TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please read Acts 18:1–17
Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.
Acts 18:7–8
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
We see today that many people are still using religion as a tool to enslave, abuse, and incite violence against those whom they perceive to be against them. We call this toxic religiosity. We also encounter disturbing news about religious leaders who use their position to abuse women and children sexually or commit fraud. There are self-proclaimed messiahs, enriching themselves with cars, planes, houses, and hefty bank accounts, at the expense of their blind followers.
We need the Holy Spirit’s guidance more so in these troubling times. We need His wisdom for us to discern these “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Their methods, lies, and modus operandi will never match God’s truth. We should try our best to pray and share God’s word with others. However, we should realize that it is only God who will do the changing. We must discern when to keep striving and when it’s time to move on and leave the matter to God. Letting go is considered an act of faith, trusting in the Lord to do His will, even if we are no longer involved.
Paul dedicated his preaching exclusively to the Jews, but they wouldn’t want to hear any of it because of their hard-heartedness and jealousy. Paul decided that it was time to let go and let God move. While he moved on to the Gentiles, of which we are eternally grateful.
PRAYER
Loving God, You show us Your faithfulness amidst challenges. Like Paul, encourage us to persevere in sharing Your truth. Open hearts to salvation, give us boldness in the face of opposition and remind us of Your guiding presence. Thank you for Your unwavering support. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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