Quiet Walk

[Judy Harder]

September 9

Acts 17

As Paul continues his journey, he establishes churches.

INSIGHT

It is often necessary to establish common ground with others in order to win an audience for the Gospel. Paul uses a point of common ground when he begins talking to the people of Athens about the idol bearing the inscription: "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD"(17:23). Catching their interest, Paul develops his argument to present to them the living Christ (vv. 30-31). This skillful message is used by the Holy Spirit to bring men and women to Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

Praise God that He has revealed Himself to you:
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
May the Lord rejoice in His works.
He looks on the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the hills, and they smoke.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I havemy being.
May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the Lord.
May sinners be consumed from the earth,
And the wicked be no more.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 104:31-35).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
When we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us
(Romans 5:6-8).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Power belongs to God.
Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;
For You render to each one according to his
work (Psalm 62:11-12).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
courage to follow God's leading,
salvation of your neighbors,
your activities for the day.

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. . . . Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ(Acts 2:32-33, 36).
`

[Judy Harder]

September 10

Acts 18

Paul embarks on his third journey that takes him first to Ephesus.

INSIGHT

Apollos combines the eloquence of the Greek with the religious instinct of the Jew. Most likely a student from the great university at Alexandria, Apollos is a convert to the Gospel, deeply conversant with the Old Testament. Gifted with marvelous eloquence, he is a strong ally of the Christian forces of his age. But he needs to understand the death, resurrection, and ascended power of Christ. Aquila and Priscilla teach Apollos these things. How wonderful is that holy wisdom that the Spirit of God gives to humble believers so that they can become teachers of men who are intellectually their superiors! When teaching children or new believers, encourage them and have hope that some may become "mighty in the Scriptures" (v. 24).

PRAYER

Offer your praise to the Lord for the ministry that He provides in your life through other believers:
Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. You show lovingkindness to thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them - the Great, the Mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts. You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 32:17-19)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Our transgressions are multiplied before You,
And our sins testify against us;
For our transgressions are with us,
And as for our iniquities, we know them.
(Isaiah 59:12)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." (John 11:25)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

Greater love for the lost
The work of missions in Africa
Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17) 
`

[Judy Harder]

September 11

Acts 21

After Paul's travels, he preaches in Jerusalem and is arrested for violating the Law.

INSIGHT

When Paul preaches, either a riot or a revival usually occurs. When he goes to Jerusalem for the last time, a riot breaks out. Having been told beforehand by the Holy Spirit, Paul is aware that he will be imprisoned and handed over to the Gentiles. Even though his friends beg him to avoid Jerusalem, Paul "would not be persuaded"; and his friends give up and say, "The will of the Lord be done" (v. 14). Paul views himself as a sojourner on this earth, for his true citizenship is in heaven. He is to be simply a steward, an ambassador of Christ while his time lasts. What power and vision that outlook gives Paul to avoid the entanglements of this world! How much more completely would we realize our calling if we saw ourselves in the same way.

PRAYER

Give praise and thanks to the Lord for giving us citizenship in heaven:
Daniel answered and said:
"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him." (Daniel 2:20-22)

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up,
That I may repay them. . .
As for me, You uphold me in my integrity,
And set me before Your face forever.
(Psalm 41:10, 12)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
(John 14:6)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

Wisdom for your country´s leaders
Faithfulness with your talents
Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
(Psalm 103:21-22) 
`

[Judy Harder]

September 12

Acts 22

Upon his arrest at the temple, Paul attempts in vain to justify his message to the Jews.

INSIGHT

Even though Paul lives in complete recognition of the will of the Lord and acceptance of the sovereignty of God, he is not passive regarding his personal welfare or the welfare of his mission. Paul knows it is illegal to punish a Roman citizen without his being tried and found guilty. When he is about to be beaten, Paul brings up this issue and is spared. Acceptance of the sovereignty of God does not mean passiveness in the things of this world. Paul does what he can within the legal system and then leaves the results to the Lord.

PRAYER

Because the Lord is sovereign, we praise Him and trust in His goodness on our behalf:
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving, and pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
O Lord, correct me, but with justice;
Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing.
(Jeremiah 10:23-24)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

Greater wisdom in decision making
The needs of personal friends
Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore. (Psalm 121:7-8) 
`

[Judy Harder]

September 13

Acts 23

Because of attempts to kill Paul, he is taken to Caesarea to await trial.

INSIGHT

Jesus says, "I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). This certainly describes Paul. As he stands before the Jewish Council, Paul knows that his life is in peril. He also knows that the Council is divided between Pharisees, who believe in the resurrection of the dead, and the Sadducees, who do not. When Paul deliberately brings up that issue, the ensuing dissension is so great that the soldiers take him away, thwarting the immediate plot against him.

PRAYER

It is by grace through faith that we can repent, turn to God, and give Him our praise:
You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created. (Revelation 4:11)

I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. (Psalm 7:17)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving, and pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
And according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart. (Psalm 40:

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

Spiritual victory over temptation
Opportunities to serve the Lord
Whatever else is on your heart
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Thus says the Lord:
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising loving-
kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight," says the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23-24) 
`

[Judy Harder]

September 14

Acts 23

Paul's first trial before Felix, the governor of the region, is not decisive.

