Devotionals for August 9, 2023
NLS Back to School Bash is TONIGHT at 6:00pm. Come join the fun!
READ
Acts 28:24-31
24 Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. 25 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,
26 ‘Go and say to this people: When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. 27 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’
28 So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”
30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
24 Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. 25 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,
26 ‘Go and say to this people: When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. 27 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’
28 So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”
30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
REFLECT
The apostle Paul remained in Rome for 2 years under guard, but he used this opportunity to continue to teach and preach about Jesus. He wrote many letters that have impacted millions of believers down through the centuries. Paul didn’t complain or despair about being held under guard. He used every opportunity to be a witness to anyone who would listen. Nothing can stop the gospel from being spread!
APPLY
Q: How did Paul spend his time in Rome for 2 years?
Q: How are you boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God to those around you?
Q: Today’s passage tells us some will hear and believe God’s message and others won’t. How can you use Paul’s example to teach others persistence in spreading God’s word?
Q: How are you boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God to those around you?
Q: Today’s passage tells us some will hear and believe God’s message and others won’t. How can you use Paul’s example to teach others persistence in spreading God’s word?
SING
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
God, you are worth praising! You saved us when there was no other way. Give us courage and discernment to find opportunities to spread Your word to others. Help us speak Jesus everywhere we go. Thank you for Your promise to go with us! You are holy Lord God Almighty!
God, you are worth praising! You saved us when there was no other way. Give us courage and discernment to find opportunities to spread Your word to others. Help us speak Jesus everywhere we go. Thank you for Your promise to go with us! You are holy Lord God Almighty!