Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Jesus Changes Lives!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 10/18/11  Job 3,4; Acts 8,9 - Jesus Changes Lives

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer

S- Acts 9:3-5 JBP, But on his (Paul's) journey, as he neared Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly blazed around him, and he fell to the ground.   Then he heard a voice... "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting... Now stand up and go into the city and there you will be told what you must do."

O - As I read the book of Acts, I see lives that are tremendously changed.  One day they are living as they have, possibly for years, and the next minute they have an entirely different life ... Saul persecuting Christians, the lame man from birth healed at the Beautiful Gate, Stephen proclaiming Christ and being stoned to death for it, a magician converted, etc.

A - Wow. I am trying to really imagine what it would be like for a lame man from birth to suddenly be able to walk, leap, praise God.  How did his life change for the remainder of his days?  What was his experience and his countenance?  And what about Saul/Paul ... fervently persecuting and killing Christians "for God" and then standing in the Temple preaching Jesus?! It was a complete about-face!  Jesus changes us.  What existed in the pre-Jesus days is abruptly changed and our experience from then on is different.  And we have a testimony to share - that would really interest people.

P - Father, thank you for Jesus!  May we not forget how are lives are changed because of His Presence, your Presence in our lives.  May we be ready to tell others - this is what it was like for me before, BUT... this is now my life.  I am changed.  Amen.

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