Closed and Open Gates

Closed and Open Gates

Acts 16: ⁶ Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. ⁷ When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. ⁸ So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. ⁹ During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

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“Keep the gate closed” were the words directed to me. “Yeah” was my response. Our house was not in the middle of the block, but if someone wanted a short cut, this yard was a good choice.

After riding my bike I ran into the house, leaving it on the side of the house. The next morning I wanted to ride. I noticed the bike missing and the gate wide open. I had forgotten to put the bike away and close the gate.

• There have been times when I left something open and allowed the wrong element to come in.
• There have been times when I went to a gate and it was closed, so I could not get in.
• There have been times when I went to another gate and it was opened to me by the owner.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout one region, preaching about JESUS with much success. But when they reached one area, the HOLY SPIRIT prevented them from entering. JESUS did not want them to enter a specific area. They passed by the area. Paul then received a vision to help a specific city. He went, ready to preach the gospel.

• GOD wants me to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to be ready to stay where HE sent me or to leave when HE tells me to.
• GOD wants me to be ready with the gospel of JESUS.

Being led by the HOLY SPIRIT is a wonderful opportunity. Getting direction from GOD to tell people about HIS SON is an amazing thing to be part of. JESUS gives me this opportunity time and time again.

HE sends me to people and wants me ready to speak about HIM. Unfortunately, there will be places GOD has closed off to hearing about HIM. HE sends me to hearts that can hear. I am grateful GOD has included me in HIS purpose.

• Are you being sent but are facing opposition?
• Are you ready and prepared to speak about JESUS at a moment’s notice?
• Will you listen to the HOLY SPIRIT and go where HE leads you and stay away from the places HE does not want you?

Recommendations

Recommendations

Acts 16: Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. ² The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. ³ Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. ⁴ As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. ⁵ So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

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“Mind if I introduce someone to you?” a person from another department asked. “Please” was my reply, not knowing why I was meeting the person. I had a lot of work to do, and meeting someone was the last thing on my mind that day. “You have been recommended to lead a division” the person said. Wow! I didn’t expect that!

• I have been blessed to receive recommendations.
• I have been shocked that someone noticed what I was doing.
• I have been excited to work with those who believed in the abilities given to me.

Many believers approached Paul, recommending Timothy. After a while, Paul could not resist wanting Timothy to join him on the journey to teach the simplified message of obedience to new believers of JESUS. This recommendation paid off. Paul and Timothy spoke, many believed and the church was getting stronger.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM.
• GOD wants me to simply use the gifts HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIM and HE will deliver me to the people HE needs me to speak to.

There are two ways to work. One way is to work to seek recommendations or “thank you” from people. While this brings moderate success, my rewards are only the “thank you.” BUT GOD wants me to seek eternal rewards which are given by HIM. This is not achieved by bragging and self-promoting.

GOD wants to be centerstage. My work for HIM should point to HIM. People may notice or they may not. BUT GOD always sees when I work for HIM with sincerity. I am grateful for HIS eternal rewards.

• Are you seeking to be known?
• Do you want to create a huge following for yourself, and not for GOD?
• Will you point people to GOD and allow HIM to change your approach so you become highly recommended without needing to boast?

Split Decision

Split Decision

Acts 15: ³⁶ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” ³⁷ Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, ³⁸ but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. ³⁹ They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. ⁴¹ He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

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When I heard the news of a friend leaving the gathering I regularly attended, I was shocked. The leader of the gathering and the co-leader had parted ways. Not knowing what happened between them, I attempted to get them to speak to one another to no avail. Now I was put in a bad spot. If I stayed, then one would think I was “siding with the opposition,” and vice versa if I left.

• When people split up it stinks!
• When people split up it affects many.
• When people split up it weakens the purpose.

Paul and Barnabas had been through very difficult times together. Paul was stoned and left for dead, yet he continued in the faith. Barnabas wanted to bring Mark with them on their next journey. Paul adamantly disagreed, saying Mark had deserted them.

