Acceptance and Opposition

Acts 14

Acceptance and Opposition

14 In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. ² But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. ³ Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands. ⁴ But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. ⁵ And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, ⁶ they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; ⁷ and there they continued to preach the gospel.”

I have been reading through the Book of Acts and have been just fascinated with the miracles of deliverance and boldness that God was both doing for and through the Apostles. Just one after another, after another. This same God is working miracles through and for each one of us today as well. What fascinated me with this passage was how it said they Spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed.    We all have the opportunity to speak our own words or those that the Holy Spirit puts upon our hearts each day.  The Word of the Lord will never return to us empty or void without accomplishing what God as sent it forth to do (Isaiah 55:10 &11).   “Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands

So let us rely upon the Lord, Let us listen carefully to what He is asking us to speak.  Let’s not use our own words, or question the ones He is giving us to speak to others.  We cannot see inside another person they way God does.  Only God knows what He is trying to accomplish.  So let us train ourselves to listen carefully to our Lord’s Word, the Bible.  Let us train our minds and hearts to become sensitive to the leadings of the Holy Spirit.  Let us speak boldly the Words, our Lord gives us to speak, with reliance upon our Lord and King.  I believe as we do this, we will see the same miraculous things happening in and through us, as the Apostles did in their day.  Jesus is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever.  So train yourselves, precious believers, and watch, listen and obey.  Our God seeks those who will fully yield themselves to Him and His will.  Amen and Amen