September 4
Acts 8
The stoning of Stephen initiates a wave of persecution, led by Saul.
INSIGHT
As the Jewish believers flee Jerusalem, Philip comes upon an Ethiopian dignitary who is struggling to understand the Scriptures. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asks. "How can I, unless someone guides me?" is the reply (vv. 30-31). We are God's method to reach the world for Christ. The Lord could have resorted to skywriting, sending personal visions to all people, or sending angels. Instead, He chose men and women to reach other men and women. Our responsibility is simple: to manifest the character of Christ and proclaim His name wherever we go. The work is God´s, and He will use you if you will let Him.
PRAYER
Because the Lord led someone to give His message of salvation to you, praise Him with this psalm:
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. . . .
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God . . .
The Lord shall reign forever
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146:1-2, 5, 10).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving.
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
There is not a just man on earth who does good
And does not sin. (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
Thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
"In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your
strength." (Isaiah 30:15)
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Greater faithfulness with your time and resources
- The president and national leaders
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)
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