Wow there was so much I discovered this morning as I was reading my overview from studying Acts 21 - 28. Paul was really mistreated, lied about, slandered, abused, neglected, imprisoned, beaten, almost died at sea yet he stayed calm and focused on GOD. How can that be? What does GOD want to teach me about handling crisis situations with peace, sincerity, and faith?

In Acts 21:27-39 Paul kept his serenity by knowing he was in Jerusalem by God's will. God had allowed an injustice to happen to Paul. He sought to bless while others sought to destroy. Paul went directly to God with his questions and said "God has a purpose for me in this trail." I asked God the same question about something that happened to me this week and He answered me. God says it is to teach me. Teach me obedience, humility, generosity, love, going that extra mile while someone else is taking a short cut. acceptance to name the first couple of things that pop into my mind. GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!

Paul's first thought in the midst of being mauled, beaten, and almost killed was how can I use this difficultly to serve GOD. Paul is definitely on a higher peak then I am. Do you think we can ever be spiritually in the same place?

Something else that struck me was when Jesus spoke to Paul about persecuting the Jews that he was in fact persecuting Jesus Himself. I asked myself today, am I persecuting anyone?

In Acts 26 13-18 All the injustices, waiting, confinement and seemingly the neglect, all worked together for Paul's highest good and blessing.

While on trail Paul's ministry had six aims. Those were to open the eyes of his audience, turn them from sin, convert them, deliver them from the power of Satan to the hand of GOD, receive forgiveness of sins, receive an inheritance, unite them will all who are sanctified in their faith.

It was all very deep today. My spirit was calmed, at peace, and I felt the presence of GOD even in the midst of the move. Thank you Abba.