July Devotional

Good Morning Green Valley Family,

Acts 9:1–2 KJV 1900

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Saul was a despicable as they come, a cruel man who not only participated in, but seemingly enjoyed the persecution of Christians. As we are reminded of his story of redemption we can also remember that we have no right to use our past failure as an excuse to our future. As scripture teaches us to press on we can remember that our past is a good tool to not repeat our failures but not something in which we can live in. Pastor Brandon

Good Morning Green Valley Family,

Acts 9:3–4 KJV 1900

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Could you imagine the fear that must’ve overtaken Saul on such a moment. Not only was he likely reminded of the persecution he displayed to Christians but he was now facing the one he delivered the most persecution to. Fear of God should be a part of our daily lives. Perhaps God has used something to display to you the seriousness in which He enforces His commands. Next time you find yourself falling into temptation a good reminder for you could be that God means business in the face of our disobedience. Pastor Brandon

Good Morning Green Valley Family,

Acts 9:5–6 KJV 1900

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Notice Saul’s immediate response. He didn’t wait to respond the savior. Perhaps many of us could use this to understand that when Jesus calls we better be prepared to respond to Him. Many of us should ask the question, what are we waiting on? Often our own pride, selfishness and desire stand in the way. Friends, today is the day to push our self to the side and follow Jesus. Pastor Brandon

Good Morning Green Valley Family,

Acts 9:7–9 KJV 1900

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Could you imagine in a moment being blinded only to open your eyes once again and be able to truly see. What Saul experienced was a physical manifestation of our salvation. Once we are blind to what Christ actually means but upon salvation our eyes are opened. Friends once we see Jesus Christ perhaps we need to seek to not return to our former blindness. After all, why would a once blind man return to his blind life. Pastor Brandon

Good Morning Green Valley Family,

Acts 9:10–12 KJV 1900

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Saul only received his sight once he was willing to be obedient to the Savior. Our obedience really does mean something. This physical miracle is an example of the truth. Our life is only truly changed when we truly change. We must awaken a changed person, which now obeys the master. Pastor Brandon

Good Morning Green Valley Family,

Acts 9:13–16 KJV 1900

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

Imagine going through the events that Saul had experienced only to be told that you would suffer much for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of us need a reminder that salvation was not free and neither is our commitment to it. However, in the end faithfulness to God is worth it. Pastor Brandon