ALMOST PERSUADED
Today’s Reading: Acts 26
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
This is the Damascus Gate in the northern wall of the Old City of Jerusalem. In its current form, the gate was built in 1537 under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Underneath, remains of a gate dating to the time of the Roman rule of Hadrian in the 2nd century AD have been discovered and excavated.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Acts 26:19-20, 28
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance…” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
Paul obeyed “the Heavenly vision.” A few days ago we read about Mark, who failed, but later returned to obey God’s call. All the disciples (except perhaps John) abandoned Jesus the night of His arrest, but they were restored. If we have failed, return now and God will complete the work to which He has called us. An excellent example of the “work” is Paul’s testimony before the King and the Governor. (1) We start by speaking well of the person to whom we are witnessing. (2) We give a brief personal account of how we came to faith in Jesus. (3) Quote from Jesus Himself…e.g. “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). Paul heard the voice of Jesus in his physical ears. We may hear as he did, but we definitely hear His voice as we read His Word each day. (4) Make a direct appeal for a decision for Christ. Some people will respond with “yes,” and some are “almost persuaded.” (5) Like Paul, don’t give up. Make another appeal (Acts 26:29).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, give me a stubborn refusal to give up on witnessing of Your salvation, and grant me wisdom and persistence in seeking to win precious people to You. I would be the most selfish person if I kept the message of Your love to myself. As I move throughout the hours ahead of me, and as the opportunity is present, I am determined, with the working of Your Spirit in me, to win someone to You. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
In my personal witness one-to-one, as well as in my public speaking to groups of people in church, on the street, or on daily television for many years, I’ve followed, more or less, Paul’s five points listed above. I can assure you, results follow. Just as Jesus said in the parable of the sower, when I sow seed, (1) some seed is stolen, (2) some falls on stoney ground, (3) some falls amongst thorns, and (4) some seed falls on good ground and yields a beautiful harvest. I’ve just taken the time to read Matthew 13:1-9. If I don’t see results, I take the time to pray fervently so that the devil (the birds) will be driven back and held back from stealing the seeds. Then I may have to spend time clearing the ground of stones and thorns. The ONLY REASON I will not see results is that I have not sown good seed on enough new ground. The law of averages has proven true. At least one in four people to whom I witness give their lives to Jesus. I can’t sow the good seed inside the same four walls each Sunday and expect to see a harvest. I have to get out to where people live and die.
Have you ever heard or sung the great invitation hymn “Almost Persuaded” (click here)? Experience God’s Spirit. If anyone reading this has not welcomed Jesus into his or her life, do it now. Please, please, don’t turn down this invitation. You can call our toll-free prayer number at 1-866-273-4444, and someone who loves God and loves you will answer 24/7. A caring, non-judgmental person is waiting for your call. If you get a busy signal, try again.
Yours for winning precious, never-dying souls to Jesus,
David
P.S. Merry Christmas from Norma-Jean and me.
Read right to the end of Acts, today; such good scripture, message and links. Loved the song by Josh Turner in David’s link. Today, saints, be blessed and well. God loves you, so.
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4 NIV
Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige – What Child Is This
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbvwwwTqeRo
Thank you,Beverlee.Your taste is spot on.Blessings
The life of Apostle Paul and David are such an inspiration in that they were not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Amen? Reading these chapters a second time and see something new each time. The Lord bless your day saints!
Merry Christmas to all,especially the Mainse family…and thank you.
The first time I heard that song was when the page number was announced as our next song.That was quite a technical feat for Beverlee’s song and very beautifully done.
I’m sharing one of my favorite poems/messages that I ‘typed’ for it is only this ‘season with a reason’ when it is appropriate.God bless
They Call Me St.Nick
They call me ‘St Nick’ in my land,
Because I practiced love to all,
But then it quickly got out of hand;
The lie became my life’s downfall.
I am not Christmas,nor a saint,
But am promoted only to sell,
I detest that they made me quaint,
So they could make their money swell.
If you love Christmas,give it back,
To the true King,Lord of all lands,
Only He can replace what we lack;
You’re right beside where He stands.
So if you truly love Jesus,the Lord,
Welcome Him into your humble abode;
He is the Gift we can all afford,
He keeps giving but is never owed.
G W (Bill) Marshall / Dec 2,2012
I did a google search yesterday for a meme,emoji and/or a smiley to show the nativity.Most results were of Santa or anything but Jesus and the one or two that were of the nativity were ‘lacking’.That is ‘ehe world’ today,sadly.
Lovely Bill, amen!
TY Bill, heard on the TV that outdoor decorations are only allowed if they are secular! No Christian intent at all…..Lord God we are sorry for this,we ask that Christians let their lights shine outdoors very brightly…we all know that the devil is a nothing; we know that Jesus Christ is our True Lord and Saviour; we Praise & Thank Him for all His blessings given to us this day!
WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOUR!
SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT,
HE GAVE US SALVATION THROUGH HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION
WE PRAISE AND THANK YOU DEAR LORD GOD AMEN AMEN AMEN
Thanks,Sah.I would not honour any such law.We need to take back our Christian heritage.Merry Christmas.
The first song I was referring to was Almost Persuaded.
thank you Reynold for the photo; brings back memories when I was in that promised land!
Not only was Paul a witness for Jesus Christ; but I think your Dad did not lack in that area; with Tv, as a pastor, a teacher and much more than I know off, I suspect; this blog.
Thanks for this daily bread!
prayer warriors please pray that on the 26th of December the company where I buy bathing suits will have my size; they are l0% off now BUT on Dec 26 there is a 20%;I pray the Lord will have 3 bathing suits just my size available on that day.
Thankful for my home,car,the one missing hubcap found by Rick the mechanic; TY for this person;I pray the Holy Spirit will enter his heart and he will accept Jesus Christ as His personal Saviour,
I pray that healing will come to all those who are in need of God’s Divine Touch,
May God bless our families and neighbours and all who post prayers and encouragement….
May God help me to forgive those who have hurt me at church……amen
Praying for you SAH!
Praying that there will be lots of suits to choose from on the 26th in your size!
Amen for Sah, Anne.
Amen for forgiveness, Sah.