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Day 103 Acts 14:8 In Lystra, a certain man without strength in his feet sat, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 He heard Paul speaking. Paul observed him intently and saw he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. 11 Now, when the people saw what Paul did, they raised their voices, and said in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. 14 When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless, He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 18 With these sayings, they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them. People worship isn’t uncommon today. People run after celebrities to get as close to them as possible. They mimic everything about them, wearing the same clothing and hairstyle, and talking like them. Paul and Barnabas arrived in Lystra from Iconium. They saw a crippled man who had faith and told him to stand and walk. When he did, the people of Lystra wanted to sacrifice oxen to them because they believed they were gods. Paul tried to stop them by telling them about the true God who made all things and made them glad about the many blessings He provided for them. As Christians, you need to be careful about who you run after. Many Christians flock to crusades to hear their favorite speakers. They rely on them to perform miracles in their lives so they can boast about what took place in those crusades. Meanwhile, the speakers who claim to serve God request donations, promising to provide materials that will draw you closer to God. Men and women of God. You don’t need to run after people whose heart is lifted for their gain. You need to run after God who gives you abundantly everything you need. The only thing God requires of you is obedience. He doesn’t ask for donations to give you your heart’s desire. He gives you everything you need because He loves you. Philippians 4:19 My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. God’s love is free. You don’t earn it. The only sacrifice He requires is a renewed life. Romans 12:1 I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The only sacrifice God requires is yourself. You are not to run after the things of the world but after God. When you do your heart will be glad because of all His blessings in your life. Let’s pray: Father, keep my heart and mind focused on You and Your Word. Show me when I stray from You, run after the world, and bring me back to You. Let my heart be glad and rejoice in the blessings You give me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 27 October 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.