Good Morning! My name is Ron Sinclair. The devotional thought for today is from the book of Acts, Chapters 16 – 18.
KEY VERSES:
1) “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31)
2) “Do not be afraid, keep on speaking…” (Acts 18:9).
REFLECTIONS:
The “acts” of the apostles and supporting believers are varied, with Paul being the central figure in the three missionary journeys which Luke describes in this book. It is estimated that Paul travelled about 31,000 (airline) miles in these travels. He is a perfect example that the way of the believer is not an easy road; being a Christian does not solve or remove all problems (and we can all say ‘Amen’ to that fact.) Paul got beat up. He was put in jail. He was given some affliction (a thorn in the flesh). He was sneered at. His life was plotted against – and so on. However, we today have it easy, after coming to believe in the Lord Jesus, to continue spreading the Good News to help others believe. Although Paul planted many young churches, wrote many encouraging letters and notes to support and to encourage new believers, we have it easy as we are asked just to plant the seeds among our own family, friends, neighbors, even enemies.
Because of Paul’s preaching, teaching, and helping others start these small churches, the new believers carried the good news into most of the “Roman World,” as it was known at that time. How much of today’s over-populated world can we influence for Christ without travelling 31,000 miles? Without getting beat up? Without going to jail? Without being sneered at? Without having our lives endangered? (Although some in this world do suffer these things for Christ.)
In our world today, populism and being politically correct are destroying the faith and values of many people. Is the rest of the world becoming more morally corrupt because we don’t contest anything? We don’t advertise anything about our own faith in what we say and do? Does gluttony and hedonism prevail - and so on? The developing attitudes of the young will reflect what the future will be like. As a probable example, I was recently in a shopping area parking my car, and observed a very young woman getting her infant out of the back seat of her Lexus auto. The notable thing was this young woman’s car license plate which read, “YNOTSIN”’.
APPLICATION:
Is it possible we could each have a goal for 2012 to tell at least 12 people to “believe,” and we can become convinced that “we will not be afraid, but keep on speaking,” as Paul did?
Thank you for being a part of the 40 Day Challenge. Keep on reading, and have a blessed day!
In Christ, Ron
SAVED: April 1940
FAVORITE BIBLE CHARACTER; Moses
FAMILY: Married to Helen, four adult children, 6 ½ grandchildren
OCCUPIED: Former computer software writer, now retired
HOBBIES: Building furniture, painting in oil or watercolors
FAVORITE BOOK IN THE BIBLE: Proverbs
MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT AT VBC: Founding Member, former Treasurer and Deacon