War Time Evangelists

Acts 16

Paul travels to Macedonia, Achaia, and Greece, carrying the Gospel.

INSIGHT

During World War II, many soldiers "got religion" while in their foxholes under enemy fire. Because many of those "foxhole conversions" were not genuine, some people become skeptical of anyone who professes Christianity under stressful circumstances. Yet there are many, including the Philippian jailer, who will testify that some "foxhole conversions" are genuine. Be sensitive to the Lord when you are under stress. He may use that very situation to help you get your life into perspective.

PRAYER

Praise God for the circumstances that surrounded your conversion:
Your word is very pure;
Therefore Your servant loves it.
I am small and despised,
Yet I do not forget Your precepts.
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth.
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me,
Yet Your commandments are my delights.
The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting;
Give me understanding, and I shall live.
(Psalm 119:140-144)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity
And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?
He does not retain His anger forever,
Because He delights in mercy.
He will again have compassion on us,
And will subdue our iniquities.
You will cast all our sins
Into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18-19)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
"This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (Jeremiah 31:33).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• A compassionate heart
• The leaders of your church
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Those who fear You will be glad when they see me,
Because I have hoped in Your word. (Psalm 119:74)