Marie’s daily verse: I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of  heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2).

DAILY DEVOTION, July 29, 2024

When he arrived and saw what God’s grace had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with all their hearts (Acts 11:23 NIV).

The whole story is in Acts 11:19-26. Stephen is preaching Jesus in Antioch. Several people were converted to Christ as they heard the Gospel. The church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas out to see what had happened. He arrives and witnesses a profound transformation. The grace of God has completely changed many souls. What happens to a person after conversion has taken place? Do we continue to live our old lives? Barnabas has the answer.

Once true faith has been born in us, we are encouraged to remain faithful to the Lord with all our hearts. First comes conversion. We are born again into the kingdom of God. Then we have a decision to make. Will we remain faithful to the Lord or not? One can be converted and not remain faithful to the Lord. We all need to decide to stay faithful.

There are far too many who claim to be Christians but whose daily lives do not show it. Is their faith genuine? I am not able to make that determination. That is God’s prerogative. I hope all of us have decided to be faithful to the Lord with all our hearts. God went all out to redeem us. How can we do less in response to His grace?

Father, I thank you for the faith born in my heart. I am not alone in this journey of faithfulness. Your Spirit is with me, guiding me henceforth so I will be faithful to the Lord with all my heart. In the name of my faithful Savior, I pray, amen.