After a sharp disagreement, Paul and Barnabas separated. While the believers commended Paul, this weakened the support of Barnabas.

• GOD wants me to try to avoid splits.
• GOD wants me to work on loving one another, even when we disagree.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as the goal rather than siding with a group.

Humans are creative with how we hate each other. Immediate reactions to what a person wears, or does not wear or how a person is wearing it or when a person wears it, shows how easily humans throw out compassion in the cause of compassion. No one wins in a split. BUT GOD still continues.

GOD knew humans would not choose HIM. HE saw the poison of sin mixing in with my blood, blinding me of the truth. HE died for me and placed the HOLY SPIRIT in me, to forgive me and guide me back to HIM. This act of kindness cleansed me but did not prevent me from sinning. I am grateful JESUS forgive me daily.

• Are you on a side of something?
• Are you taking a stance against someone or a group?
• Will you check to see if your heart is turning to stone and ask GOD to soften it enough to have you pray for your opposition in a loving way today?

Fed and Watered

Fed and Watered

Acts 15: ³⁰ So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. ³¹ The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. ³² Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. ³³ After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. ^[34] But Silas decided to remain there. ³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

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Tired of being a “weakling”, I tried weightlifting. Struggling to pick up the heavy bar to bench-press, I made it obvious to those around me that I would forever remain the recipient of bully ridicule. A few guys came up to me and said, “Join us.” They showed me proper technique and encouraged me when I lifted the featherweight, compared to their impressive loads. I felt I could get stronger.

• There were many times when I was down and alone.
• There were many times when I wanted to get stronger but felt I had no help.
• There were many times when I tried some things under my own power and did not get very far.

Judas and Silas arrived with a letter to the Gentiles. The people read it and were very encouraged. They were prophets, so they encouraged and strengthened the believers. After some time, they were sent back with a blessing of peace.

• GOD wants me to thank those who have encouraged me.
• GOD wants me to thank those who have helped me.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM, for HE is the one who sent people to help me.

My life is like a vine. I get hungry and thirsty, and sometimes I cannot find water or food. BUT GOD sends someone to feed and water me. This grows my roots in GOD and strengthens the vine so I can reach others. My growth enables me to thank people and GOD because I can bear fruit. I am grateful for those who have encouraged me and for GOD who strengthens me.

• Do you need encouragement?
• Does someone you know need encouragement?
• Will you accept that GOD is extremely pleased with you and has a wonderful plan for you?
• Will you encourage someone who needs GOD’s strength today?

Letter of Recommendation

Letter of Recommendation

Acts 15: ²² Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. ²³ With them they sent the following letter:

The apostles and elders, your brothers,

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:

Greetings.

²⁴ We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. ²⁵ So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— ²⁶ men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁷ Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. ²⁸ It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: ²⁹ You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.

Farewell.

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“Please provide three recommendations” said the potential employer. I had worked jobs I really did not like so I struggled to think of who would recommend me. I had to swallow my pride and ask the bowling alley owner, the janitor foreman and the dorm admin for recommendations. “I hope they say something nice” I worried.

• There were times when I worried about what someone would say on a recommendation.
• There were times when I did not give my best so I could not expect a good recommendation.
• There were times when I did not have experience so any recommendation written about me could not show the expertise I brought with me.

Confusion broke out in cities where Gentiles resided. Some people, who did not believe in JESUS being GOD, were teaching rules to follow GOD. The apostles had to do something, so they wrote a letter with specific recommendations for the Gentiles to follow. They also chose people who could confirm the words written in the recommendation.

• GOD wants me to be a witness to HIS word.
• GOD wants me to provide verification to HIS salvation through my actions and words.
• GOD wants me to be sent with HIS recommendation of what to do.

There is a prime recommendation that JESUS gives. No, it is a commandment. “Love one another.” This commandment solve and resolves every issue I could ever face. Even when people do not love me, GOD tells me to love them.

HIS love for me was so strong that HE died just for me. When HE was raised from the dead, HE put in motion a series of unstoppable events. I am grateful HE chose me to be part of HIS plan.

