JOHN SHIRK – This week, our Light Reflections examine some of the bright spots in the book of Acts when God was on the move in the hearts of people.

One of those places was in Acts 9:18, when Ananias ministered to a new convert named Saul.

He was in Damascus when the Lord called him to visit Saul who was praying. His assignment was to place hands on him to restore Saul’s sight. Ananias was familiar with the harm Saul had done to God’s people before converting to Christ.

But the Lord reassured Ananias, saying, “Go, this man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”

Ananias took a step of courage. He went to Saul, and placed his hands on him. Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. After taking food, Saul regained his strength.

This Light Reflection inspires us to support new believers as they follow Jesus in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to praise God for changed lives.

In the early church, Saul was a dangerous man. He actively sought to persecute Christians. But one time, when he was on such a mission to Damascus, he had an encounter with Christ which led to his miraculous conversion.

When Saul’s eyes were opened to the Gospel, he responded by faith and became a leader in the early church. Notice how the believers in Judea responded to his conversion in Galatians 1:23.

“They only heard the report: ‘the man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they praised God because of me.”

If we can think of someone who recently came to faith in Christ, we can praise God for the road that they are travelling. Love them, pray for them, be part of building them up in the faith, and celebrate with them.

Take the daily challenge to praise God for changed lives that puts them on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com