Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 3-176 (Devotional)

THEY PRAISED GOD BECAUSE OF ME

by Peter Kennedy

“They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they praised God because of me.” – Galatians 1:23-24

Giovanni Papini was born in Florence, Italy in 1881 of lower, middle class parents. At an early age, he devoted himself to literature and in his lifetime wrote over eighty books. He was an agnostic and a vocal critic of the church. Papini would severely chastise Christianity and would often try to debunk anything that could not be explained by science. Between 1900 and 1915, there was no greater Italian scholar, poet, writer and activist as Giovanni Papini.

When World War I erupted, he took his family to live in a mountain village. There, living with some peasants, he observed their family devotions. And then something began to happen to him. Sometimes in the evenings, he was asked to read aloud from the New Testament. This rediscovery of the Bible against his own uncertainties brought him closer to the Lord. By 1920, he had not only become a Christian, but he was able to say the only power that could change men’s hearts was Christ. In 1921, Papini published the “Life of Christ” which is his spiritual journey to find God.

A life changed by Christ is one of the most powerful witnesses to others who have yet to accept Jesus as Lord. Today in prayer, thank Christ for the changes He has made in your life and let others know what a difference Christ has made in your life.

“So much so-called “testimony” today is really autobiography and even sometimes thinly disguised self-advertisement, that we need to regain a proper biblical perspective. All true testimony is testimony to Jesus Christ, as he stands on trial before the world.” – John Stott

God’s Word: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15

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DEVOTIONS IN ROMANS

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2001, Devotional E-Mail

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