God’s Word Says….

Acts 17:15-16 (NCV)
15 The people leading Paul went with him to Athens. Then they carried a message from Paul back to Silas and Timothy for them to come to him as soon as they could.
16 While Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens, he was troubled because he saw that the city was full of idols.

My Thoughts…..

Based on your Christian upbringing, your own Christian convictions and your understanding of God’s commands, what is it that really upsets you about what you see happening in your world? Are you seeking God’s direction and showing your opposition to them and showing those affected that there is a better way, a way that leads to eternity with Jesus? It has always been said that silence indicates consent, or agreement with the masses! I encourage you to read the chapter containing today’s focused verses and note how many times Paul was relocated from one place to another by his friends in order to protect his life. Yet, in vs 2 we read that Paul went into the synagogue and taught about Jesus; again in vs 10 and yet again in vs 17 we read where he did the same thing after being relocated for his own safety. Would you agree with me that Paul saw a lot going on in these cities that, based on his understanding of God’s Word, he disagreed with? Would you also agree that it is evident that he was not prepared to ‘pass the buck’, but instead willing to put his neck on the line over and over again for what he knew was wrong and to teach what he knew was right?

Challenge……

Are you/we willing to follow in Paul’s example? There is no question about whether things are bad enough around us, for daily we hear about the evil going on all around us. We may not see idols everywhere, but friends when we see our friends not interested in worshiping with other believers because of other ‘idols’ in their life, should we not be concerned? ‘Idols’ is something that takes the place of God in our lives. Whenever something else takes priority over our time with God, especially on a continual basis, then I dare say that ‘something’ has become an idol in your life. God has not called us to be judge and jury, but friends it is obvious to see where ‘idols’ pop up in our own lives, and in the lives of our family and friends. Where is our, and their priority, friends? Like Paul, we must preach this matter to our own sinful selves and to our friends. We must not let Satan be the victor in our world, when we are so aware of our living Savior and all that He sacrificed for such undeserving sinners such as us. I would dare say that not many of us could be found guilty of openly spreading the gospel today, especially in areas where we know that the state has forbidden it, and unfortunately these type areas are becoming way too numerous today. Jesus is coming soon friends, we must not let our friends die and go to Hell. We must live our lives in light of eternity, and witness/teach/preach with the same intensity.

Prayer……

In the name of Jesus, and for Your glory, I humbly ask that You forgive me of my laxity in being a bold witness of the best thing that has ever happened in my life. I am ashamed dear Jesus, please forgive me, again. Please instill in me the urgency of the hour in which I live, so that I may concentrate my heart, my mind and my witness on the things that really matter – You and Your kingdom. Please touch the hearts of the folk that might meditate on this devotional today, and invoke on them the same urgency of which I have pleaded. May we devote ourselves to winning this world for You, is my humble prayer, all for Your sake and Your glory; for again, I ask all this in Your most precious and worthy name, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.