“There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (NLT) The heart of this ministry is to inspire a love for God’s Word and encourage the discipline of daily Bible reading and SOAP journaling. These are a few of our SOAP notes from today’s reading. We encourage you to read and journal on your own first, then join us in conversation about what God revealed to YOU today. Click HERE to go directly to the daily reading if you wish.
Printable reading plan: Discover One Thing Reading Plan
Want to walk through the Bible one book at a time? Head over to Discover One Thing Online Study!
Standing Near | Kelley Deases
S~ The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage!” Acts 23:11 (NIV)
O~ Few could question Paul was a man of tremendous courage. Before his conversion, he had power and the authority to persecute and kill those who did not agree with him — those who were Jesus followers. But once he had an encounter with Jesus, he redirected that passion and zeal for the cause of Christ, even when the Lord called him to give a witness before hostile crowds and powerful leaders. But however impressive Paul was in championing our faith, being used to write a great deal of the New Testament, and spreading the Gospel far and wide, he was only human. He needed God’s presence to enable him to do all these things. And in this verse I don’t merely read how Paul sensed God’s presence, but, in fact, “the Lord stood near” and spoke to him.
A~ These words are such a comfort to me, to know that even Paul needed this and that God was gracious enough to oblige. This is also a verse I can point to as I encourage others. Just in the last two days I received a call from my son who was feeling stressed and burdened by some financial issues their experiencing with a baby on the way and was also contacted by a friend in the midst of marital instability. In both cases, I can assure them, as the Lord has assured me so many times, “Take courage!” He is standing with each of them as they both have committed their paths to Him.
P~ Help me to act and speak as though You are standing near saying, “Take courage, Kelley!” Because You are.
Our team would love the privilege of praying for you! Please share how we can lift you in prayer at prayer@DiscoverOneThing.com
Discover One Thing 