July 11
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THE SHIPWRECK AND PAUL’S LIFE SPARED
A poem by ILMA
About midnight on the fourteenth night of the storm at Adrian Sea
The sailors sensed land was near, they dropped a weighted line
They discovered water was 120 feet deep and dropped 90 feet after
They feared it would hit the rocks along the shore, so they anchored it.
Sailors tried to abandon the ship, but Paul told them they’d die if they do
The soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away
Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat
All were worried for two weeks that they haven’t eaten.
When morning dawned, they didn’t know the coastline but saw a beach
They cut off the anchors and left them in the sea and lowered the rudders
They raised the foresail, and headed towards shore but hit a shoal
They ran the ship aground too soon, the stern repeatedly smashed.
The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they don’t swim to escape
But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul so he didn’t let them do it
He ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land
The others held on to planks or debris from the ship and all went safely to shore.
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MEMORY VERSE
Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks.”– Acts 27:33
Read: Acts 27:27-44
If only the officers listened to Paul’s instructions earlier during the sail, they wouldn’t have been shipwrecked. We see how worried everyone was except Paul. He had direct instructions from God that they will not die. We also see how the Lord spared Paul’s life when the commanding officer did not heed the plan to kill the prisoners.
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REFLECTION
• How did God protect Paul during the sail to Rome?
• Why do you think people don’t listen to good advice and wisdom?
Monthly Archives: July 2019
PAUL SAILS FOR ROME Poem Devotional
July 10
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PAUL SAILS FOR ROME
A poem by ILMA
Paul and other prisoners were placed under Julius’ custody
He was a Roman officer, a captain of the Imperial regiment
Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica was also with them
They left on a ship whose home port was Adramyttium in Asia.
The ship was scheduled to make many stops at ports along the coast
The next day, when they docked at Sidon, Julius was very kind to Paul
He let Paul go ashore to visit with friends so he can be given his needs
Putting out to sea from Sidon were strong headwinds so they sailed north.
They passed along the Cilician coast and Pamphylia, landing at Myra
The commanding officer found an Egyptian ship and transferred them there
They had several days of slow sailing and after great hardship, Paul spoke
He told the officers that they should take caution for it was dangerous.
The officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ships’ captain
Since Fair Havens was an exposed harbor, it was a poor place to spend winter
Most of the crew wanted to go on to Phoenix, up the coast of Crete
They though that it would be better to spend winter there.
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MEMORY VERSE
When the time came, we set sail for Italy. Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of a Roman officer name Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment. – Acts 27:1
Read: Acts 27:1-12
After Paul met with King Agrippa and Festus, the governor Bernice, they agreed that Paul hasn’t done anything to deserve death or imprisonment. Agrippa told Festus that Paul could have been set free if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar. Their sail to Rome was long and not smooth sailing.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Paul insisted that he sees Caesar to bring his case?
MISUNDERSTOOD PAUL Poem Devotional
July 9
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MISUNDERSTOOD PAUL
A poem by ILMA
Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak in your defense.”
So Paul, started his defense by being thankful Agrippa is hearing him
As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was trained from my earliest childhood
If they would admit it, they know that I am a Pharisee, the strictest sect of religion.
Now I am on trial because I have hope on the fulfillment of God’s promise
Your Majesty, as he continued “They accuse me for having this hope!
Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead?”
Then Paul continued to relate the story of his conversion from persecutor to believer.
He clearly gave a clear narrative of how when he was persecuting the believers
That he was blinded by a light and then heard a voice that he was persecuting Jesus
Then he further related how he was instructed to go to someone so he can see again
He was instructed to preach the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike.
And so, King Agrippa, Paul said “I obeyed that vision from heaven and taught elsewhere
I teach nothing except that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead
In this way I announced God’s light to all the Jews and Gentiles alike.”
Festus shouted, “Paul, you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy!”
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MEMORY VERSE
And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’– Acts 26:17-18
Read: Acts 26
In this account, we see how Paul’s boldness continue to aggravate those who don’t understand spiritual things. They couldn’t see what Paul sees.
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REFLECTION
• Have you ever been misunderstood because of your boldness to share Christ?
• Why do you think Festus think Paul was crazy?
PAUL BEFORE FESTUS AND AGRIPPA Poem Devotional
July 8
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PAUL BEFORE FESTUS AND AGRIPPA
A poem by ILMA
After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus
Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, so he left Paul in prison
Priests and Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul
They asked Festus to transfer Paul to Jerusalem so they can assassinate him.
Since Paul was at Caesarea and he needs to return there, no need to transfer him
He urged those in authority to come with him so they can make their accusations
When Festus arrived in Caesarea and met with Paul, there were many charges
But not anyone of those who accused Paul could actually prove their claims.
Paul denied the charges and said he wasn’t guilty of any crime
Festus, wanting to please the Jews asked Paul if he is willing to go to Jerusalem
Paul resisted since the Roman court was there, no need to travel
He insisted to be brought to Caesar so he can be given the verdict.
Festus conferred with his advisers and then approved of Paul’s request
Days later, King Agrippa arrived with Bernice to pay their respects to Festus
When Festus told him about Paul and the plan to have Caesar see him
Agrippa was present when Festus asked the public what charges would it be.
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MEMORY VERSE
I pointed out to them that Roman law does not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves. – Acts 25:16
Read: Acts 25
What an interesting account this was regarding so many Jews angered by an innocent man like Paul. Just like Jesus, he was tried by many officials and rulers. Many of these rulers and officials didn’t have the integrity to stand up for what is true. Even though they sense the innocence of Paul, they couldn’t make a decision to release him. They were scared to be unpopular.
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REFLECTION
• Why did you think King Agrippa got interested in Paul’s case when he saw Festus?
FELIX AVOIDS TRUTH PRESENTED BY PAUL Poem Devotional
July 7
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FELIX AVOIDS TRUTH PRESENTED BY PAUL
A poem by ILMA
Ananias, the high priest, arrived with some of the elders and Tertullus, the lawyer
He was to present their case against Paul to the governor and this is how he started
“We have found this man to be a troublemaker who’s always stirring up riots”
He is a ringleader of the Nazarenes and was trying to desecrate the Temple.
Tertullus told the governor to confirm what he said and the Jews seconded
Paul started to speak after motioned to, “I am glad to present my defense before you
I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple
He said that his accusers cannot prove the things they accuse him off.
Paul admitted that he followed the Way, which they called a cult
He added he believed in God and that he has the same hope these men had
At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing
“Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.”
He ordered an officer to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom
He was allowed friends to visit and take care of his needs
Paul preached about the coming judgment to Felix and Druscilla, his wife
Felix was frightened and told Paul to leave and come back when it’s convenient.
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MEMORY VERSE
Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”– Acts 24:25
Read: Acts 24
What an interesting way Felix reacted to hearing the truth from Paul. He told him to go and he’ll call for him again when it is more convenient. Don’t many people do this all the time? When things are uncomfortable and we hear the truth, we run away from it or deny it.
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REFLECTION
• Why do people think that running is a better option than facing truth?
• What was the Jewish leaders accusations to Paul?
PLAN TO KILL PAUL Poem Devotional
July 6
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PLAN TO KILL PAUL
A poem by ILMA
A group of Jews got together and vowed not to eat or drink ‘til they kill Paul
More than forty of them conspired and informed the elders they’ve made an oath
They told the high council to ask the commander to bring Paul to council again
They ask him to pretend to examine his case more fully for he’ll be killed anyway.
Paul’s nephew heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul
Paul called for one of the Roman officers to bring the man in for he has information
The officer followed Paul’s request and brought the young man to the commander
So, the commander asked Paul’s nephew what is it that he wanted.
The young man said, “Some Jews are going to ask you to bring in Paul again
They are pretending that they want to get some more evidence from him
He told the commander that forty men are hiding trying to ambush Paul
These forty men are ready for the plan to be executed so that Paul dies.
The commander warned Paul’s nephew not to tell anyone what he told him
He ordered 200 soldiers and 70 mounted troops to sent Paul to leave for Caesarea
Then he wrote Governor Felix a letter telling him how he tried Paul in the council
But was informed of a plot to kill him so I immediately sent him on to you.
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MEMORY VERSE
But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you.”– Acts 23:30
Read: Acts 23
We can see in this chapter how the commander helped Paul escape the plot to be killed by forty men. It was clear how the Lord helped Paul to be tried by governor Felix because he thought he was innocent. Another miracle just happened. The Lord was always with Paul, providing him to move from one place to another.
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REFLECTION
• What do you think is the motive of the forty men who plotted to kill Paul?
• Do you think that the commander was used by God to save Paul from dying?
PAUL REVEALS HIS ROMAN CITIZENSHIP Poem Devotional
July 5
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PAUL REVEALS HIS ROMAN CITIZENSHIP
A poem by ILMA
The commander ordered Paul to be lashed with whips to make him confess his crime
When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer standing there
“Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?” Paul asked
Officer asked the commander “What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!”
So the commander went over and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a citizen of Rome?”
“Yes, I certainly am,” Paul replied. “I am, too,” the commander muttered
The officer said that it cost him plenty to be a Roman national
Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!” in response to the commander.
The soldiers quickly withdrew when they heard of Paul’s citizenship
The commander was frightened for he had ordered him bound and whipped
The next day he called the leading priests into session with the high council
He wanted to find out what the trouble was so he released Paul to face them.
Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!”
Instantly the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth
Paul said to them, “What kind of judge orders me to be struck like that?”
Those standing near Paul said, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”
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MEMORY VERSE
So, the commander went over and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I certainly am,” Paul replied. – Acts 22:27
Read: Acts 22:24-23:3
It was interesting to find out what the commanding officer who was in charge of arresting Paul did when he found out that Paul was a Roman citizen by birth. He summoned the leading Jewish leaders and the high priest to investigate what really was their complaint about Paul who was legitimately a Roman citizen.
