Persecution
1And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.
The Church Persecuted and Scattered
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
Philip in Samaria
4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ[a]there. 6When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7With shrieks, evil[b] spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. 8So there was great joy in that city.
Bee's Thoughts:
In every circumstances, God will make a way for Christians even when there seems no way. Even in adversity, God can use us to share the good news.
Yes, God makes all things work out together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. So even if we lose a loved one, God has a plan for us to fulfill His purpose. We need to trust Him.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the reminder that You will always be with us and use us in all circumstances when we let You lead. Thank You that we can share about You and Your deliverance even when we face hardship and hurts.
Thank You in Your precious name. Amen.
Tommy's Thoughts:
Nobody likes to take those bitter medicines when sick, but in order to be cured we take them. Likewise, God sometimes allows certain uncomfortable experiences or circumstances in our lives to mold and prepare us for a special task. Those discomforts may be the best thing for us because God may be working through our hurts.
Like the persecution of the Christians in Jerusalem that moved them to Judea and Samaria, spreading the gospel in the process; God can bring great results both to us and others when we trust in Him and endure our current suffering and hardship.
Dear Father, thank You for Your message today at the church about not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34). Thank You for teaching me instead to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness.
I pray for Your strength and grace to keep me going in joyful obedience and may Your light shine ever more brightly through me. Lord, use me that others might know Your truth and that the Gospel might be brought to them. In Jesus’ wonderful and mighty name I pray, Amen.
