I’m excited to share that In Every Moment: Recounting God’s Goodness in Overseas Life is coming June 1, 2026 to Amazon. And I want you to see the cover! It's extra special because my son, John-Mark, painted the beautiful watercolor that instantly takes me back to my former island home—the setting for all the stories … Continue reading New Book Coming Soon: In Every Moment
God
Exploring Acts 27–28: Paul Journeys to Rome
In Acts 27–28, Paul journeyed to Rome for his upcoming trial in the custody of Roman centurion, Julius. The writer, Luke, and Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, accompanied Paul. Since they got started late in the year, they hit stormy waters which took them off course to a small town called Fair Havens. Not wanting to be stuck there, Julius and the captain decided to set sail with a shipload of 276 despite the risk. For 14 days they endured a terrible Northeaster until they finally ran aground on the island of Malta. There they were treated with kindness and Paul healed many people. He finally arrived in Rome and stayed under house arrest writing epistles and proclaiming the kingdom to all who visited.
Exploring Acts 24–26: Paul Testifies Before Kings
In Acts 24–26 Paul remained in prison in Caesarea even though the Roman rulers knew he was innocent because they wanted to gain favor with the Jewish leaders. Paul appeared before Governors Festus and Felix, as well as King Herod Agrippa II who all found no legal reason to charge him. Paul was left with the choice to return to Jerusalem where he would most certainly be killed by the Jews or appeal to Caesar. He appealed to Caesar. Paul took the opportunity to share his testimony and the gospel of Jesus before these prominent leaders.
Exploring Acts 21–23: Paul Arrested in Jerusalem
In Acts 21–23, Paul concluded his third missionary journey and made his way to Jerusalem despite the caution of his fellow believers and knowing the danger he would face. Once in the city, he underwent a ritual purification in an attempt to unify the believers. Jews from Asia stirred up the crowd and nearly beat him to death but he was saved by the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, and arrested. Paul gave his testimony to the Sanhedrin but they could not bear his talk of going to the Gentiles. He was almost flogged and a plot on his life was discovered. But God assured him he would testify in Rome. Paul was transferred to Governor Felix in Caesarea but the Roman ruler could find no legal charge against him.
Exploring Acts 18-20: Paul in Corinth and Ephesus
In Acts 18–20, Paul concluded his second missionary journey in Corinth where he met Priscilla and Aquila and stayed 1.5 years. Due to the ongoing opposition of the Jews, Paul pivoted and turned to preaching to Gentiles exclusively. "Some time" later, he set out on his third and final journey spending 2 years in Ephesus. There he did "extraordinary miracles" and confronted idol worship. Even though the townspeople rioted against "the Way," the number of believers increased. Paul then continued throughout Macedonia and Greece to encourage the believers there. This section ends with his farewell address to the Ephesian elders and a tearful goodbye.
Exploring Acts 10–12: Christ is Lord of All
In this section of Acts, we see "Christians" realize and accept that the "good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all" is for the Gentiles too. The first apostle is martyred (James) and Peter is rescued from prison. Yet "the word of God continued to spread and flourish." Here are my (somewhat) random thoughts from Acts 10–12.
Exploring Acts 7–9: God’s People
I continue my study of the book of Acts with snippets of thoughts and insights. In these chapters we meet Stephen, Philip, Simon, Saul, Ananias, Barnabas, and Dorcas. We see the church continue to grow despite opposition.
Exploring Acts 4–6: Filled With the Spirit
There is so much to see and learn from the action-packed book of Acts, so I'm only sharing snippets of thoughts and insights that stand out to me—things like being filled with the Spirit, courage, prayer, authority, persecution, leadership, and of course more salvation verses.
