Test into Testimony!

The book of Acts describes the activities of the very first believers after the death and resurrection of Christ.

Today as my daily study led me to Acts chapter 11, I was amazed at how obviously and flamboyantly the enemies of the very first Christians were defeated. To put it simply, God turned what was meant to be the downfall of the believers into a great and wonderful testimony. 

In Acts chapter 7 we see how Stephen was unjustly put to death by the Jewish leaders who in doing this thought they could silence the gospel... However to their dismay, Stephens death was only the beginning of a vast spreading of the gospel! As can be seen in verse 11, even gentiles were finally brought into the equation... now there was no limitation to the power of the gospel! 

Action point: Take heed, most often trials or difficult situations arise that may test the faith of even the strongest believers... this is an indication that God is about to prove Himself! :)

Put the past in the past!

Yesterday my daily study led me to Acts chapter 9. This chapter touched me so much as the Holy spirit led me to see it in different dimensions.

Saul was a terror to God's people, he was eager to persecute and destroy the Lord's followers. However, he soon had an encounter with God which changed his resolve altogether! 

Sometimes its difficult to change our behavior or negative habits which hinders God's work in the lives of people around us or even destroys the habitation of the Holy Spirit... which is the temple of God... our very physical beings. For anyone to truly change negative attributes will take a real encounter with God, the kind that Saul experienced in Acts. He was broken down and demoralised, which enabled him to see God. 

Have you seen God yet? 

There are times when things in my past creep up on me... people and situations remind me of negative things that should have been left behind... and fear and anxiety shows face. But look, how marvelous God is in this Acts chapter 9, when He said concerning Saul - irregardless of all that he had done to persecute God's people - he is my chosen instrument!

This reminds us therefore that if God is going to redeem us, use us for His work, He is going to do so irregardless of all the negative reports people have filed up!

I see very clearly that God doesn't show partiality. In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. (Acts 10:34-35)

Everyone who believes in Christ will have their sins forgiven in His name. (Acts 10:43)

Action Point: I've made up my mind to put the past where it belongs... in the past!