Daily Devotions

Acts 9:19-22 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

All week we have looked at Paul, his strength, and the source of that strength. At his submission to God, his obedience to God, his service to God, and his humility before god. This morning the end of that strength. (Acts 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: ; 2 Tim 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.) His strength in the Lord allow Paul to endure the persecutions of the world and receive the reward of the Lord. Did you know the two, persecution and reward go together? When we stand for the Lord, submit to Him, obey Him, serve Him, it brings reward but also persecution. So often we desire the reward but do not want the persecution and that is understandable. Who wants to be hated, wants to be mocked, who wants persecution? But to have the reward of the Lord will bring the persecution of the world, the to go together. Paul was strong in the Lord and so was able to endure the persecution and then receive a reward. Be strong in the Lord.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 12th, 2013 at 5:46 am and is filed under Daily Devotions. You can skip to the end and leave a response.