April 25th, 2024
by Jim Smith
by Jim Smith
Devotional
As we near the end of our 21 day fast, I trust your heart has been strengthened. I trust that you have sensed a nearness to the Savior that warms your heart. To be strengthened of heart is a powerful experience. That is my desire for you.
If you like books filled with action and adventure, you won’t find anything better than the book of Acts. These accounts of the early church are incredible. In Acts 14, Luke records that after visiting several cities on their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas arrived in Lystra where they were well received initially. But some men from Antioch and Iconium showed up and turned the people against Paul. They even stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city, and presumed that he was dead. But did you notice what he did? Even after being almost killed, Paul returned to Lystra to encourage the Christ-followers and strengthen their faith.
“And after they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith.” - Acts 14:21-22
The word “strengthen” actually means to “warm up someone’s heart.” And this account should warm our hearts - and challenge us to follow this amazing example of Christian love and forgiveness.
Are you ready to be sent out to be a strengthener of souls? We need a “strengthening of our souls” during those times. We also need to be prepared to be a “strengthener of souls” for others. That’s what it is all about. As we draw in near to the Lord, He prepares and equips us to do just as Paul did for the believers – become a strengthener of their souls.
Are you prepared to do that? Hopefully after following these 3 weeks of fasting, you can see how fasting can equip you and prepare you to be just that.
If you like books filled with action and adventure, you won’t find anything better than the book of Acts. These accounts of the early church are incredible. In Acts 14, Luke records that after visiting several cities on their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas arrived in Lystra where they were well received initially. But some men from Antioch and Iconium showed up and turned the people against Paul. They even stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city, and presumed that he was dead. But did you notice what he did? Even after being almost killed, Paul returned to Lystra to encourage the Christ-followers and strengthen their faith.
“And after they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith.” - Acts 14:21-22
The word “strengthen” actually means to “warm up someone’s heart.” And this account should warm our hearts - and challenge us to follow this amazing example of Christian love and forgiveness.
Are you ready to be sent out to be a strengthener of souls? We need a “strengthening of our souls” during those times. We also need to be prepared to be a “strengthener of souls” for others. That’s what it is all about. As we draw in near to the Lord, He prepares and equips us to do just as Paul did for the believers – become a strengthener of their souls.
Are you prepared to do that? Hopefully after following these 3 weeks of fasting, you can see how fasting can equip you and prepare you to be just that.
Scripture
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Reflection
What God is saying to me today is:
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