The persecution of the church, the harm hurled through threats and brutality---it was meant to destroy and kill the followers. But this. The very first preachers of Good News. Dispersed. All because of persecution. What others mean for harm still works for good then and now.
And the work of conversion works on all of us, then and now.
And the hand of the Lord---God showed them His Favor. Manifest in Miracles.
Hearts changed forever."Not only his Hand of Providence, which brought them thither, and protected them; and his Hand of love, grace and mercy, which was upon them, and supplied them with gifts and grace, and everything necessary for them; and his Hand of wisdom, which guided and directed them; but his Hand of power, the same with the Arm of the Lord, which when revealed, and made bare, the report of the Gospel is believed." John Gibbs
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Oh Father, may we know closely, deeply, fondly, fully Your Hand of Providence no matter how we feel this day. Your Hand of love, grace, and mercy. Your Hand of power.
PHOTO: The Hill Country today. Thinking about His Hand.
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
ReplyDeleteLord, we thank You that You are impartial, we pray for our brothers and sisters who live in dark regions of the world and ask You to protect them. We also pray for the lost that they may know You and make Jesus their Lord and Savior and enter into the Body of Christ.
Amen and amen....
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