for Christ and it didn't turn out well.  What is holding us back?

On another note, how do you feel about Paul shaving his head and actually following through with the Jewish traditions of purification?  He knew it was the law and he also knew that these rituals did nothing to bring him closer to God.  He not only went along with the practice, he encouraged his traveling companions to shave their heads as well.  Do you think he made the right choice?  Did he do it to avoid the beating that he ended up getting anyway?  Personally, I think there is a lot going on there we really don't get.

The main point for today is that Paul continued to always follow Jesus regardless of the consequences or circumstances.  He truly lived to love and please God.  My prayer for all of us today is that we will intentionally give ourselves to knowing and following Jesus as well.  What is He asking you to do?

Live strong.