Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
MONDAY, October 11 (Philip)
Acts 26:1-23. Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself: “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews.”
It is an elderly lady who has spent two years in bed, often in great pain, who says, “Every night I thank God for my blessings. People have been so good to me.” It is Scrooge’s clerk and his son Tiny Tim who say, “God bless us, every one.”
Thanksgiving does not depend on the outward circumstances, but on how we take these circumstances. A tragedy can embitter or ennoble. That is up to us.
Most often we are only thankful if we get things our way, and in this we have left out the greater half of thanksgiving. We have forgotten to be thankful for opportunities.
Paul stands alone before Agrippa, a prisoner caught in the iron grip of Rome. He faces imprisonment and death. He does not complain. He thanks God for the opportunity to speak to Agrippa about the risen Christ.
Let us not bewail these days of change and danger, but thank God for these stirring times of new adventure and new opportunities to spread the power of Christ’s truth. (1942)
PRAY for the Diocese of Ikeduru (Nigeria)
Ps 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7; Micah 7:1-7; Luke 8:26-39
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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