Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.

Many people in positions of authority do things because they see their popularity change at those times. Authority and greed do tend to change people without warning!

Herod started harassing the Christians and even killed James the brother of John. When he saw the Jews were pleased, he continued to harass them further, putting Peter in prison.

Don’t be put off by what the world does because God sees everything and continues to allow things to happen for a reason; He sees the bigger picture, trust Him.

Acts 11:28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.

I find it very interesting a prophet was named at this time since many believe prophets were only around before Christ to give a way for the people to hear from God.

God continues to speak to people through various means and wants His message and warnings to be told to others; we just have to be careful to make sure they are prophets from God.

He has warned us there will be plenty of people coming forward pretending to be from God; we have to make up our minds who is real. Trust God to guide you.

Acts 11:23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

You can see where God is working and you can see where people are following Christ; there is a big difference in attitude, appearance and general demeanour of the people.

We are called to be effective witnesses for others; but this requires us being effective followers and disciples of Christ. It is then that people will see the difference for themselves.

It is then that people will follow with their hearts just as we do. Give it all to Christ from deep in your heart today.