23rd. August. 2022. Daily Devotions.

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.  Galatians 1:23-24

Paul had started the young churches in the region of Galatia, but now they were floundering because some false teachers had led them astray (Galatians 1:6-10). In­stead, they had needed to be encouraged and enfolded to remember the good news of Jesus and to live for him alone.

Paul tells briefly how God changed him from a persecutor of Christ-followers to a fully committed ambassador of Jesus. His transformation was not about him but about Jesus. And eventually he went to Jerusalem to meet with the leaders of the church who lived there. Then Paul moved on to spread the gospel to regions north of Judea. And when the churches in Judea heard about him, the Spirit made clear that Paul was truly converted to “preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” That brought all the believers to praise God. And instead of fearing Paul, they rejoiced on account of him.

People who come to know Jesus as their Saviour need to be received with praise to God. They have been saved from darkness and brought into the light. They need friends who will bless them and encourage them.

Do you know someone whom you can encourage in this way? Be sure to do so!

God of grace, move us to praise and give thanks to you for bringing sinners to your Son, Jesus, and guide us to encourage and enfold them. Amen.

There is glory within each sunrise, Lord, a warm effusion of praise reaching upwards and out, connecting earth with heaven, creator with created, Shafts of sunlight, arms outstretched in worship encourage participation from those who watch and wonder, at the beauty of it all. Amen.

Prayer for Family and Friends
Blessed are you, loving Father, for all your gifts to me and those close to me. Blessed are you, for giving me family and friends to be with me in times of joy and sorrow, to help me in days of need, and to rejoice with me in moments of celebration. Father, I praise you for your son Jesus, who knew the happiness of family and friends, and in the love of your Holy Spirit. Blessed are you for ever and ever. Amen.

For Those Mired in Crime
O Mighty God, who spares us when we deserve punishment, and in your wrath remembers mercy; I pray you, of your goodness, to comfort and enlighten all who suffer in prison, though their punishment may be deserved. Bring your light into their lives, O Lord, that they may know your only Son and find repentance and forgiveness in his name, leaving aside the guilt of past sins and the yearning for the darkness within which they committed them. And trusting in your truth and mercy, that they do not place their hope anywhere except in the holiness, which only you can give them. And awaken all criminals, whether convicted or free, to the light of conscience and self-knowledge, that they may learn to serve you and their fellow man, and so find their place at your side when they leave this earth. In Christ’s name I beseech you on their behalf, Amen.