A while back, I told you about mowing tall weeds along side of our shed and having to put my feet up to keep from all the spiders running under me. That patch hadn't been mowed because it contained a large pile of bricks and concrete pieces. We decided to clean it up and had filled a trailer that was ready to be unloaded. The tongue of the trailer was being held up with a pile of bricks and as I went to lift it, to put it on the ball of our tractor, it slipped and pinned my finger between it and the bricks. I'm ashamed to admit, that words slipped from my mouth that had not come out for a very long time. Words that shocked my daughter who was standing next to me. Afterwards, she said "mom, I've never heard you say those words".

Words that we speak, whetherd good or bad, definitely have an impact on others around us, whether we see it or not.

In Acts 18, Paul continues to tell others about Jesus and some believe and some do not. Specifically, in verses 5&6, Paul has some people oppose all he is telling them and he walks away shaking his garments and telling them "your blood be on your own heads!"

I know how Paul must have felt. Many times the words I have spoke have been rejected. Whether it's a one-on-one conversation or in front of a group of people, it still hurts the same. It is very frustrating to know Jesus and want to share Him and have others who don't understand. In fact, I have been so hurt and frustrated at times, that I give up for a short while, sitting in my pity party and feeling sorry for myself. Thinking that it must of been my fault that I couldn't make them understand.

In verses 9&10, Paul has a vision in which the Lord says, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are My people."

I have to say, that these words from the Lord, brought alot of encouragement to me! I want to mark this scripture and read it over and over again so that the next time I'm knocked down, I can get back up without spending precious time in my pity party.

Paul also is encouraged by it and stays another year and a half teaching the word of God. Good for him! Perserverance is a must as a Christian. Jesus set an incredible example of it and we must follow in His footsteps.

I want to encourage you to speak the words that our Lord gives you, never apologize for speaking His truths, and never be silent. For I AM is with you.

Have a great day and a great weekend
Christie