September 19, 2024

Not Persuaded

Daily Devotional•2 Minutes

“The Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.”—Acts 14:2 NASB

When Paul and Barnabas were in Iconium, they went to the synagogue to share the Gospel. As a result, many Jews and Gentiles believed. But some resisted. These were people who had an opportunity to hear about Jesus, but for whatever reason, they were not persuaded.

The Bible calls them people who “disbelieved.” As Kenneth Wuest wrote in his translation, they “were unwilling to be persuaded.” As a result, they “withheld belief.”

These people made a decision. They had the same opportunity as other Jews and Gentiles. They heard the same Gospel message. But by an act of their will, they determined that they would not be persuaded and would not believe.

All of us have opportunities like this every day. God has given us His Word and made promises to us. But He also has given us choices. And there are rewards based on the decisions we make. This applies to Christians as well as non-believers. All of us have been given wills, so we can refuse to be persuaded and withhold belief.

You have many opportunities to believe and to put God’s Word into action in your life. Now the choice is up to you. Will you decide to act in faith and believe in God? Or will you withhold faith and allow your life to be dominated by doubt? Are you willing to be persuaded by God? Or have you already made up your mind?

Reflection Question: Who have you been witnessing to who still needs to be persuaded?

Prayer
Father, I declare that Your Word is true. Help me to put Your Word into action. Deliver me from fear and worry. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
Acts 14

Prayer
Father, I declare that Your Word is true. Help me to put Your Word into action. Deliver me from fear and worry. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
Acts 14

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Inspiration Ministries is a nonprofit global Christian media ministry founded in 1990, dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people grow in their faith through trusted biblical teaching, prayer, discipleship, and Scripture-based resources.

Reaching people in more than 200 nations and territories, the ministry provides daily devotionals, online Bible studies, prayer support, original programming, and Scripture-based encouragement designed to help individuals understand the Bible, apply God's Word, and develop a mature and lasting faith.

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The ministry provides structured discipleship through the Spiritual Growth Hub, which offers Bible studies, courses, and certificate-based learning programs. Additional resources include Scripture-based articles, a daily devotional email newsletter, a monthly print devotional magazine, and original media programming. Inspiration Ministries also engages through digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other media channels.

As a nonprofit ministry, Inspiration Ministries offers planned giving and legacy giving resources to help supporters extend their Gospel impact through long-term stewardship and estate planning.

Through biblical teaching, prayer, media outreach, and discipleship resources, Inspiration Ministries equips people around the world with spiritual encouragement and practical tools for lifelong growth in Christ.

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