There are many occurrences of opposition against God's teaching. This passage is a clear indication of how the enemy works. BUT Paul or Barnabas, by the power of the Holy Spirit...
"...spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders."
Yesterday's speaker and other missionaries around the world experience this EVERYDAY. But its so encouraging to see that they still have fervor, passion for the Lord. AMAZING.
And personally, even though I may not feel that kind of opposition (since our lives are so comfortable), the inner-battle I have against my sinful nature and doubt poison my mind and heart. Just like vs. 2 says, i don't think its always other people. Even our own sinful nature has negative influence as well.
And like what yesterday's speaker said about listening to God's voice. Sigh. I need to do that more. This song is one of my favorite worship songs, and its a reminder to listen and trust that God is always with us whenever, wherever.
Still
Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are king over the flood
I will be still and know You are Go
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are king over the flood
I will be still and know You are Go
3 comments:
Innie, I so agree with you that our great struggle is an inner-battle within the mind and heart. I feel perhaps we have lost so much ground in the battle to proclaim and live out the gospel that the devil has access to push against our inner minds with doubts, temptations, worldly influences, etc...
These days I struggle with not only trying to live the way I think God is leading me but to be able to stand up for my "godly" endeavors against doubts, criticism and opinions and such.
Thanks for sharing the worship and for pointing out how important is to listen for God's voice. I was comforted by the worship song you shared and will meditate on it throughout the week.
thanks for a moving reflection, innie. this passage reminded me that there are some, like the jews in the story, who are simply going to "refuse to believe". here, unbelief is depicted as a deliberate "act of the will". they will not believe even to save their own life--and it is not enough for them to personally resist the message of the gospel--they have to "poison the minds of others" against it too. it seems that those who are determined to perish themselves want to make sure that they can take as many down with them as possible.
how many innocent and unguarded people are led astray through such schemes that "poison the mind"? that is why there is such frequent counsel in the Bible to "know what we believe". then we will be able to "hold fast" against all the spiritual temptations, the doubts and the fears, the personal demons, and the "deceitfulness" of sin that poison our minds and lead to a slow but sure death.
thanks for your reflection innie :)
it's very easy to be swayed one way or the other, especially when we are not rooted in any type of belief of our own. may we continue to be grounded in the word so that we may be able to fight these battles of opposition that are bound to come our way.
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