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Day 11 Acts 8 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Everyday you see, hear, or read the news. You form opinions and judgments about what you hear, read or see. From politics to sports to animal endangerment and human rights issues, you have an opinion. Saul consented to Stephen’s death. He didn’t take part in the stoning, but allowed the coats of those who stoned Stephen to lay at his feet as he heard Stephen’s testimony and watched as they stoned him to death. After Stephen’s death and burial, Saul went throughout Judea and Samaria seeking those who believed Jesus was the Messiah and put them in prison. It was the first great persecution of the church. The men and women he put in prison faced the lions in Roman arenas. They fought as gladiators. They became human torches as they were spread with tar and lit on fire. Being a believer was a death sentence. As Christians, you know there are many places on earth where preaching the gospel is a death sentence. Bibles aren’t allowed inside the borders of the country. In order to bring the Word to the people, Bibles must be smuggled in. Below is the story of one ministry and how they began smuggling Bibles into North Korea, where even the mention of a Bible brings torture, imprisonment and death. What can you do to help bring God’s Word to people hungry and desperate for it? Let’s pray: Father, Your heart is for everyone to know You and Your love. You want everyone to know Your Son, and receive salvation. Father, give me a heart for missions, and the people desperate to know You no matter the cost to their lives. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 22 January 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay