On the Winning Side

Daily Reading: Acts 5

Scripture Focus: If this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God! (Acts 5.38-39)

Devotional Thought: Once again, we find the apostles in trouble with the law.  This time, however, the stakes were a little higher as all the apostles were arrested and flogged.  There were even some in the courtroom who wanted to put them to death.  The radicals in the Sanhedrin were swayed by a moderate voice when Gamaliel warned them, " If it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!"  That observation has proven true!

From that little group of disciples, the Church has expanded around the globe, spreading not only the gospel, but also food, shelter, healing, medicine, education, justice, liberation, deliverance, dignity, and hope.  Even in dark places like China, the Church is growing, and followers of Jesus Christ are multiplying.  I read a recent article which stated, “China is on course to become 'the world's most Christian nation' within 15 years.  What Mao and his followers attempted to do – stamp out all religion in China – they failed at miserably."  They should have listened to Gamaliel!

The Church is not of human origin.  It is from God.  Therefore, it will not fail.  Local churches have come and gone across the years – just as Christians have been born and then died – but The Church will never disappear.  Jesus said that the very gates of hell cannot stop the Church!

Stop and think about the local church where you worship and serve.  Does it face problems and obstacles?  Of course!  Is there enough money to do all the things you would like?  Of course not!  But, it is a part of something larger, something eternal, something that Jesus is building!  As you pray for your church and its ministries, never forget that it is on the winning side.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have called all of your followers into the fellowship of the Church.  And, you have promised that we can't be stopped!  Lord, we march forward with confidence and in victory!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 68.11-18

11 The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host:

12 "The kings of the armies--they flee, they flee!" The women at home divide the spoil--

13 though you men lie among the sheepfolds-- the wings of a dove covered with silver, its pinions with shimmering gold.

14 When the Almighty scatters kings there, let snow fall on Zalmon.

15 O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan; O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan!

16 Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain, at the mount that God desired for his abode, yes, where the LORD will dwell forever?

17 The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.

18 You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.