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REFLECTION
• Why did the commanding officer started to fear when he realized the Paul was a Roman citizen by birth?
PAUL SPEAKS TO THE CROWD Poem Devotional
July 4
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PAUL SPEAKS TO THE CROWD
A poem by ILMA
Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet
Soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he talked to them in Aramaic
When they heard him speaking Aramaic, the silence was even greater
Paul said “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus and educated by Gamaliel.”
He continued “As Gamaliel’s student, I was trained in Jewish laws and customs
I became very zealous to honor God in everything, just like all of you today
I persecuted the followers of the Way, killing them and throwing some in prison
The leaders could attest to this as they authorized me to bring in the followers of the way.
Paul related how he was blinded on the road approaching Damascus and heard a voice
He fell on the ground and the voice said “Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
He also said how a man named Ananias healed him and made him see again
He told them how the Lord chose him to be one of his own witnesses.
Paul was instructed by God to go and travel and reach out to the Gentiles
The crowd listened intently but until Paul said those words
They yelled “Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!”
They threw off their coats and tossed handfuls of dust into the air.
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MEMORY VERSE
But the Lord said to me, “Go for I will send you far away to the Gentiles. – Acts 22:21
Read: Acts 22:1-23
It is an amazing reaction of the people in Jerusalem as Paul witnessed to how God changed his life from being a persecutor to a believer and a preacher of the Good News. The leaders of the Jewish laws could not believe because that placed them on a spot. They will never acknowledge the miracles of Jesus, even if they saw it in their own eyes. There is just so much unbelief and legalism to let them see it for what it really is.
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REFLECTION
• Why did Paul have to talk to the people of Jerusalem even though he was already arrested? What good will it do him to explain to those who have no ears to hear?
PAUL’S ARREST Poem Devotional
July 3
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PAUL’S ARREST
A poem by ILMA
The whole city was rocked by the accusations to Paul and a riot ensued
Paul was grabbed and dragged out of the Temple and gates closed
As they were trying to kill him, word reached the commander
The Roman commander of the regimen heard of the uproar.
He immediately called out his soldiers and officers and ran the crowd
When the mob saw the commander and the troops, they stopped beating Paul
Then the commander arrested Paul and ordered him bound in chains
He asked the crowd who he was and what he has done.
Since he couldn’t find out the truth in all the uproar the confusion
He ordered Paul to be taken to the fortress but the mob was so violent
The soldiers had to lift him to their soldiers to protect him
The crowd followed behind, shouting “Kill him, kill him!”
As Paul was about to be taken inside, he asked to commander for a word with him
The commander asked if he was the Egyptian who led a rebellion
Paul replied “I am a Jew and a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia
He asked the commander to talk to the people and he agreed.
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MEMORY VERSE
As Paul reached the stairs, the mob grew so violent the soldiers had to lift him to their shoulders to protect him. – Acts21:35
Read: Acts 21:30-38
The reaction of the crowd to Paul was so unthinkable. For someone who has done nothing wrong but to follow the Holy Spirit, it is evident how corrupt Jerusalem has become. They needed someone to blame and condemn and just like they did to Jesus, they are actually repeating it on Paul
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the crowd was so violently and vehemently adamant to kill and persecute Paul? What ticked them off?
PAUL ROCKS JERUSALEM Poem Devotional
July 2
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PAUL ROCKS JERUSALEM
A poem by ILMA
Some believers from Caesarea packed their things and left for Jerusalem
They went to the home of Mnason, who is from Cyprus and one of the early believers
When they arrived, the brothers and sisters welcomed them warmly
The next day, Paul met with James and all the church elders were present.
After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of what they’ve accomplished
He reminded them that God’s Spirit was constantly with them as they preached
The leaders confronted Paul telling him that in Jerusalem they heard his teaching
That Paul was making the Jewish custom of circumcision removed from their practice.
They instructed Paul to go with four men who have completed their vow
They should ritually shave their heads and go through purification
Paul went to the Temple the next day with the four men
He announced publicly the date when their vows would end.
The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from Asia roused a mob
They grabbed Paul and started yelling “This is the man who preaches against the law.”
The whole city was rocked by these accusations and a great riot followed.
The Roman regiment came to stop the uproar and the crowds beating on Paul.
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MEMORY VERSE
The whole city was rocked by these accusations and a great riot followed. Paul was grabbed and dragged out of the Temple and immediately the gates were closed behind him. – Acts 21:30
Read: Acts 21:15-32
This story of Paul arriving at Jerusalem and being questioned by the elders about him dissolving the law concerning circumcision almost reminds me of Jesus’ trial. They were both publicly questioned and because of people’s bondage to the law, they wanted to kill Paul, just like they did with Jesus as well.
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REFLECTION
• Why do people get into legalism? Why do you think Paul was persecuted like Jesus?