February 7, 2012 (Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas.” Acts 14:2 NLT
Observation: Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue in Iconium and began preaching the gospel message with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Then, some of the Jews got jealous at their success and spurned God’s message, poisoned the minds of those who would listen and turned them against Paul and Barnabas.
Application: Jealousy always leads people to do things they would not ordinarily do. I’ve witnessed, and personally experienced, how satan uses jealousy to destroy relationships. When God delivered me from the bondage of sin, satan immediately went to work trying to turn me back. He knew God had a plan to turn my mess of a life into a message of grace and forgiveness that would bring God glory. The day I was born again I became enemy number one to satan and a threat to him he could not ignore. Filling my blood relatives with jealousy was his method of attack against me. He thought surely this would break me and send me running back to the comforts he once provided. But with a firm grip my hands hold to the plow of God and I’ve determined that nothing I could lose will ever be worth more than what I have gained in Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your wonderful mercy and grace that provides and protects me daily! You are the awesome God of heaven and above You there is no other! You provide strength and courage to walk in faith and trust in Your sovereignty. Suffer me not to be a vessel satan could use with jealousy. Fill me with grace and mercy by Your Spirit and protect me with Your strong right arm. As I hold my hands to the plow, please Lord Jesus, hold to my hands, in Jesus name, Amen!