• When people have problems, what is your recommendation for a solution?
• Do you point people to JESUS as your final destination?
• Will you use your skills to recommend solutions for people, ultimately bringing them to JESUS?

Make it Easy

Make it Easy

Acts 15: ¹⁹ “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. ²⁰ Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. ²¹ For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

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When I was told the position was eliminated, I was shocked then furious. I mean, I had done all this hard work for years. I was told to “transition” everything to my successor. My first thought was “Do it yourself since you don’t need me!”

• There were times when I did not want to make things easy.
• There were times when I felt justified in making things complicated.
• There were times when I wanted to make things difficult on purpose.

James continued speaking about what Barnabas, Paul and Peter had done. They were speaking to other races about the faith. Though common practice was to teach the many laws of Moses, James suggested they make it easy and teach only a couple of rules. The new followers of GOD would be able to find the law in any city.

• GOD wants me to make it easy for people to follow HIM.
• GOD wants me to remove barriers to following HIM.
• GOD wants me to get rid of any false expectations of others when it comes to “them” having a relationship with HIM.

Removing barriers to GOD is not as easy as it seems. I mean, when I say “All you need to do is believe in JESUS as you Savior”, I sometimes make the mistake of giving a bunch of rules to follow. While the rules are good, they become a barrier to the person discovering their own relationship with JESUS.

GOD wants me to make it easy. Here is the rule HE wants me to give everyone. “Love one another.” That is it. There are no other rules to give after believing in JESUS. HE provides that person with the HOLY SPIRIT who guides with the truth. I am glad JESUS took the responsibility for guiding me.

• Are you making it hard for someone to follow GOD?
• Do you have a lot of rules for others when it comes to following GOD?
• Will you stop adding barriers to JESUS and present “belief in HIM” and “love for one another” as the only “to do” today?

Check It

Check It

Acts 15: ¹² The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. ¹³ When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. ¹⁴ Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. ¹⁵ The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:

¹⁶ “‘After this I will return
    and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
Its ruins I will rebuild,
    and I will restore it,
¹⁷ that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
    even all the Gentiles who bear my name,
says the Lord, who does these things’—
¹⁸     things known from long ago.

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Going with my gut, I began to assemble the complex item. I mean, I had put a lot of things together before, what would be so hard about this thing? While I had a good start, somewhere towards the middle of my assembly, I discovered I did not have the right parts available. I had to take everything apart and look at the instructions. I had used the wrong parts too early.

• There were times when I went with my gut feelings.
• There were times when I did what I “thought” was right.
• There were times when I acted on something before checking to see if I was doing it correctly.

Barnabas and Paul explained how they began to speak to other races about JESUS. They also explained how amazing GOD worked through them. James explained how Simon, also known as Peter, had also been charged to speak to other races. James checked what they were doing by looking at what the prophets wrote.

• GOD wants me to check my actions to see if they align with HIS desires.
• GOD wants me to understand I may think of things that seem right but they are not.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways by reading HIS word first.

There is a way that seems right humans but its end is death. GOD wants me to check the thought that seems so right, so comfortable and so pleasurable, against HIS word. If the thought conflicts, HE wants me to have enough fear of HIM to obey what HE wants me to do rather than what I want to do.

Obedience to GOD may mean I am stretched to speak to people who do not look or act like me. The person may vote a different way or listen to music that I may not understand, BUT GOD wants me to reach the person anyway. I am grateful JESUS gave me purpose from long ago.

• Is GOD telling you to expand your heart to speak to other people?
• Do you see hurt across every nation?
• Will you allow GOD to give you abundant life by caring for the people HE sends to you today?

Accepted

Accepted

Acts 15: ⁵ Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and elders met to consider this question. ⁷ After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. ⁸ God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. ⁹ He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ¹¹ No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

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It felt like I grew overnight when I put on a pair of pants and they were too short. While I wanted to be taller, now my clothes did not fit. People were already laughing at me about my hair, now this was added. And, with the new height, I looked skinnier. “I’m never going to fin in” I said to myself.

