WEEK 8, Day 1, Monday, 15 February 2021

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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Monday, 15 February 21:

Acts 8:3, 4 – “Saul was ravaging the church…. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”

Saul was intent on crushing Christianity – God had a different plan. God used Saul’s persecution to scatter the church and shake out the “salt” so the Gospel would spread more broadly across many peoples. Also, God had a plan to transform Saul into Paul, “a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God… by the will of God.” (Romans 1:1; Ephesians 1:1)

Note how the apostles responded to persecution: they avoided it while continuing to proclaim Christ where they could — “And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said…. as they were going along the road…. as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.” (Acts 8:6, 40)

Some take-aways:

1) Nothing or no one can stop God’s plan.
2) God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. God has placed you where you are and in your circumstances for a reason – proclaim Christ where you are as the Holy Spirit leads!
3) There are times to stay and times to go, times to fight and times to withdraw; either way, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and proclaim Christ!
4) You never know what God has in store for the “Sauls” in your life – He may be preparing to make them “Pauls.” Don’t worry about them. Be a witness and ambassador to all. The Holy Spirit will move where the Holy Spirit moves. You communicate, and the Holy Spirit convicts. Be faithful with what God has called you to do, and trust Him with the outcome.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 15 Feb 21: Share the Gospel today where God has placed you, and don’t presume to know who God will convict and who He won’t.