Dec 9 - Acts 23:11

That night the Lord stood near [Paul]

and said, "Keep up your courage!"

Acts 23:11

In Acts 21-23, Paul heads to Jerusalem to see James. While there, he immediately finds controversary.

Paul testifies and is arrested. He testifies again, and they plot his death. It was discouraging. But at night in the midst of persecution, the Lord himself came and stood beside Paul, saying, "Keep up your courage."

Have you ever felt God's presence in that kind of way?

• In times of trial, have you ever experienced a peace which passes all understanding?
  
• In times of grief, have you ever experienced an unexplained hope?
  
• In times of illness, have you ever been surprised by healing? (Even if the healing is emotional rather than physical?)
  
• In times of brokeness and guilt, have you ever experienced forgiveness and grace?

Just as the Lord stood beside Paul, he stands beside you, saying, "Keep up your courage!"

In Christ's Love,

Captain Courageous

(a guy who can be courageous

because I know the crucified captain)