February 1, 2012

Acts 15:30-41 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 10:26-33, Psalm 24, Exodus 1-2

Journal Entry

Scripture

And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are" (Acts 15:36).

Observation

Paul and Barnabas did not merely preach the Word of God to people, but they also genuinely cared for the people to whom they were preaching. In other words, they didn't communicate the good news of Jesus Christ with only their words, but also with their deeds--ie. carving out time out of their busy schedule to pay a visit to see how their fellow Christian brothers and sisters were doing.

Application

I will ask the Holy Spirit to empower me to be an effective communicator of the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout today by not only speaking the word of God, but also embodying the heart of God for others in my actions toward them.

Prayer

Abba Father, I thank you for the example of Paul and Barnabas who did not "preach" the gospel merely with words but also with their deeds which embodied your heart for people. Holy Spirit, would you empower me by your grace to preach the good news of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, both with words and with deeds that faithfully reflect your heart for those whom I will come in contact with throughout this day? It is in Christ name I pray. Amen.

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