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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
Acts 9:23-31. The enemy of God attempted to eradicate Saul of Tarsus as soon as he was born again and started preaching Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. There are times when he does attempt to rub us out - silence us - remove us - destroy our witness to Jesus Christ.
Saul is facing a violent reaction to his preaching in Damascus and he has to escape. Friends in his new found Fellowship help him to do this, and it is not very dignified. Sometimes we have to be prepared to lose our dignity to rescue our ministry and keep alive.
When opposition becomes real and fierce and violent we need friends in Christ upon whom we can rely and depend. There is no such thing as being a self-sufficient disciple. We all need the help and the prayers and assistance of all the others around us, and we never know when this need will arise. When we cry out 'HELP', it is most comforting and reassuring to know that there are those nearby who will come running with practical help and effective and essential ministry. Jesus never promised any disciple that it would be easy. Christ always taught those around Him about the cost involved.
This was not what Saul intended to happen when he left Jerusalem. Nothing of this was planned or even remotely expected. Imagine what must have been surging through his mind - "Where will I go now - what will I do - who will be my friend - what is going to happen next?" Saul had to learn that hard lesson. Place your trust in Jesus Christ for every decision. He learned the lesson. Later on he was to write, "I know what it is to have plenty and to have nothing."
Now, there is a challenging question and lesson for this week. Can we honestly say that before God? I know what it is to have plenty and to have nothing, and I am satisfied and at peace, no matter my circumstances!
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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