Trying to do the Lord’s work in your strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.
– Corrie Ten Boom
Before I was saved, there were moments in my life that I thought I trusted God and surrendered to His will. But when failures rose and my prayers were not answered, my faith was shaken. I worried a lot and tried to control every minute of details. This brought about anxiety and irritability. Moreover, when I was in the midst of troubles, I withdrew myself from people around me. Even those I know that care for me.
But everything changed when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Worries about problems are still there but are no longer overwhelming me. Furthermore, knowing that God is always at work for my good even in sorrows and during the hardest times.
History to Understand the Word of God
Want to know the History of the Books of Acts? Click here.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Acts 19:1-10. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Nehemiah 1: Why Do We Fail In Prioritizing Important Things?
Spiritual health
First, we should ask ourselves the question, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? (Acts 19:2), that Paul asked John the Baptist’s followers. If we profess Jesus as our Saviour and act according to the Father’s will. Then we have received the Holy Spirit and are baptized by fire.
Remember the conversation of Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3? This is the same context of Paul’s conversation with the disciples. They were baptized by the water of repentance, which is a public declaration that they turning away from their sins. But baptism does not give us salvation. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone (Romans 5:1-2).
When we have established that we are saved not by our works by that of Jesus then we can proceed to another question we can reflect upon. And that is Are you spiritually healthy? Most of the time we forget that we are spiritual beings. We neglect, or worst, avoid activities that will aid our spiritual growth. Further, we take for granted praying and bible reading. The two most important activities that can make our spirit stronger.
Stumbling block: Stubbornness
When people refuse to believe in Jesus they will not be saved. That is clearly stated by Jesus when He said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6). This is what happened to the Jews that Paul taught in the synagogue (Acts 19:9). They have continued on their disbelief because their hearts are hardened. Let not this happen to you.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Have you been saved? Accept Jesus Now.
- Are you trying to work out your salvation by doing good deeds?
- How is your spiritual health?
- Are you holding steadfast on Jesus or on your disbelief in Him?
Related Posts
- How To Know If We Are Spiritually Healthy?
- God, Enlighten Your Holy Church
- Seek the Good for Others
- How Is Laziness Affecting Your Spiritual Growth?
Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven. Holy is your name forever and ever. You have given your Son, Jesus Christ, as the ransom for our sins. He has saved us and has offered eternal life with you. May the Holy Spirit convict us to believe in Him. Moreover, may our stony hearts be changed to a heart of flesh. We repent from our sins, O Lord, and we put them at the foot of your cross. Pray for us to the Father that we will not fall into temptations. Keep us in your love.
We pray in the name precious blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.
