Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Acts 23:1--15 Persecuted, But Cheerful The Jews were persecuting Paul in Jerusalem, yet, the Lord appeared to Paul, stood by him, and said, 11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome" (Act. 23:11). This told Paul that he was going to survive the persecution in Jerusalem, but that persecution would continue to follow him, leading to his appearance in Rome. He could be cheerful because he was bearing testimony of having seen the risen Lord of heaven, and persecution did not change that fact. Whether under persecution or freedom, Paul was glad to testify of the truth concerning Jesus Christ. Let us not then be discouraged when we are persecuted, either from fellow-Christians or from the world, but let us rejoice that we have the opportunity to speak about Jesus. Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100 http://www.plymouth-church.com/dons_corner2.html http://associate.com/groups/emaildevotionals/