-
When You Choose To Listen And Care
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:27, NIV When Saul went to Jerusalem, the disciples didn’t wholeheartedly accept him at first. They were hesitant to welcome him, perhaps because, in the past, he persecuted many Christians. But a man named Barnabas brought him to the apostles. He was the one who shared with them what Saul experienced and how the Lord had spoken to him. Barnabas chose to listen to him despite…
-
Paul Patiently Dealt With The Disciples According To God’s Ways
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. Acts 9:26, NIV When Saul went to Jerusalem years after encountering Jesus in Damascus, the disciples were hesitant to welcome him. Before Saul met Jesus, he persecuted Christians and threatened their lives. He put them in prison, and many of them suffered because of him. This must’ve been why the disciples in Jerusalem found it hard to accept him. I would have probably felt the same way if I had worn their shoes. Fear would possibly dominate my heart, especially when I recall the…
-
Obeying God’s Will Won’t Always Be Easy
After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. Acts 9: 23-25, NIV Saul, also known as Paul, was not a stranger to persecution. When he started to preach the gospel, he slowly experienced the things that he used to do to the early Christians. He was once the persecutor, but now he was persecuted. Following Jesus wasn’t easy for him. He went through…
-
God Can Turn Things Around
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Acts 9: 18-19, NIV Saul, also known as Paul, was once a man who hurt Christians. He was full of zeal and eagerness to destroy those who follow Jesus. In fact, he went to Damascus just to threaten the people there, not knowing God had a different plan for him. It turned out that Saul met Jesus along the way. He encountered the Man who changed his life forever. From a person who persecuted the church to a person who was willing…
-
Paul Became A Blessing Even Though He Was Held As A Prisoner
Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ Acts 27:23-24, NIV Paul was held as a prisoner and sailed to Rome. He was in the middle of a situation that was not favorable and comfortable. But even though he went through some trials, he still managed to encourage the people around him. The ship where he was boarded encountered storms. People were already losing hope, but an angel of God reminded him of…
-
Let’s Not Focus On The Pain And The Bad Things That Happened
Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. Acts 5: 17-21, NIV When the apostles were arrested, God sent an angel to rescue them. After that, they were instructed to continue preaching…
-
Repay Evil With Good
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:17,NIV “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.” Sadly, this is usually what the world follows. You would rarely see people who would repay evil with good deeds. Repaying painful words with unforgiveness, heartbreaking deeds with bitterness and grudge, mistakes with disrespect. These are the common things you would experience. But here comes Paul, trying to remind us to do good despite the pain. IT’S NOT EASY. But it’s possible. It takes dying and surrender. And the more you do what is right in the eyes of God, the…
-
Acts 28:31, NIV
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! Acts 28:31, NIV Paul arrived in Rome because the Jews compelled him to appeal to Caesar. There, he continued to testify about what Jesus did in his life, and because they couldn’t find any justifiable reason to keep him in prison, Paul was given the chance to stay in Rome for two years. And there, He proclaimed the Kingdom of God. The difficulties and persecutions that he experienced in Jerusalem didn’t stop Him from teaching people about who Jesus is. With all boldness and without hindrance, Paul chose to glorify God. He…
-
Acts 28:8, NIV
His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8, NIV Paul was held as a prisoner and was going to Rome. While they were on the journey, they encountered unexpected storms and were brought to the island called Malta. The people there saw what happened to Paul when he was bitten by a snake, but he suffered no ill effect. Because of this, they thought that Paul was a god. They brought the sick people to him, and one of them was the father of the island’s chief official.…
-
Acts 27: 25, NIV
So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Acts 27:25, NIV Paul was still in bondage when He said these encouraging words. While he and the other prisoners were boarding a ship, they encountered a storm, and sailing had already been dangerous. But even through the storms, God sent His angel to comfort Paul. He received a message that reminded him not to be afraid. And because of this, He gained enough strength to also remind the people who were traveling with them. Even though He went through difficulties, Paul still firmly believed and kept His faith.…
