February 11, 2009 God’s People
Today’s Bible Reading: Leviticus 15–17; Acts 18
Scripture Focus:
Acts 18:9–10 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”
Observation:
God looks at a city and knows there are people who will respond to the good news. He told Paul three things:
Don’t be afraid.
Speak—don’t keep silent
I am with you and will take care of you
Application:
God can look at a city and know who will respond, but he doesn’t expect me to know who they are. All he expects is that I will speak up for the truth. The fact that God says, don’t be afraid, shows that it can be a fearful thing to speak the truth and share the gospel.
I must be willing to see with the eyes of faith the people that will be transformed by my words of life. These are people God wants to bring into his kingdom.
Prayer:
Abba Father, Give me courage in the face of fear to speak up whenever I have an opportunity to share the good news that Jesus died for our sins, and we can be free of the bondage of sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
