Monday, September 9, 2024
Then [Paul] left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me." So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
Serving as a cross-cultural missionary to share the message of Jesus is challenging and often discouraging. Jesus had warned his apostles of this truth. The Lord used a vision while Paul was in Corinth to encourage him to persevere in his calling. This vision-based assurance helped Paul stay focused on his work in Corinth rather than leaving after opposition arose. Paul's readiness to leave wasn't based on his fear of opposition but on the Lord's own instruction about leaving places when people refuse to receive the Good News. Despite some opposition, Corinth was an important city and the Lord had many in the city he knew could be reached with the Good News. For me, this situation is a great reminder to keep my work and my mission constantly before the Lord in prayer, seeking confirmation and wisdom about the investment of my time and energy. I want to be most useful to the Lord and his work for me, and I do not want to give up on an effort too soon!
O Father, I need the Holy Spirit to lead me to the places and people you have for me to reach. I don't want to waste my time on what feels like infertile fields unless you want me to spend my time there. I don't want to give up on what feels like an infertile field too quickly. Guide me as I seek to discern your direction for my life and ministry. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
![Illustration of Acts 18:7-11 NLT — Then [Paul] left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me." So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/23782.jpg "Illustration of Acts 18:7-11 NLT — Then [Paul] left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, \"Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.\" So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.")
Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.
Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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