Weekly Inspiration Greetings from Pastor James Read Acts: 9:1-22. Saul was so zealous for his Jewish beliefs that he began a persecution campaign against anyone who believed in Christ. Many Christians fled Jerusalem when persecution began after Stephen’s death. Saul wanted to seize the Christians who had fled. Saul even traveled 130 miles to Damascus in Syria to bring Christians back in chains to Jerusalem. He wanted to prevent the spread of Christianity to other major cities. Saul soon found out God had other plans. As Saul traveled to Damascus, pursuing Christians, he was confronted by the risen Christ and brought face to face with the truth of the gospel. Saul had to be struck down by God and blinded to get his attention and cause him to believe. Saul was now called Paul. Abram was called by God and his new name was Abraham. Jacob was renamed Israel by God. Simon was renamed Peter by Jesus. What is more important than a name change is the change of a life. The greatest miracle is the giving of a new life. Some may not have a Damascus road experience, but we are all different and God uses us in different ways. God’s call on each of our lives is different. But the miracle in life is that 180 degree “turn around”. Sometimes it is gradual or as was with Paul the conversion may be dramatic and sudden. Paul’s life was never the same after he met Jesus and neither was the world. God used Paul in a mighty way. If God has a call on your life, you will be transformed. A true conversion comes from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and leads to a new life in a relationship with Him. Only when you have a relationship with Jesus Christ can you be used in a powerful way. Listen for the voice of God. He may not speak to you in the same manner as Paul. Then again He may use circumstances in your life to strike you down from your pedestal of pride. He may blind you so the only thing you can see is God working in your life. Listen for the voice of God. Pray to God. Ask Christians to pray for you and with you. God can remove the scales from your eyes so you can see beyond addiction, pride and prejudice. Come worship at Living Water Christian Church. God can change you just as Paul was changed. God will use you in a mighty way. You too can go from being a persecutor to a believer. And from a destroyer to a builder. If your life has already been transformed by Christ, listen to God and obey his voice. You may shine a light on someone’s life and lead them out of darkness. Just as Ananias, God will use you in the transformation of a life. Blessings to all,
Pastor James Boyette Living Water Christian Church 72 N Lake Ave. Front Royal VA 22630 |