Pastor's Note: Pastor Shane recommends you to read Part 1 of this devotion first. [Click Here for Part I]

Scripture Reading: Acts 9:19-25

Acts 9:19-25 says: 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

This text reminds us of what we need to do for every soul that God sends our way. In verse 19 the Bible says that Saul was with the Disciples at Damascus. In verse 20, we read, "And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God."

The word "straightway," is translated as immediately. This means that Paul began the work as an evangelist immediately with the people of the synagogue helping and encouraging them along the way. We should be encouraged for the opportunities that God gives us to serve in the church. I am one who encourages everyone to get connected and use their God-given gifts for the potential of reaching people for Christ. As newcomers come to church, we ought to invite them to get involved in the ministries of the church.

Verse 21 goes on to say, "But all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?" Here we see where the people of this early church witnessed the conversion of Paul who was a persecutor of Christians and now he is a preacher of the gospel.

This was a powerful testimony that Paul shared with the people and this early church did not hold Paul back. Many times we need to come to the realization that our testimony of who we are and what God has done in our life is a powerful tool. Every single believer has a story of their conversion experience. In a sense, we all have a Damascus road experience and we should be willing to share that with everyone in whom we come in contact with. We need to realize that our testimony is very powerful.

There are many new converts that really don't understand how the new testament church is to function. They don't understand the church covenants, but regardless, they still have a powerful testimony to share of what God has done in their life.

Verse 22 reads, "But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ." I like where the Bible says that Paul, "increased the more in strength." I have often said that once we truly get saved that we should be growing in our salvation in the Lord. What I mean is that we ought to have more strength in Christ who strengthens us and our walk with the Lord should grow closer and closer. Salvation is a continual work in progress. It is a sanctification process.

I have been serving in the ministry for nineteen years. The more preaching and teaching I do and the more involved I am in outreach and missions the stronger witness I become for Christ. The more I do these things, the bolder I become. When I first started serving I was very timid and afraid that I had to do everything to please everyone in the church. I honestly felt like I had to be a "people pleaser," to get ahead in the ministry.

I soon realized that the only person that I need to please is God because I discovered, you will not please everyone. I live and stand on the passage in Romans 8:31 where the Bible clearly states, "if God be for me, who can be against me?" I have had a few people upset with me when I did exactly what God asked me to do. I recently left a church where I served for seven years as the Senior Pastor and while I was there many great things happened. I still love all of the people, but several in the community have demonstrated their feelings toward my leaving to follow the will of God. Unfortunately, I have been befriended by some by simply following God's will.

Friend, I cannot let the fact that anyone would get upset with me hold me back from what God has asked me to do. I have a choice to stoop to that level and let it hold me back and have similar feelings toward them or I can leave it in the hand of a God Who tenderly loves and cares for me. In those type of circumstances, I choose to let God handle it. God has "increased my strength," and I am still going to take a half of a baby aspirin and sleep like a baby every night because I know I am in the will of God. Again, if God is for me, who can be against me? We let so many trivial things hold us back because we want to please people instead of God.

I have heard and read where many people said that Ronald Reagan was too old to run for President at the age of 73. I heard similar stories recently when Donald Trump ran for President. When Reagan was asked about his age at a debate by his opponent, Walter Mondale, he said, "I'm not going to inject the issue of age into the campaign. I'm not going to exploit, for political gain, my opponent's youth, and inexperience."

Friend, it doesn't matter what age, we should not limit people based on their inexperience. Immediately as the Bible says here, we need to get people involved in the work of God and sharing what God has done in their life through their salvation. It doesn't matter what people have done in the past, once they are truly saved, they are ready to be taught and prepared for the mission field. I have often said, our job is to sow and His job is to grow. Amen!

Devotional Questions:

--Read Acts chapter 9.
--What do we read that the Lord said to Paul at his conversion?
--How long was Paul blind?
--How does Ananias minister to Saul in this passage?
--Should we minister the same way?
--When should we start sharing the good news of Christ to other people?
--What came out of Saul's conversion?
--Will you tell someone about Jesus this week?

Disclaimer: Pastor Shane's devotions are written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God and are never intended to be directed toward any one individual or group or any particular situation. These daily devotions are sent to thousands of subscribers through different mediums and is intended to proclaim truths from the Word of God. Thank you for taking the time to read and please continue to pray for wisdom as Pastor Shane's heart is to write in a spirit of love and to bring life application for every day living to those who are reading. ~Blessings!