Our reading covers two chapters today. I am so glad you are joining me in Acts 9-10.
Who is the worst person you know? Now, don't name any names in the comments, please. Just picture this person in your mind. Can you even imagine what God could do if this person allowed the Holy Spirit to take control? That is Saul's story. He was leading the persecution against the Lord's followers. After Saul encountered Christ, not only was his life changed, but the Spirit used him to change the world. Will you pray right now that God would begin a similar work in the person He brought to your mind just now? Jesus wants to show up in this person's life!
Now take your prayer a step further. Will you pray that God will use you in this person's life just like He used Ananias in Saul's life? Will you vow to obey the Spirit's leading to share the truth of the Gospel, even when it scares the living daylights out of you? Girl, you and I do not want to stand before God's throne and give excuses about why we refused to share the saving grace with our lost and dying world! If you need help in this area, please email me. Let's work on this together.
The chapters we are reading today are filled with stories of people just like you who let God use their stories to encourage others to follow the Lord. Which story resonates with you? Will you ask God to use your story to encourage someone in the faith today?
Saul - New believer; excited to begin preaching immediately; preached with power even when it made people angry.
Barnabas - Thank heavens for this guy! He discipled Saul and introduced him to other believers. He poured his life into a newbie.
Peter - A seasoned follower; continued to preach and to heal; he followed the Spirit's leading.
Aeneas - Bedridden for 8 years; he told his story of how God healed him, and many became believers in Jesus.
Tabitha (her Greek name was Dorcas) - God used Peter to bring her back to life; many heard her story and became believers.
Cornelius - Very religious; gave to the poor; prayed daily; still longed for the truth of the gospel; invited his friends and family to hear the message; paved the way for Gentiles to be included in the grace of the Gospel.
Where does your name fit on the list? I will pray for you today and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you to overflowing with His message of saving grace. Don't resist him, Sister!
Who is the worst person you know? Now, don't name any names in the comments, please. Just picture this person in your mind. Can you even imagine what God could do if this person allowed the Holy Spirit to take control? That is Saul's story. He was leading the persecution against the Lord's followers. After Saul encountered Christ, not only was his life changed, but the Spirit used him to change the world. Will you pray right now that God would begin a similar work in the person He brought to your mind just now? Jesus wants to show up in this person's life!
Now take your prayer a step further. Will you pray that God will use you in this person's life just like He used Ananias in Saul's life? Will you vow to obey the Spirit's leading to share the truth of the Gospel, even when it scares the living daylights out of you? Girl, you and I do not want to stand before God's throne and give excuses about why we refused to share the saving grace with our lost and dying world! If you need help in this area, please email me. Let's work on this together.
The chapters we are reading today are filled with stories of people just like you who let God use their stories to encourage others to follow the Lord. Which story resonates with you? Will you ask God to use your story to encourage someone in the faith today?
Saul - New believer; excited to begin preaching immediately; preached with power even when it made people angry.
Barnabas - Thank heavens for this guy! He discipled Saul and introduced him to other believers. He poured his life into a newbie.
Peter - A seasoned follower; continued to preach and to heal; he followed the Spirit's leading.
Aeneas - Bedridden for 8 years; he told his story of how God healed him, and many became believers in Jesus.
Tabitha (her Greek name was Dorcas) - God used Peter to bring her back to life; many heard her story and became believers.
Cornelius - Very religious; gave to the poor; prayed daily; still longed for the truth of the gospel; invited his friends and family to hear the message; paved the way for Gentiles to be included in the grace of the Gospel.
Where does your name fit on the list? I will pray for you today and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you to overflowing with His message of saving grace. Don't resist him, Sister!
Such an awesome story! Anyone can be transformed by the Power of God. I pray that my (sauls) will have this kind of radical encounter with The Living Jesus and see Him in His power and Glory! We can not encounter Him and remain on our high horse!
ReplyDeleteI have always seen myself more like a Barnabas, a daughter of encouragement. I think his gift of encouragement is so vital to Paul growing in Christ. We all need a Barnabas in our lives, someone who can see who we will be in the future and help us to keep on keeping on.
I love the story of Dorcas, Tabitha, how she used her gifts to bless the poor and how she was so loved and respected. She must have been a truly humble and gentle spirited lady. I would love to be more like her. She reminds me of my grandmother. She was always serving, always looking for an opportunity to give and share Jesus. She was royalty in my eyes. I fall so short..
I appreciate you taking the time to mentor and disciple on your blog Dana. You are tremendously busy and yet you continue to look for ways to reach out. You are like the tree planted by the river whose roots grow deep. You stretch out, searching for ways to bless and touch others with the love of Jesus. Your leaf will never wither and whatever you do shall prosper. You are flowing in the living water of The Holy Spirit.
I pray that you are encouraged today to know that your light is shining in this dark world.
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God". 2 Cor. 5:20
In Christ,
Cheryl
Thank you for your kind words, Cheryl. They brought tears to my eyes. You were my Barnabas today. Your quote from Psalm 1 reminded me of one of my mentors when I was in high school. Her name was Ellen Montgomery, and she taught our youth group songs to help us memorize Psalm 1 and Galatians 2:20. I am so thankful for people in my past and present who help me along on this journey to heaven. Thanks for joining me!
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