Scripture Acts 28:27 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes.
Observation Disbelief and arrogance kept the Jews from hearing and seeing the truths the Apostle Paul was proclaiming the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. They refused to listen and submit themselves to the love of God, His righteousness, and the gift of His beloved Son Jesus. Some believed but some did not. The word of God presented to some who were sincere and seeking God while others closed their minds and hearts to God. They had heard about this 'sect' that Paul was a part of - and they came, but their minds were already made up and their hearts hardened and closed to the the truth that would set them free!
Application Guard my heart! Keep my heart before Jesus and be thankful - keep my heart from sin, prejudice, and self righteous attitudes. Open myself to God's instruction, correction, and healing. Allow the Holy Spirit to open up areas of my heart that have become hardened and calloused.
Prayer Father God, help me to guard my heart and open myself to your correction. Where there is anything in me that keeps me from loving You and loving others, purge me and make me clean. Forgive me for attitudes of prejudice, arrogance, self righteous thinking. Restore to me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. May I hear Your voice, may I see Your face, and know the depth of Your love and grace, In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
Acts 18:9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."
2 Kings 6:16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
Observation
The Lord speaks to Paul and reassures him not to be afraid of the opposition he is facing. The Lord is with him - and not only the Lord, but there are many of His people in the city. God knows those who are His and that together, in one accord and purpose, we can face the enemy with boldness and confidence and know that God is with His people! Paul is encouraged to keep speaking the 'good news', teaching, and not to keep quiet.
I'm also reminded of the story in 2 Kings about Elisha asking God to open the eyes of his servant so that he could see - "that those who are with us are more than those who are with them." His eyes were open to the spiritual realm and he indeed saw the armies and chariots of heaven surrounding the enemy!
Application
What comforting words in times of fear, threats, and opposition! "I am with you." Who else calms my heart and quiets my fears? Only God can. When I know He is with me and He has others who will watch my back, I can trust in Him. Trust that He is with me - and I am not alone!
Prayer
Father, thank You. Thank You for the power of Your word and the promise of Your Presence in times of difficulty, stress, trials, and opposition. I will draw near to You with assurance and peace knowing You are with me. I will keep proclaiming Your good news to all who have ears to hear. In Jesus Name, A-men.
