June 14
Acts 9:26-43
One of the marks of the early church was a resolute commitment to Christ regardless of the consequences. Immediately after Paul's conversion, he began to share the message of Jesus everywhere. Sometimes it went well, and people came to faith in Christ, and other times it led to murder attempts (see 9:29). No matter the result, he kept on spreading the message wherever he went. One of the reasons that Paul, Peter, and the rest of the church were able to have this mentality was because they lived "in the fear of the Lord" and were "encouraged by the Holy Spirit."
The fear of the Lord allowed them to resolutely obey God, because they were seeking to please him above everyone else. They knew the power of God and the weakness of the world; therefore they resolutely obeyed God. Also, being encouraged by the Holy Spirit allowed them to find joy in the midst of suffering and persecution. They were filled with joy despite their circumstances because of God's work in their lives. As you follow Christ today, are you motivated by the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Spirit? These realities will empower us to follow Christ no matter the results. So let us look to God for our purpose, motivation, and joy, and proclaim him to everyone we can.
Father God, help me to fear you and be encouraged by your Spirit today. May I be motivated by your love and the life I have through Christ to obey you. Amen.
What would it look like to walk in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit?
One of the marks of the early church was a resolute commitment to Christ regardless of the consequences. Immediately after Paul's conversion, he began to share the message of Jesus everywhere. Sometimes it went well, and people came to faith in Christ, and other times it led to murder attempts (see 9:29). No matter the result, he kept on spreading the message wherever he went. One of the reasons that Paul, Peter, and the rest of the church were able to have this mentality was because they lived "in the fear of the Lord" and were "encouraged by the Holy Spirit."
The fear of the Lord allowed them to resolutely obey God, because they were seeking to please him above everyone else. They knew the power of God and the weakness of the world; therefore they resolutely obeyed God. Also, being encouraged by the Holy Spirit allowed them to find joy in the midst of suffering and persecution. They were filled with joy despite their circumstances because of God's work in their lives. As you follow Christ today, are you motivated by the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Spirit? These realities will empower us to follow Christ no matter the results. So let us look to God for our purpose, motivation, and joy, and proclaim him to everyone we can.
Father God, help me to fear you and be encouraged by your Spirit today. May I be motivated by your love and the life I have through Christ to obey you. Amen.
What would it look like to walk in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit?
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