- And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Acts 18:9-11 – Paul was all about the journey. It’s seemed like his life was one city after another nonstop. Here though we see God having Paul put a pause to his plans and staying there for 18 months. Sometimes God will change the plans we have to accomplish His plans. As followers of God, we need to learn to humble ourselves and let His plans prevail rather than get worked up because what we want to happen doesn’t happen. We must remember we are not the point and our plans are not the ones that have to happen. We’re here for a purpose and that’s to fulfill what God is leading us to do. Sometimes our plans match right up with His yet other times our plans are drastically different. When that happens you have to ask the question who is lord in your life? You or the one you claimed as your Lord when you accepted Him into your life? Whoever you claim as lord will be the one who’s plans you follow. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
- And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this. Acts 18:17 – Handling things like the world handles things will not get the attention of the world. The Jews sought the attention of Gallio, a local ruler, by the action described in the verse but will no avail. Yet Jesus grabbed the attention of everyone, especially those in leadership roles. Why? Because He choose to handle things differently than the world does. Know if you are trying to stand out as a witness for Jesus you will have to begin handling things differently than the world does. You’ll have to forgive when the world would never. You’ll have to go when the world would say going is crazy. If you want to keep your faith hidden then don’t be any different than the world. Just don’t expect anyone to come to know the joy of having Jesus in their life because of you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 647
- And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Acts 18:6-7 – Paul is trying to get the Jews in Corinth to believe the truth that Jesus was their Messiah. He came to their synagogue over and over, reasoning with them and seeking to persuade them to believe the truth of the Gospel, but as we learn from our passage, they just opposed and reviled Paul. Frustrated with the Jews, yet still passionate to preach the gospel, Paul leaves the synagogue, goes to the house next door to the synagogue, and starts preaching there instead! I love this! Paul never let the opposition stop the proclaiming of the Gospel. A move may need to have been made to where ears would listen and hearts would receive the message, but the sharing of the message continued boldly. Today, share the Gospel wherever you are at. At school, at work, at home, at Walmart…wherever. If people listen, fantastic! If not, go next door! While you can take that literally, it simply means don’t stop just because someone doesn’t receive the message. If God is calling you to share the gospel (hint…He is), then know He will provide opportunities when we are seeking to follow His call. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2544
Daily DEVO 