INTRODUCTION

Paul’s stedfastness in the gospel message caused a stir throughout Asia. He boldly declared that the people’s idols were no gods at all. Such preaching angered the local craftsmen so they met together to discuss how to stop Paul and end his message’s impact of their livelihood. The mass confusion intensified the fear as it spread throughout the city. As some of Paul’s companions were ushered into the theatre, the crowd cried out conflicting things to the point that many had no idea why they had even gathered together. The people’s confusion escalated. Because of conflicting reports, they were unable to discern the reality of the situation. Confusion thrives when conflicting statements or feelings are present and people fail to discern the truth.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The book of Kings tells of a man of God who was given specific instructions about a message he was to deliver at the altar in Bethel. He repeated the instructions to Jeroboam and to a prophet who he later met. He was confused when the prophet lied and told him something different than what God had instructed him. He should have listened to God and ignored the lies (1 Kings 13:7-10 [7] And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward. [8] And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: [9] For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest. [10] So he went another way, and returned not by the way that he came to Bethel.
  See All..., 15-26; Galatians 1:8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): Have you ever had mixed feelings about a particular issue to the point that you were confused? Where did the mixed feelings originate?
• Eve must have been confused in the garden. She had heard that she would die if she partook of the forbidden fruit, but the Devil told her she would not. Whose voice did she obey?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God for a clear mind in the presence of conflicting thoughts.
• Ask God to guard you from confusion.

HYMN

AMAZING GRACE

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