Mon., 7/22/19 Devotion (Acts 9:31)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 9:31, which says this:

"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."

This happy condition of Christ’s church followed immediately on the heels of the conversion of Saul, the former terrorist. It also includes his [Paul’s] preaching of the gospel, and his being welcomed by the disciples. In light of this, let us earnestly pray for the miraculous re-birth of the most ardent op-ponents of Jesus and His gospel.

Seasons of peace, edification, godly fear, and comfort in the Holy Spirit are wonderful epochs for the church. But remember: it only came about after a terrible struggle with one of the (formerly) great troublers of Christ's body.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Of all others let ministers be impatient when God's glory is impeached and eclipsed. A minister without zeal is like 'salt that has lost its savor.’ “ —Thomas Watson, in, "The Beatitudes"]