Today's readings are Judges 4.1-24 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Judges+4.1-24 ), Acts 14.1-18 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Acts+14.1-18 ), and Judges 5.1-31 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Judges+5.1-31 ).
Look carefully at the activities of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium. I'll just make a quick list of what I observed, then see if I find any application.
1) They speak so as to be persuasive.
2) Unbelievers seek to be persuasive as well.
3) Paul and Barnabas are committed to staying for a long time if need be.
4) The Holy Spirit affirms their presence.
5) Eventually the tide turns against Paul and Barnabas from all ethnic and political groups, resulting in death threats.
6) Paul and Barnabas flee that area but continue to proclaim the Gospel.
Applications:
1) God's Word is effective. At the same time, God speaks through people who strive to be effective as well. We are facing opposition so need to work as hard as we can to make the Gospel plain.
2) It may take a while to accomplish the work the Lord has given us.
3) We can sometimes tell when the Holy Spirit is working through us. Especially in difficult situations we may find some sort of signs of God's presence.
4) Sometimes proclamation of the Gospel is life threatening. Hostility is not necessarily a sign that we are doing something wrong.
5) It is all right to strive to protect our lives in order to continue to spread the Gospel.
Go through your life for Christ today. See what the Lord does through you.
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