Summertime StoriesSample

Acts 24:25 

25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened.

Paul is brought before the governor Felix. He is accused of stirring up riots among the Jews because of his faith in Jesus. Paul explains that he follows “the Way” (v.14), which the Jewish leaders called a cult, and that he worships the God of their ancestors. He explains that this hope and faith in God will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous (v.15). Because of this, Paul proclaims that he always tries to maintain a clear conscience. 

I believe this is something we can learn from, keeping our ears open to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us about how we live our lives. His voice always lines up with the Word of God, and if we are in step with His Spirit, then we are in line with God’s Word, and, therefore, maintain a clear conscience. 

In verse 25, we see that Felix is convicted by this speech and becomes frightened. Felix was trying to discern how to live a pure life with a clear conscience without the help of the Holy Spirit in his life. Felix could feel the tug of conviction in his life but suppressed it like many of us have done at times in our lives. We should learn from the differing views of Paul and Felix. 

Lord, let us be a people who have their ears open for Your voice and are courageous enough to do the simple things You lead us to. Help us not to turn a deaf ear to You and Your conviction in our lives.