READING: 1 Samuel 11-13, Psalm 38, Acts 9
Even in the midst of persecution, the early Church grew. In fact, one of the most notorious persecutors, Saul of Tarsus, experienced God’s mercy and became a believer. Grace won the day—and the enemy of the church became a leader for some time to come.
Saul was not, though, the only faithful believer in that church. This summary statement of Acts 9 says much about the early believers: “So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers” (Acts 9:31). Peace came largely because Saul had himself been converted, but we also learn of the church’s commitment. They lived in awe of the Lord—recognizing Him as Father who guides and disciplines—and they lived under the encouragement of the Spirit of God who resided in them.
So, what does that picture mean for us? First, we need to be captured again by the holiness of God. Second, we need to be amazed again that God lives in us. When believers honor the Lord as holy and experience Him as present, we’re ready for God to use us to reach others.
PRAYER: “Lord, change me however You wish for me to be useful in Your work.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Samuel 14, Psalm 124, Acts 10
