God’s Word Says….

Acts 18:9-10 (NCV)

⁹ During the night, the Lord told Paul in a vision: “Don’t be afraid. Continue talking to people and don’t be quiet. ¹⁰ I am with you, and no one will hurt you because many of my people are in this city.”

 My Thoughts…..

These are words straight from the Lord that we can use to share with ministers of the gospel. In fact, they are encouraging to laity also, because it says to us that in spite of the occasional opposition to our efforts to spread the gospel, through teaching or witnessing, we have comfort in knowing that God is with us (vs 10), and that other Christians are there to support our efforts also. There is nothing more discouraging than to think that no one is listening, or has any idea of what we are talking about. In other words, we might often become discouraged thinking that our efforts are falling on deaf ears. Even in this ministry of “Nuggets From God’s Word”, it does my heart good when I receive a ‘Like’ on Facebook, or on WordPress, because it shows that someone may have been blessed from my effort to share God’s Word. This scripture tells me even more though, it tells me that even if I receive no indication from my readers, I can receive encouragement in knowing that God is with me and that I should keep on!

 Challenge……

Friends, I believe you can discern from the above that you should not allow Satan to discourage you in your mission to spread the gospel in your own way. I believe also that we should continue our efforts in spite of any opposition that we might receive, after all, our efforts are centered around the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not on what man might want us to say or do. I also believe that the latter part of verse 10 is telling Christians that we are to encourage one another. Thank that Brother who teaches Sunday School, encourage that Pastor who does his best to share the Word and may not see an outward expression of acceptance, support the efforts of your church leaders by taking part in what they try, or plan to do. Friends, it takes all of us to reach all the people who are in our circle of family and friends, so this puts us all on the same team reaching for the same goal. To make the ‘team’ successful, we must encourage, cheer along and support our team members. Our efforts are for the glory of our maker, not ourselves, so let us pass any glory or praise up to Him, so that He might be glorified through the vessels that He created and gave the responsibility to reach the unsaved.

 Prayer……

Dear Lord, in your wonderful and glorious name, I am asking that You please help me to make my relationship with You so cemented and powerful that Your love for everyone (especially for me) will overflow in everything that I say or do. Lord, I want so badly for my family members to know You intimately and with such intensity that they would let Your light shine through them to their lost and dying friends and relatives. I humbly ask that You work closely and effectively in their lives so that they can quickly overcome the evil that is besetting them, and instead let them become open examples of Your grace, and evidence of Your power. Thank You for those that pastor and lead my church. Please shower them with Your love and encouragement today so that they may be reminded of the importance and value of reaching the lost of our community, and especially using the awesome gifts that You have blessed them with. Please love them overwhelmingly today so that they may be encouraged in their efforts. Lord You are so good, but we are so needy. Please forgive our weakness and continue to strengthen us and use us for Your ultimate glory, for it is Your precious name that I ask all this, 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.