Scattered and Smothered

06. May 2014 Acts 0

Text: Acts 8:1-8
Theme: God scattered his followers, then covered new areas with the Gospel message they preached.
Key verses: “On that day, a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria” (v. 1b). “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there” (v. 4-5).
“With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city” (v, 7).
What God said to me: Dwayne, come join me on a journey, a journey I led the first century saints to experience, a journey which ultimately led to the gospel spreading around the globe. This is not an easy journey. There were many life-threatening and life-taking moments along the way. Come discover how a few courageous men and women impacted their countries and the world for me. As you travel through each chapter and each scene, take special note of how I was clearly initiating circumstances and situations to work together for their good and my glory. For example, The “great persecution” that came on them in Jerusalem served to force them out of their comfortable setting with the other saints and to travel out into a hostile but needy world outside the “walls” of the church. I used this persecution to scatter my people and smother the land with their salt and light. In a word, what Satan meant for evil, I used for good.
What I said to God: Thank You, most precious and anointed and holy One, for opening my spiritual eyes to glimpse behind the scenes and see a little of how You were orchestrating even the persecution to reach more people for Christ. As I go through my day today, help me watch for divine appointments, moments and circumstances that may at first appear inconvenient, frustrating or discouraging. Help me look behind the scenes and glimpse Your hand at work. And even when I don’t see Your hand, help me trust Your heart. Use me, O Lord, to share Your hope and love with someone today who needs to know the Truth.