SCRIPTURE: Acts 22:12-21
“You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.” (Acts 22:15)
My experience of Jesus is changing me, and I am not afraid to admit it.
In fact, I want others to know that they can experience this life change as well.
Knowing Jesus is not making me better than others.
It humbles me and shows me my weakness.
When I see my heart and life through Jesus’ eyes, I realize how selfish I am.
I am a sinner, just like everyone else, and if He still loves me, He can love anyone.
Every day I see and hear Jesus warning me, gently rebuking me, guiding me, strengthening me.
And always loving me, renewing my forgiveness and His commitment to helping me grow.
It is not church or religion that I want to witness to, it is Jesus.
Like Paul, I am sent to people to show them Who Jesus is, what Jesus does.
For the Jews, the Gentiles were looked down on, considered unworthy, beyond God’s grace.
Jesus sends Paul to people like this, so that they too can know His grace and love.
Do people see and hear Jesus’ life-transforming grace and humility through me?
Or do they feel condemned, judged, looked down on, unloved, unworthy.
Our world needs more of Jesus, not more of religion.
May people feel encouraged that if Jesus can love and change me, He can love and change anyone.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I am a sinner like everyone else, and yet You love me. You do not give up on me. May my life be an example of Your amazing grace, so that everyone can be blessed through knowing You.
Observations/Application
God uses Ananias to put Paul on the right path and tells of his ministry – his God sent task. He was to preach the Word to the Gentiles. What a witness here to the Jews who were persecuting him. Standing up for Jesus in spite of all things. Suffering/taking up the cross/standing the ground – but this time for the Lord. Paul was given another chance – God’s grace at work – be be used for service. Ananias was used by the Lord to set him straight.
As I live this day, who does the Lord put in my path for service and encourages me and sets me on my way for His service? Where will I find His voice this day?
Stop. Look. Listen.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.
I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.