ESOCS Devotional 27 June
TEXT: ACTS 8:1-25
MEMORY VERSE:“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4 KJV
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Eccl. 3:1). As we go through life, there are several encounters, some negative, others positive. Interestingly, they come even at the altar of our highest service to God. The disciples, having received the commissioning of Jesus and impartation by the Holy Ghost, began the work of the ministry immediately; but a major opposition hit them. Saul (who later became Paul and preached the Gospel of Christ to the extreme) led serious persecution against the church. They ran away from Jerusalem and dispersed to different places.
They did not give up their faith or abandon the ministry. They began and continued the work of the ministry with greater zeal and determination. They sought for opportunities to teach and preach the word of God, even under the danger of threat to their lives. They maximized the opportunities and preached the gospel everywhere they found themselves.
The attributes that enabled them perform creditably well in the ministry:
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
- UNDERSTANDING: “And of the children Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred and all their brethren were at their commandment” (1 Chron. 12:32).It takes understanding to see opportunity in adversity, to see again in pain, and to see benefits in burdens. Only men who understand that everything in life provides opportunity make an impact, leave a mark, and better their environment. In addition, only people of deep understanding and great commitment would endanger their life to accomplish a purpose.
- SENSITIVITY: Sensitivity is the secret of excellence and productivity. Until a man is sensitive to the move of God, he may never know the mind of God in all situations. Having been scattered abroad, the people became sensitive to what God had planned for them at that moment. They knew it was time to spread the Gospel, and not remain in one comfort zone. They knew it was time to go on a mission. Without sensitivity, opportunities cannot be maximized. Be spiritually sensitive today so that you can be current in heaven and on earth.
- SUBMISSION: It requires a heart of submission to make opportunities productive. The disciples submitted to the will of God. Hence, God showed Himself with many wonders. Until submission is on ground, opportunities may never be maximized in the face of danger. Preaching the Gospel in difficult situations and places where we are persecuted may never be achieved.
BOTTOM LINE: Learn to maximize opportunities in whatever situation you find yourself to further the course of the kingdom of God and humanity.
CHALLENGES
- Do not be discouraged by the pain of persecution but see the hand of God.
- Make up your mind to be a blessing to humanity at all times.
- Be resolved never to be offended in God, no matter the situation.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank you for your thoughts towards us are good and not of evil. Help us to walk in line with your plans for our lives always, in Jesus name. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Ezekiel 23:1-10; 23:11-31; Acts 8:26-40