INSIGHT

During World War II there was a popular song with the phrase: "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition." This snatch of verse captures a theme that runs throughout the Bible: Assume human responsibility while relying on the sovereignty of God. Throughout the Bible, men pray and then act. Paul's arguments are clever and his logic is deft, as though he is relying on himself for his freedom. And yet under it all is a peace, a trust, a confidence that can only be explained by his rest in the Lord whom he serves. Whether his circumstances are good or bad, Paul regards wherever he is as the "world" into which the Lord wants him to go to "preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15).

PRAYER

Praise the Lord that we can rely on Him:
And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation." (Luke 1:46-50)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
"Now, therefore," says the Lord,
"Turn to me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning."
So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm. (Joel 2:12-13)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

A passion for moral excellence
Christian educational institutions
Today's activities
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (1 John 3:2) 
`

[Judy Harder]

September 15

Acts 25

Felix vacates his office without resolving Paul's status.

INSIGHT

How strangely God fulfills His own word: "So you must also bear witness at Rome" (Acts 23:11). Paul knows he will have to go to Rome, but he doesn't expect to go under Roman guard and at Rome's expense. After two years the Jews still thirst for his blood! Had he been transferred to Jerusalem, his life would have been imperiled. However, God had called him to preach the Gospel in Rome. Through these circumstances, Paul is transferred.

PRAYER

Let's praise God for His wonderful ways:
Blessed be the Lord,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplications!
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him. (Psalm 28:6-7)

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stand upright.
Save, Lord!
May the King answer us when we call.
(Psalm 20:7-9)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Our fathers trusted in You;
They trusted, and You delivered them.
They cried to You, and were delivered;
They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.
(Psalm 22:3-5)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

Careful speech
Troubling current events
Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, close with this prayer to the Lord:
I will declare Your name to My brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.
You who fear the Lord, praise Him!
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!
For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from Him;
But when He cried to Him, He heard. (Psalm 22:22-24) 
`

[Judy Harder]

September 16

Acts 26

Paul is given an audience with King Agrippa.

INSIGHT

To repent means to turn around, to go in the opposite direction, or to think opposite thoughts. If you have not received Christ, you must repent to do so. In his defense before King Agrippa and Festus, Paul says he preaches to everyone that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance (v. 20). One cannot repent without changing. Repentance toward Christ brings new birth and the power to change. Have you repented and turned to God?

PRAYER

Praise the Lord for His patience and love:
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
(Psalm 9:1-2)

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!
For praise from the upright is beautiful.
Praise the Lord with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.
Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy. (Psalm 33:1-3)

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Lord, I hope for Your salvation,
And I do Your commandments.
My soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I love them exceedingly.
I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my ways are before You. (Psalm 119:166-168)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

Power to become more Christ-like
Your activities for the day
Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
The Lord is righteous,
He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright. (Psalm 11:7) 
`

[Judy Harder]

September 17

Acts 27

Paul exercises his right as a Roman citizen to take his case before Caesar.

INSIGHT

One of the secrets of peace is believing the promises of God. There are many things that we think we believe, but our anxiety level reveals that we do not. The Lord promises to meet all our needs, but our labor and worry reveal that we are not so sure. Paul receives a word from God that he will not perish. In relating this to the sailors, Paul says: "Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me" (v. 25). If we believe, we can be at peace; if we do not believe, we will fret. Review the promises of Scripture when you are troubled. What among them are you not believing? If you are trying to believe but still struggle, you may pray the prayer of the father regarding his son who had an evil spirit: "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).

PRAYER

Praise God that He rewards our faith, even if it is as small as a mustard seed:
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
Who only does wondrous things!
And blessed be His glorious name forever!
And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen. (Psalm 72:18-19)

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
O Israel, return to the Lord your God,
For you have stumbled because of your iniquity;
Take words with you,
And return to the Lord.
Say to Him,
"Take away all iniquity;
Receive us graciously,
For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips."
(Hosea 14:1-2)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
"I am the living bread which came down from heaven.
If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever;
and the bread that I shall give is My flesh,
which I shall give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

Greater love for your family
Missions in North America
Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
"The Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works." (Matthew 16:27) 
`

[Judy Harder]

September 18

Acts 28

Paul finally arrives in Rome after a harrowing journey by sea.

INSIGHT

Our lives are a constant struggle between our own wills and the will of God. The circumstances of God's will are often strange and enigmatic; they do not always make sense. However, His will is being worked out even in ways we cannot see or understand. When we relinquish control of our lives and yield to God's will, then peace, love, and joy will characterize our lives. Paul must have wondered from time to time how shipwreck and imprisonment were working into God's will; yet with historical perspective, we can see that good came of these events. In the words of the old hymn, we must: "Trust and obey, for there´s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

PRAYER

Thank the Lord and praise Him because He is good and can be trusted:
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting,
You are God. . . .
Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
(Psalm 90:1-2, 14)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye. (Psalm 32:

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

Faithfulness with your finances
Revival in America
Whatever else is on your heart
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)