1. God gave Paul, a fairly unknown Jewish/Christian missionary, the opportunities to share his testimony to the Jewish Sanhedrin, Felix the Roman Governor, Festus the Roman Governor, and Agrippa the King of Palestine!

2. Paul faced his former choices.

3. Paul used his life testimony to share the gospel in every opportunity given to him.

4. Paul knew his purpose and was determined to fulfill his mission.

5. Paul kept his primary purpose in the forefront of every opportunity he had to share.

6. Festus jumped into the middle of Paul’s appeal dismissing his words.

7. Rather than be shut down, Paul appealed to King Agrippa again.

8. Paul made one final appeal.

9. The consensus from the King, the governor, Bernice, and all of the others was…“If only…”

1. Paul knew Jesus’ words had predicted that trouble may come.

2. Paul knew the importance of always being ready to share God’s message.

3. Keeping focused on the plan and purpose of God, rather than his own setbacks gave Paul opportunities of a lifetime.

4. Paul’s two-year delay in prison did not hinder him from maintaining his purpose. He knew that detours have a purpose. He was able to see these detours as divine appointments rather than interruptions or irritations.

5. Paul was undaunted by the refusals to hear his message of salvation, but he continued to offer the gift.

Paul had regrets from his past, but he was able to overcome those nagging temptations that would allow those regrets to overcome him.

1. When we confess our sin, He is faithful to forgive all our sin…and we are no longer condemned. We can’t change our past, we can only accept His forgiveness.

2. If we have offended others, seek their forgiveness as well. Our testimony will only be respected when we have cleared the pathway to others.

3. Remember, God can use all things for good, even our failures and sin.

4. Give thanks in all circumstances. It will keep you focused on God being in control rather than your own attempts to be in control.

5. Don’t let your past define your future! Move forward! Trust God with His plan for your future!

6. God has designed us to be fruitful and to fulfill our purpose. Regrets will hold you prisoner and prohibit you from moving forward.

7. Be changed! No matter what is behind. Let your past fuel you to do good to those in your present! Don’t just be sorry…be different! Write it down…and throw it away!

Let’s Live with “No Reserves- No Retreats- No Regrets”

Prayer to God for Forgiveness of Sins
Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept You out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear You knocking. By faith I gratefully receive Your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe You are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank You for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe Your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.

Prayer for Forgiving Others
Dear Merciful Lord,
Thank You for Your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14) Help me demonstrate unconditional love today, even to those who hurt me.

I understand that even though I feel scarred, my emotions don’t have to control my actions. Father, may Your sweet words saturate my mind and direct my thoughts. Help me release the hurt and begin to love as Jesus loves. I want to see my offender through my Savior’s eyes. If I can be forgiven, so can he. I understand there are no levels to Your love. We are all Your children, and Your desire is that none of us should perish.

You teach us to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts.” (Colossians 3:15) When I forgive in words, allow your Holy Spirit to fill my heart with peace. I pray this peace that only comes from Jesus will ruule in my heart, keeping out doubt and questions. And above all, I am thankful. Not just today, not just this week, but always. Thank you for the reminder, "Always be thankful." (Colossians 3:15) With gratitude, I can draw closer to you and let go of unforgiveness. With gratitude, I can see the person who caused my pain as a child of the Most High God. Loved and accepted. Help me find the compassion that comes with true forgiveness.

And when I see the person who hurt me, bring this prayer back to my remembrance, so I can take any ungodly thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) And may the confidence of Christ in my heart guide me into the freedom of forgiveness. I praise You for the work You are doing in my life, teaching and perfecting my faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Kristine Brown

Short Prayer to Forgive Others
Dear Lord, I thank You for the power of forgiveness, and I choose to forgive everyone who has hurt me. Help me set [name anyone who has offended you] free and release them to You (Romans 12:19). Help me to bless those who have hurt me (Romans 12:14). Help me walk in righteousness, peace, and joy, demonstrating Your life here on earth. I choose to be kind and compassionate, forgiving others, just as You forgave me (Ephesians 4:32). In Jesus' Name, Amen. - Debbie Przybylski

Short Prayer to Forgive Yourself
Father, today I ask forgiveness of all the negative and harmful words I have spoken about myself. I do not want to abuse myself in such a way again. Transform my thoughts and let me understand how marvelously You made me. Change my habits so I use my tongue to speak hope and favor upon my life. In Jesus' Name. -Sarah Coleman