Sunday 31st May Acts 28 Today we reach the ending of the story as recorded in the Book of Acts. Or should I say, non-ending? Am I the only who thinks, ‘Come on, Luke (the author), you can’t leave it there!’ It’s a bit like – as many are doing during lockdown – investing yourself … More Waiting for the Spirit – Sunday 31st May: Acts 28

Saturday 30th May Acts 27.13-44 Early on in May we had a bit of a crisis in the Rice household. It was the kind of crisis that could be described on social media as a #firstworldproblem. There was stress, there were tears, there were frantic phone calls. What calamity had befallen us? Our WiFi had … More Waiting for the Spirit – Saturday 30th May: Acts 27.13-44

Friday 29th May Acts 27. 1-13 Someone I know deliberately avoids looking at who the author of these daily reflections is beforehand, and tries to guess who it is. In today’s reading, and all those this week, it’s easy to see that it’s Doctor Luke writing from first hand experience – in the use of … More Waiting for the Spirit – Friday 29th May: Acts 27. 1-13

Thursday 28th May Acts 26 “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” These are the words exclaimed by Festus when Paul had been explaining about the resurrection of Jesus. Festus though Paul was crazy. I wonder how many people think you are crazy for believing the … More Waiting for the Spirit – Thursday 28th May: Acts 26

Wednesday 27th May Acts 25 Paul had been placed in protective custody and would spend a period of two years between AD 56-58 in custody in Caesarea. His trial was adjourned for 2 years, at which time Felix is replaced by Festus. One of Festus’ first jobs was to summon Paul, and in today’s reading … More Waiting for the Spirit – Wednesday 27th May: Acts 25

Tuesday 26th May Acts 24 After yesterday’s ‘hot footing it’ drama, today’s chapter slows the pace as we begin with a five day wait for Paul’s accusers to arrive, lawyered up with Tertullus, their spokesperson. A trio of false accusations are laid at Paul’s door and yet, being of good character, he is able to … More Waiting for the Spirit – Tuesday 26th May: Acts 24

Monday 25th May Acts 23.23-35 There has been an unfolding drama over the last few chapters! Romans, High Priests, Pharisees, Sadducees, the mob and a man sent by God – only a few weeks ago we remembered very similar events were taking place and ended in the events of Easter! This time however, things turn … More Waiting for the Spirit – Monday 25th May: Acts 23.23-35

Sunday 24th May Acts 23.1-22 Tucked away in the middle of the passage documenting Paul’s trial before the Sanhedrin is verse 11: “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome!’” There have been chaotic even violent … More Waiting for the Spirit – Sunday 24th May: Acts 23.1-22

Saturday 23rd May Acts 22 The first thing that struck me about today’s passage was the power of Paul’s testimony. I wrote about Paul’s Damascus Road experience for these reflections back at the end of April – doesn’t that seem a long time ago now? – and commented then that it was one of those … More Waiting for the Spirit – Saturday 23rd May: Acts 22

Friday 22nd May Acts 21.27-38 I wonder if you enjoy talking about Jesus? As Christians we all know we should, but how often do we actually do it? Is it something that rolls of the tongue or is it something that you have to consciously force yourself to do? Some people love it and thrive … More Waiting for the Spirit – Friday 22nd May: Acts 21.27-38