Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

As we move through each day, our lives are filled with decisions. A research study by Cornell University says that we make approximately 226 decisions a day related to food choices alone. Our decisions all bear consequences; subsequently, those consequences almost always impact the lives of others.

In this second missionary journey of Paul, he and Silas traveled to synagogues teaching about the Messiah. He wasn’t just teaching the Word, he was sharing with those present what it was like to live a life of following Him. Through this journey, Paul and Silas were sharing the news of the Messiah and the resurrection through scripture and personal accounts; they were sharing facts not feelings. Some of the wiser in the crowds were pulling out the scrolls to test the accuracy of the scriptures that they were referencing.

As Paul and Silas petitioned the crowds, some people sneered, some wanted to hear more, and some were ready to join them in following Jesus. In essence, some said yes, some said no and some said tell me more later. BUT what if later never comes?

Paul’s message exclaimed, “He commands everyone everywhere to repent and turn to Him (verse 30).” All of human history is moving toward judgment and the decision to follow or not to follow rests in you alone. It’s not a decision you can make for someone else. Your parents can’t decide for you; likewise, you can’t make the decision to follow Him for your spouse or your kids.

Making the decision to follow Christ is a lifetime commitment. It is life-altering. It is soul-quenching. To drink from the living water is symbolic of salvation and walking in the true knowledge of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. God provides us with everything we need when we turn from sin and come to Him.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Where are you in making this decision? Are you committed and walking with Him? Are you in the decision-making process trying to discern whether or not to believe? If you are in the tell-me-more stage, I encourage you to speak to someone from church. We have many people that will pray with you and help answer those questions for you. This decision is urgent. Be sure that you are on the salvation side when judgment comes. Eternity in heaven is more amazing than we can ever imagine. You won’t want to miss it!
• Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we are so thankful for the teachings of Paul. Lord, we know that salvation is the only way to eternity. Help us to not hesitate or delay in following You. I pray that any that are struggling with the decision find clarity to commit to a life of surrender today! Amen.

Family Devos: Acts 17

By: Tina Bryant

In today’s verses, we find a few of Jesus’ followers in a city where they are trying to teach people about who Jesus was and what he had done for them. Paul was teaching that Jesus was King! And that He had suffered and died then rose again to sit in heaven with God so that people just like you and me could live a free life, and get to go to heaven with Him! BUT some of the Jews were jealous and told some untruthful things about the followers of Jesus - that they were baddies causing trouble all over the world!

Have you ever been misunderstood? How did it make you feel? The disciples were definitely misunderstood by leaders in the city because of what some of the other Jews had said about them. Maybe you’ve had someone say something that wasn’t true about you, and it hurt your feelings. Well, Jesus understands! He can help you when you have trouble. All you have to do is trust Him and tell Him!

• Pray: God, I want to trust and follow you, even when people say things that aren’t nice or true about me. Help me to have boldness to share what Jesus did for me.