• Many times I have been laughed at.
• Many times I have been on the outside of the crowd.
• Many times I have been the one who was outcast because I did not fit in.

Confusion erupted as some of the believers, who may have been going to church a long time, were part of the political party that had JESUS killed, namely the Pharisees. “Be circumcised to keep the law of Moses” was their stance because humans could easily see evidence of acceptance. Peter spoke against this prejudiced thinking.

• GOD wants me to tell people they are accepted.
• GOD wants me to let people know HE does not discriminate.
• GOD wants me to inform people that HE purifies the heart by faith.

Accepting people just as they are is important to GOD. HE looked at my sin and while I was in the middle of committing the act, HE died for me to take the blame. JESUS accepted my belief in HIM, knowing I would commit sin, over and over.

It is though grace of our LORD JESUS that we are saved. HE wants people to understand they too are accepted, just as they are. I am grateful to be accepted into the loving family of the FATHER, SON and the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Are you outcast?
• Are you seeking to be understood and looking in the places, you know in your heart, that are wrong for you?
• Will you believe in JESUS and be accepted into HIS loving family so you will never be thrown out again?

Code Words

Code Words

Acts 15: Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” ² This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. ³ The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. ⁴ When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

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After getting the uneven sticks to protrude from the ground, we laid a blanket, I got from the house, on top. This was now a tent. We pondered, “What will be the password?” This was to keep all of the many people out who wanted in. I mean we had comic books and a box of snacks… who wouldn’t want in?

• In the past I joined exclusive clubs.
• In the past I enjoyed the perks of exclusionary travel.
• In the past I looked for ways to exclude people from meetings, email or important information.

Racial tension brewed as some people taught, “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” These words were hurtful to the other races around who had given their lives to JESUS. Paul and Barnabas confronted the malefactors with a protest. On their way to the protest, they explained to many how other races had accepted JESUS. The church was glad.

• GOD wants me to seek inclusion into HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to seek those who have pulled away from HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to seek people rather than exclude them.

Using code words to exclude is seen by GOD. I mean, when I say, “I’m going to TRY to do better”, I’m not really saying “I will do better and here is how.” The Jewish church leaders were trying to exclude others, including women, from having hope in being saved. GOD wants me to speak to men and women from all races, teaching them of HIS wonderful gift. I am grateful for JESUS’ salvation.

• Are you using words that exclude people?
• Do you want to belong to clubs or groups that use words that make people fit in?
• Will you stop trying to exclude people and invite them to receive JESUS as their Savior today?

Place to Place

Place to Place

Acts 14: ²¹ They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. ²³ Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. ²⁴ After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, ²⁵ and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

²⁶ From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. ²⁷ On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸ And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

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Rushing into the gas station bathroom, I held my breath as long as I could. I really had to go, so the super-disgusting surrounding would not deter my mission. Not knowing if I made up a saying or heard it along the way, I remembered “Leave a place better than you found it.” I wiped off the grimy sink.

• There have been some places I’ve been that were disgusting.
• There have been some places I’ve been that were difficult.
• There have been some places I’ve been that were downright disastrous.

Paul and Barnabas returned to the place where Paul was stoned. Their return brought on new life to those who remained. They encouraged the residents to remain true to the faith, explaining the hardships of a true follower of JESUS. They appointed elders, committing them to the LORD. This place was now better.

• GOD wants me to meet people wherever I go.
• GOD wants me to leave people better than I found them.
• GOD wants me to encourage people and prepare them to be strong during persecution.

Some people will remain stationary and reach others for CHRIST. Others, like me, will go from place to place with HIS encouraging message. No matter which of the two, GOD wants HIS kingdom to be encouraged.

Each encounter I have with another human is precious. GOD wants me to see what HE sees in people and encourage them rather than sending up yet another complaint about “that” person. GOD already has the accuser standing before HIM, complaining about each human. GOD wats me to stand firm and pray a blessing on people I meet. I am grateful GOD gives me purpose.

