Daily Devotions

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 22

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

It can be quite intimidating to stand in front of others and tell your story. Imagine sharing your experience of coming to faith in Christ in front of an angry mob. Paul not only witnessed to a hate- filled crowd but he did so after being beaten nearly to death by them. As Christians we have been called to stand for Christ. Passion to declare the name of Jesus to the nations comes from experiencing the filling of God’s Holy Spirit. Paul witnessed about what God did in His life by the power dwelling in Him. He was determined. On one of my mission trips I led a team to Alaska to work with a youth camp. Serving on our team was retired dentist Sam Ballou. We led events and bible studies during the day, and worship services at night. Sam was a relentless soul- winner. He shared with me about some of his health struggles. He even shared that on one of His trips to Brazil that He had to have heart surgery. This didn’t deter Sam from sharing his faith. We even had to make a visit to the emergency room while in Alaska! I had the privilege of seeing Sam lead others to Christ. While walking by his cabin one afternoon I looked in only to see Sam praying with a young man who was receiving Christ into his heart. Health struggles, hardships, or hate filled crowds can’t silence the witness of a Spirit-filled soul-winner.

Prayer: “Dear God, fill us with Your Presence and with passion, give us courage to speak the name of Jesus even in the face of difficulties. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron