Daily Devotion

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Acts 9:20-25 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. After the apostle Paul believed in God, he came to Damascus and began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. This is a very simple message, but this message had great power, which is why verse 21 tells us that all who heard him were baffled.  The main reason for the power in his message was his life testimony and his personal change.  The most effective form of witnessing is a changed life. When others see the difference in you, they will be surprised. The contrast between the past and the present is the most effective evangelism tool. Saul had such a great testimony.  He had persecuted Christians and thrown them in prison, but became a part of the Christians himself. His testimony was powerful and when he preached this message, no one could resist. When a person is passionately preaching the gospel and serving the Lord enthusiastically, persecution will come naturally. Verse 23 tells us that the Jews conspired to kill Saul. In Philippians 1:29, Paul clearly spoke of the call to not only believe on Christ, but to suffer for Christ as well.  This truth is something that Christians in the present generation cannot comprehend.  We often think only think that faith in Christ means to enjoy all the grace and riches in the Lord Jesus, but we forget that we have to be prepared to suffer for Christ as well.  This so-called suffering, could be persecution by the world, or could be the internal struggle in your heart for the sake of Jesus Christ. This struggle could mean giving up a lot of things that you love in the past.  Pray that the Lord will help us and prepare us so that we are willing to suffer for Christ.    Pray with Pastor Tong Liu        Lord, we thank you because your grace is sufficient for us.  Although sometimes we may face hardships or even suffer persecution, we've witness how your grace is sufficient for us each day.  We ask that you be our strength, our wisdom and our help.  We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!