The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)
24 Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 125:1-2 (NLT)
1 Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
2 Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever.
The Word of God for encouragement:
Acts 5:41-42 (HCSB)
41 Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the Name.
42 Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
My observation:
Today's reading is Acts 5. There is so much truth that I could comment on today; but it would take too much space to adequately deal with. The two verses l have selected are timely; as I just read an article yesterday of a group of evangelists in Asia who had all been imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Christ.
There are three attributes of the persecuted that sets them apart from their persecutors. Notice these attributes in this verse:
Acts 5:42 (HCSB)
42 Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
First, they were consistent, they proclaimed the gospel every day, and every where they went. The Sanhedrin court could not shut them up or shut them down.
Second, they were courageous; they continued. The court ordered them to desist, but they chose to persist. That took courage.
Acts 5:40 (HCSB)
40 After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.
Thirdly, they were correct. The message they proclaimed was the truth; Jesus is the Messiah. When you have the word of God on your side, you have solid ground to take your stand. You can stand with conviction, courage, and confidence when you stand on the word of God.
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the accuracy and the endurance of the word of God. Father, I thank you for the truthfulness of the word, and the power of the word. Father, help me to take the offense by proclaiming the word; thereby allowing the word, by the power of God, to defend itself, and accomplish its purpose. Amen.
Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
11 so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it [to do]."
Hebrews 4:12 (HCSB)
12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.
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8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
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