• Are you complaining about people?
• Are you being persecuted?
• If you are planning to leave a place, will you encourage the people before you leave so they can be strengthened in CHRIST?

Get Back Up

Get Back Up

Acts 14: ¹⁶ In the past, he let all nations go their own way. ¹⁷ Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” ¹⁸ Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

¹⁹ Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰ But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

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After the accident, I was shaken up. The car was smashed beyond repair. Having no money to buy another car, I had to walk to work. “If you are more than five minutes late, you will be fired” were the words I remembered that haunted me. Exhausted from the extra walking, I overslept and kept missing class. “Why did this happen to me?” I cried out.

• There were times in my life that seemed extremely low.
• There were times in my life that seemed like everything was going wrong.
• There were times in my life that seemed as if nothing would go my way.

Paul kept trying to convince the people not to worship him, but the more he spoke, the more they insisted on bowing don to him. Church leaders from other cities heard about what was going on and decided to put an end to the situation. Ignoring the miracle of Paul healing a lame man, they stoned him to near death. BUT GOD had other plans for Paul.

• GOD knows I will face difficulty in life.
• GOD knows I need HIM daily.
• GOD knows I will fall down, or get hurt, or be persecuted, BUT HE is there for me.

Instead of asking “Why does GOD allow pain?” people rarely ask “What happened to make GOD curse humanity?” I mean it must have been something extremely wrong that made GOD want to put limits on humans. Unfortunately, when Satan desired to be like GOD and tricked the humans into doing the same, it caused all humans to fall. What could be done?

JESUS, being GOD, had to volunteer to take the blame, even though HE did nothing wrong. HE died for the sins of mankind and was raised from the dead. Speaking about HIM is a blessing, but the curse makes people and demons extremely angry. They fight and harm those who truly speak JESUS’ name. I am grateful GOD picks me up when I am down.

• Are you down because you speak the truth about JESUS?
• Have you been persecuted because of your belief in JESUS?
• Will you get back up or ask GOD to pick you up so you can continue with the purpose HE has given you?

Desire Backfire

Desire Backfire

Acts 14: ¹¹ When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” ¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: ¹⁵ “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 

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Twelve forty five AM, I wanted to get a nap, so I went out to empty ash trays and pick up empty drink glasses left by the midnight bowling league. My coworker went missing and I did not want to be disturbed so I did his side.

With child labor laws being overlooked, the cashier allowed me to sleep for 15 minutes when there was a chance. When the boss came by, he saw that I could handle everything by myself. He fired the other guy. Now I had more work. I could not even finish my homework.

• Sometimes my desire drives my effort.
• Sometimes my effort does not match the result.
• Sometimes the result causes a different desire.

Paul, seeing the lame man, told him to walk and he did. This amazed everyone so much, that they called Paul and Barnabas gods. They bowed to them and offered sacrifices to them. When Barnabas and Paul heard of this they felt horrible. This was not the desired outcome.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for everything that is done.
• GOD wants me to teach others to focus on HIM and not me.

Teaching someone about GOD is the best thing to do. But what happens when the person cannot stop looking at the teacher? GOD wants me to never desire a crowd following only me. HE wants me to show that they can go directly to the source if they believe in JESUS. I pray that many turn from me and follow JESUS who is the Savior.

• Do you desire followers?
• Are you trying to get attention?
• Will you stop trying to get the spotlight and allow GOD to be seen through your life so HE can get the glory today?

Hope Face

Hope Face

Acts 14: ⁸ In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. ⁹ He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed ¹⁰ and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

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When the teacher wrote the problem on the board, I felt excited. For once, I knew the answer. I smiled. The teacher looked at my face and said, would you like to answer the problem. I jumped out of my seat and solved the problem. In another class, I forgot to do my homework. When the same scenario happened, I looked away in shame, hoping I wouldn’t be called on.

• When I am upset, it shows on my face.
• When I am excited, it shows on my face.
• When I am scared, happy, angry, inquisitive or calm, it shows on my face.

A lame man, who had never walked, heard Paul speak. How he got to where Paul was is not written, but somehow he was there. Paul saw the man’s face and determined he had faith to be healed. Paul commanded him to stand. The man was healed.

• GOD wants me to have faith that shows up on my face.
• GOD wants me to have peace that shows up on my face.
• GOD wants me to have hope that shows up on my face.

In spite of what is going on, GOD wants what is in my heart to show up on my face. Yes, I may be scared for a moment, BUT GOD fills my heart with peace which in turn, shows up on my face.

HE then helps me remember the many times HE has brought me through circumstances, filling me with hope. I am grateful GOD looks at what HE has already done for me so I can show hope on my face.

• Are you disillusioned?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you?
• Will you remember the many times HE has brought you out of circumstances so that you can continue to share your hope with many?

Stay Awhile

Stay Awhile

Acts 14: At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. ² But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. ³ So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. ⁴ The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. ⁵ There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. ⁶ But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, ⁷ where they continued to preach the gospel.

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After mailing in a dollar’s worth of coins and box tops from cereal, I was on my way to elation. Weeks later a box came to the house with my name on it. The “free” kite had arrived. I had never flown a kite and didn’t know how. I put it together and went outside.

I ran with the kite behind me, but it would not fly. “Here, let me show you” a neighbor said. He stayed with me until I understood how to fly a kite on my own.

• Many people have stayed with me until I learned.
• Many people have been patient with me until I understood.
• Many people have had the courage to help me when I struggled with something.

Paul and Barnabas spoke to everyone they could in another town. Many believed, but there were those who poisoned the minds others, causing confusion. Paul and Barnabas stayed a considerable time, teaching and preaching. GOD saw this and enabled them to perform many signs and wonders.

• GOD wants me to stay with people until they understand HIM.
• GOD wants me to stay with people until they can seek HIM on their own.
• GOD wants me to stay with people until they see HIS message of grace.

Staying with people takes time and effort. Unfortunately, the pressures of life pull me away from staying with those who really need the time. BUT GOD wants me to make time. HE wants me to slow down for a moment and explain HIS love.

Since I am no expert on GOD, HE wants me to simply share what HE has done for me. I am glad HE has forgiven me for all my sins, even the one’s that are done over and over.

• Are you spending time growing people for GOD?
• Do you see someone struggling who needs to hear HIS grace?
• Will you slow down and speak to that person about GOD’s amazing love today?

Higher Up

Higher Up

Acts 13: ⁴⁹ The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. ⁵⁰ But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. ⁵¹ So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. ⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

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Desiring to be the top at the company came natural to me after a while. The higher I climbed, the more political the decisions became. I reached a level where the politics became overwhelming. The position I had was eliminated and I found myself outside instead of on top.

• There was a time when I wanted to have a title.
• There was a time when I desired to be “the most high” in my industry.
• There was a time when I craved to be on top of the group.

People started believing in the true word of the LORD as taught by Paul and Barnabas. The jealous church leaders, who saw their popularity disappearing again, had to do something. They sought prominent women and men to politically have Paul and Barnabas and other disciples, ousted. The cast out group had a different reaction.

• GOD wants me to hold onto HIM in good times and difficult times.
• GOD wants me to work with a clear conscious.
• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM moving me from places I would normally hold onto.

Being fired, laid off, losing a contract or down-sized does not feel good. BUT GOD has a plan for this. When HE sees HIS purpose cannot be met at a location, HE moves me. HE wants me to take my prayer, servanthood, compassion and love elsewhere.

Instead of being hurt that I did not reach a certain level or status, GOD wants me to be excited that I can show HIS love to the next group of people. Each place I go, GOD gives me the chance to demonstrate HIS power. If it is not accepted, HE wants me to shake the dust off my feet, or forget about that place. I am grateful GOD is the Most High, whom I point my life to.

• Are you trying to be “the most high” in your industry?
• While you are climbing to be on top, are you speaking about GOD or yourself?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom, speaking about JESUS and not worrying about your status?