Tag Archives: the book of Acts

“But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4, NLT)

We do not get to choose our circumstances, but we do choose how we react to our circumstances.

Today’s scripture reminds us of our predecessors in the faith, who were displaced but used their new circumstance to tell others about Jesus through word and deed.

We will often find ourselves in places not of our own choosing. Will we complain about the inconvenience, the pain, or the expense; or will we view our displacement as an opportunity to let our light shine for Jesus?  – Luther

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“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, NLT)

Peter’s declaration to a skeptical — if not hostile — audience is not made with malice. It is made as a faithful testimony to the scriptures, and to the evidence of God’s work in our time.

Each day, we have an opportunity akin to Peter and John’s, as recorded in today’s reading. If we are diligent students of the holy scriptures, and are vigilant for His presence, we will have numerous occasions to give faithful testimony.

People may dispute the former, and discount the latter; but our role as faithful witnesses remains, nevertheless.  – Luther

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“The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’

“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’

“They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.” (Acts 16:27-32, NIV)

It isn’t about us.

When God permits the suffering of His saints without apparent cause; and when He allows pain and various humiliations into the lives of His children, we need to remind ourselves that it isn’t about us. 

God so loved the jailer and his household that he permitted the illegal confinement and humiliation of two of His most productive people in order that through their faithful testimony in adversity His grand plan for humanity (e. g. the salvation of the world through Jesus) might be realized. 

In our weakness, we would prefer that those in need would come to us in our bright, shining, sanctuaries of holiness.  However, it pleases God to send His people into the dark, adverse, and gritty places because that is where the light is most needed.  We are privileged to bear that light!  – Luther

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