November 23: When You're Mistreated, Preach!
Acts 8:1-8
Amplified Bible (AMP)
8 ...On that day a great and severe persecution broke out against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles (special messengers).
2 [A party of] devout men with others helped to carry out and bury Stephen and made great lamentation over him.
3 But Saul shamefully treated and laid waste the church continuously [with cruelty and violence]; and entering house after house, he dragged out men and women and committed them to prison.
4 Now those who were scattered abroad went about [through the land from place to place] preaching the glad tidings, the Word [the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God].
5 Philip [the deacon, not the apostle] went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ (the Messiah) to them [the people];
6 And great crowds of people with one accord listened to and heeded what was said by Philip, as they heard him and watched the miracles and wonders which he kept performing [from time to time].
7 For foul spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, screaming and shouting with a loud voice, and many who were suffering from palsy or were crippled were restored to health.
8 And there was great rejoicing in that city.
So after the stoning of Stephen, things go from bad to worse. Saul searches homes and drags Christians off to prison. What did they do when they were scattered? Go and hide out somewhere? No! They kept proclaiming the Good News. And God continued to heal and deliver!
So when you face a lot of opposition and you want to find a place to hide and wait out your storm, try something different! Keep boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus!
They kept preaching and as a result, Saul, the worst one of the bunch, was converted!
Think of the person who seems to hate Jesus and everything you stand for the most. The person who is the most vocal. Who really has it in for you! At work, school, on the bus, home, or wherever. Hey! Maybe that's your Saul! Wouldn't it be great if the most evil person in your life turned out to be your Saul???
Dont be discouraged! You just keep loving, keep smiling, keep worshiping, and keep spreading the good news. You never know what may be right around the corner.
Acts 9:31
Amplified Bible (AMP)
31 So the church throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was edified [growing in wisdom, virtue, and piety] and walking in the respect and reverential fear of the Lord and in the consolation and exhortation of the Holy Spirit, continued to increase and was multiplied.
Acts 9:31
New International Version (NIV)
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
After their horrifying experiences, they enjoyed a time of peace. Just endure. There's a 100% chance things will turn completely around for you.1 Peter 5:10
Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.
"Dear Jesus, someone is going through a terrible trial right now. Please help her to just endure to the end. Because You and I know there is a 100% chance she WILL be done with this trial. And be grounded, strengthened and settled. Please give her the strength to simply endure. To the end. With her head held high. And smiling through the tears. Knowing You will NEVER leave her. Help her to continue to shine Your light throughout everything! For all to see. I worship You for You do all things perfectly! In Jesus' name I pray this, AMEN!"
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