I need to be brave in my willingness to share Jesus with others.
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
By Ed Daihl, Journey Small Group Leader
Acts 9:1-31
Scripture
“Jesus miraculously appeared to Saul while he was on his way to persecute believers in Damascus. When Saul asked, ‘Who are you Lord?’, Jesus told him his name and identified himself as the one Saul was persecuting. After 3 days of prayer and fasting, Jesus sent Ananias to heal Saul’s blindness and to ‘tell him what he must do’” — Acts 9: 1-31 summary
Observation
I believe there were many steps to Saul’s conversion recorded in the BIble. I think the first major step might have been the stoning of Stephen. When Stephen’s face shone like an angel’s while he preached to and prayed for those that were killing him. The second recorded event was seeing and speaking with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. This led to three days of prayer and fasting before Ananias came to heal Saul and explain to him what he must do. This led to his complete faith in Jesus and his baptism.
Application
Jesus didn’t use his appearance to Saul to explain the complete process to become His follower and disciple. Instead he used at least two people who, at great risk, shared their faith in Christ and explained how to come into a saving faith in Christ. My takeaway is I need to be brave in my willingness to share Jesus with others.
Prayer
“Father, please show me people that you are calling to yourself and give me the words and courage to be an effective witness to what you have done for me and all who believe. Amen.”
Now You Try
Read Acts 9:32-43
Scripture
Get to a place where you can focus and read the daily Scripture passage several times. Take time to read and allow God to speak to you. Write down the one or two verses that stick out. Even consider rewriting the verse(s) in your own words.
Observation
Make a basic observation about the scripture you just read. What stood out? Was something repeated? What is the author trying to communicate? What does the Scripture passage teach you about God? What does it teach you about humanity?
Application
Ask, “What does this verse(s) mean for my life?” How might this verse affect your heart — how you feel? How does this verse challenge your thinking? How does it affect your will, asking, “What changes do I need to make in my life as a result of this passage of Scripture?”
Prayer
Write out a prayer to God. Scripture is God speaking to you, take this moment to speak back. Take a moment to say, “Thank you,” confess to Him what needs to change, or ask for something that is on your heart.