“Five days later Ananias, the high priest, arrived with some of the Jewish elders and the lawyer Tertullus, to present their case against Paul to the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented the charges against Paul in the following address to the governor: “You have provided a long period of peace for us Jews and with foresight have enacted reforms for us. 3 For all of this, Your Excellency, we are very grateful to you.” Acts 24:1-3 NLT
“The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, “I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defence before you. 11 You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple. 12 My accusers never found me arguing with anyone in the Temple, nor stirring up a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city. 13 These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing.14 “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult.” Acts 24:10-14 NLT
“He (Felix) replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” 26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. 27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favour with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.” Acts 24:25-27 NLT
Our Father God and Judge,
Ananias tries to sweet talk Felix into a quick, good political judgement. One religious leader albeit it a subservient one to a political leader. Lets stick together . . . Paul has nothing to hide. Felix is caught between which decision will keep the peace, be fair and not upset his wife, a Jew?
So two years pass and he allows Paul to go about his business by a sort of house arrest but being allowed to go out and about and preach. He does not spend two years worrying, he takes each day as it comes and lives trusting You, God. Our life is not always as we would like it to be. Some concerns do not go away for years. Some times we struggle even though we have prayed. Paul had wanted to preach in Rome but maybe not the position he found himself in. And he did not know what Porcius Festus would do. But he continued to write such valuable teaching letters that we are still learning from today. Each day You give us Lord is precious even if hard. Help us to just to live in today as Jesus told us, to seek first His kingdom and righteousness and not to not worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:33,34).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Tuesday 9th December 2025
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
‘Cos and all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God (yeah)
Chorus
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after,
It’s running after me (oh)
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It keeps running after me
Chorus
I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing
Chorus
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Lyrics: Jason David Ingram, Brian Johnson, Edmond Martin Cash, Benjamin David Fielding, Jenn Johnson.