DAY 24 Encouragement

And he (Paul) went into the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, persuading and arguing and pleading about the kingdom of God.

Acts 19:8

There are occasions where we must persuade, argue, and plead regarding the truths of the kingdom of God.  Some people need to hear the "debate" concerning why they need Jesus and why He is the only Way to the Father.

Yet, there are times persuading, arguing, and pleading will not do any good.

But when some became more and more stubborn...    Acts 19:9

These people were already opposed to the kingdom of God and had there minds made up before Paul came speaking boldly.  Yet, the more he persuaded, argued, and pleaded the kingdom of God, the harder their hearts became.

We must listen to the Lord and learn to discern when, where, and what we should say concerning the kingdom of God.  Don't waste your breath or your time where hearts are already hard and minds are already made up.  Listen intently to the Lord; He will direct you to the ones who are ready to hear and receive.

...he separated himself from them, taking the disciples with him, and went on holding daily discussions in the lecture room of Tyrannus...This continued for two years...

Acts 19:9,10

God will put people in your path who want to know Jesus and want to hear arguments for the kingdom of God.  The harvest is plentiful, and He will direct us to where it's ready!  Just be prepared to spend some time cultivating once you've reaped.  Paul continued in this one place for over 2 years.  You can't expect to harvest and run (unless, of course, you're an evangelist).  People need your time and willingness to get them planted firmly in the kingdom on a solid foundation.

Listen to the Lord, be prepared to persuade, argue, and plead the kingdom, and be willing to spend time teaching and discipling as you reap the harvest!

Scriptures for reference and study: Acts 19:8-10; Matthew 9:37-38; 1 Corinthians 3:10-13; Ephesians 2:20; 2 Timothy 2:19