DECEMBER 15, Acts 14:8-12

In Lystra (see map in yesterday’s JRPG), after Paul had preached, he healed a cripple. The people at Lystra were impressed but for the wrong reasons. They were impressed by the miracle. Instead of praising God, they exalted Paul and Barnabas. They called the apostles “gods”! They believed Paul and Barnabas were perhaps Jupiter and Mercury, reincarnations of Roman gods. Why did they respond in this way? Simply because they did not know the true God.

Some people think that there is no God, and others think that there are many gods and some of these may even think that the sun and moon are gods, so they bow down and pray to the sun and moon. They ask the gods of the sun and moon to take care of them and help them.

Some people are like the Lycaonians thinking so-and-so is god because he has done something spectacular and worship him. Others make images of birds, beasts and creeping creatures and worship them as gods. The imaginations of these idol worshippers are twisted and they are spiritually lost.

God is the Creator of all things. Therefore He is angry with those who do not worship Him but worship idols. He is also angry with those who love anything more than Him.

Some of you may have friends who are atheists or idolaters. Others may have friends who believe in false and deceptive forms of Christianity which will not save them. Dear child, you need to witness to these friends and pray for their salvation.

Turn to Ephesians 4:5-6 and write the verses down.

_____ Lord, _____ faith, _____ baptism, _____ God

and Father of _____ , who is above _____ ,

and through _____ , and in you _____ .

Thought: There is only one God!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the one and only God and there is none like You. Help me to love and to serve You only. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.