The Book of Acts: Turn Your World Upside DownSample

Today’s Devotional:

How do you react when you’re corrected? Do you fight it out and attempt to argue your way out with a deny-until-you-die attitude? It’s easy to hold onto our beliefs, even the ones that are wrong, and not remain open to another point of view. One of my favorite John Mayer lyrics comes from his song, Shadow Days, where he writes,

“Did you know that you could be wrong,

And swear you're right.

Some people been known to do it all their lives.”

Here in chapter 9, Saul is convinced of his own belief. He is both compelled to action and committed in his methods. And yet, Saul has a personal and powerful encounter to expose the error in his ways. This Divine encounter was outside the realm of possibility for Saul. It was unbelievable for those traveling with him. Even the disciples who would welcome Saul in Damascus and later in Jerusalem would struggle to believe this transformation in Saul was even possible.

Saul’s transformation quickly proves to be valid. In this dramatic encounter, he learns two facts that will alter the course of his life. The first is that Jesus is, in fact, alive. The second is that in persecuting Christians, Saul is, in fact, persecuting Jesus himself. Saul allows these new revelations to change his mind, actions, and mission. Saul is not the only one who is changed. Verse 31 shows how the Church throughout the whole region thrived.

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Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Daniel Roach.

Questions to Consider:

• When was the last time you experienced conviction from the Holy Spirit?
• In what areas of your life are you resisting the truth?

Prayer:

God, speak your truth in my life. Convict me of the things that are not in alignment with you. Give me the courage to address any impure way within me and supply me with a community to help me live fully for you. Amen.