Morning Message: May 22

Saul was a very good speaker and convinced many people that Jesus was the Messiah.  But, sometimes, speaking the truth makes people angry when it challenges what they believe.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Then Saul got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.  For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”  All who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name?”  Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.  After some time had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. 

Think about this silently in your heart.  What do I need to speak the truth about in school or at home?

Transformation…It’s a fascinating thing, whether we are watching tadpoles and caterpillars or seeds and plants. What an amazing miracle that God can do such wonderful things…and that He can transform our lives, as well! We have heard the readings this week about Paul whose life was radically changed. Through Paul’s conversion and work, we see that anyone can be changed and used to serve God.  God’s amazing love can change the life and heart of anyone; our job is to share that love with others and pray for them as well.

God of truth and justice, sometimes it is not easy to speak your truth.  Send your Spirit to help us speak and hear the truth.  We ask this in the name of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen.