The Daily Dose

Submitted to

And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.  Acts 15:4

 Today I want to talk about faithfulness in submitting to the authority that you are under.  We all have some kind of authority that we are to be submitted to.  If you are married, then you and your spouse submit to one another. If you still live at home with your parents, then you submit to them and their rules. If you are in school, you submit to the authority of teachers, counselors and principals.  If you have a job, you submit to the authority of your boss.  In your church, you submit to the authority of the pastor and elders and the mission that they are on.  A true example of submitting is shown in faithfulness.  You are faithful to show up.  In your marriage you love and support one another and hopefully are faithful to the mission of raising your family and taking care of your home.  At school faithfulness shows up in submitting to the teachers and following the rules there.  In your church, you are faithful and submit to the mission of the church and the vision of the pastor.

Faithfulness at your job does not mean exposing where things are being done wrong or stepping on others to make yourself look good.  It is showing up on time and doing your best work when you are scheduled the way you are instructed by your employer.  Even if you think you know a better way, you do it your bosses way or else come to an agreement with your boss to have the opportunity to try your way to see how it goes.  You don’t just go behind their back or sneak around.  That is not faithful and that is not submitted to the authority that you have placed yourself under.

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul and Barnabas were faced with Jewish leaders teaching that unless they followed the old covenant way of doing things, people could not be saved without the old works of the law.  Paul did not believe that and did not teach it to the gentiles either.  Certainly, he was not going against the ten commandments, but the leaders were telling the gentiles that they had to enter into a covenant with God the way that Abraham did.  They were failing to acknowledge the new covenant that Jesus established in His death, burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven.

This is when Paul and Barnabas went back to Jerusalem to submit this issue to the Apostles and leaders of the church.  They did not continue on their mission until this dispute was resolved to whom they submitted themselves to.  Paul was an apostle, but he recognized that his faithfulness to the mission God had called him to was in submission and agreement with the other leaders of the church.

They did come into agreement when the discussed the results they saw God doing despite the nationality of the people or the rituals they perform.  Paul submitted to Peter and James what he had seen the Holy Spirit working in people even though they were not Jewish people. Peter had experienced it too at Cornelius’ house when he first preached to the gentile people.

The point is that even though these men were apostles and the leaders of the New Testament church, they still submitted to one another.  This was the only way that they could come into agreement and the only way that they could be faithful in all that they were called to.

Today I want to encourage you to be faithful by submitting to the authorities that you are under.  Submit to your spouse, to your boss and even your government.  Be a faithful follower and employee by submitting your thoughts and ideas to those over you.  Get out and get active within the laws of the land to be faithful in making your country a better place and submit your feelings and thoughts to the God that loves and makes provision for you. It is required of God’s people to be faithful and the place faithfulness starts is in submitting to one another and authority.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 15:1-21

1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 

2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 

4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. 

5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 

7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 

8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 

9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 

10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 

13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: 

14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 

15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

16 ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up;

17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’

18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works. 

19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 

20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 

21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

Get up and do it again

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.  Acts 14:20

 Nobody really knows if Paul died when he was stoned that day in Lystra or if they just thought he was dead.  What we do know is that when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up.  The surprising part is that he went back into the city where the people just stoned him. I don’t think I would have done that.  However, Paul was determined to make sure that everyone knew that God was with him and would even raise him up if needed.  Even when he was beaten and thrown into prison in Philippi, he wouldn’t leave town until he got a public apology. (See Acts 16:40)

The point is that Paul and Barnabas pressed on through great oppression and persecution.  They did not let any circumstance deter them from their mission and neither should we.  Often times in our life’s journey, we face set back, storms and obstacles, but those are not what our purpose is about.  The problems that we come up against in life are merely winds that blow.  Some harder than others, but just like the breeze of everyday life, when we go out in the weather, we still get to our intended destination each day.  Our circumstances do not determine our mission, our Father in heaven does.

Today I want to encourage you in whatever you are facing or up against in life.  Press on through.  Adjust your focus to the purpose you were given for today.  If that is unclear to you, ask God’s Spirit to open up the eyes or your understanding to see your mission clearly.  Pray for His strength and grace to empower you to complete that mission, then get out there and press through the winds of life.  Don’t let the distractions and pains of this world hold you back.  Determine that with God’s help you will accomplish whatever it is He has for you to complete today.  Then when tomorrow comes, get back up and do it again.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 14:19-28

19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 

20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 

22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 

23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 

24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 

25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 

26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 

28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Same Mission

This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed.  Acts 14:9

 As we read through the book of Acts, there seems to be a recurring theme of: opportunity, obstacles, overcoming and growth.  Today’s reading is no different.  Paul and Barnabas were in the town of Lystra, preaching the gospel again.  People are there to listen and receive the message, but when Paul saw a man that was never able to walk, he noticed that the man was listening intently, and Paul could even see that faith was rising up in the man to be healed.  The passage makes it sound like Paul stopped preaching and told the man to get up, so the man did.  Now there was an obstacle. The people that saw it happen immediately jumped to the conclusion that Paul and Barnabas were mythical gods that they had been worshipping up to this point.

There is another person in this passage that was facing opportunity, obstacle, overcoming and growth and that is the man that was healed.  This is where I want to set my focus today.  What happened to this man long ago can still happen today and does in many cases.  When we need miracles in life, we can follow this man’s example and we will see our answers to prayer. 

First off, the man was at the meeting hearing the Word of God.  This is a critical step in building your mountain moving faith.  Romans 10:17 says that faith come from hearing and hearing the Word of God.  Paul could see that the man had faith because that man was in the place to hear God’s Word and it was growing inside of him.  The man believed what he was hearing and allowed it to build up his faith for his healing. If you are in need of answers in you life today, this is the first place you should start too.  Get into God’s word and get to know Him on a personal level.  Spend quiet time with Him each day in prayer and reading His promises to you in the scriptures.  Go to weekend service where you can hear a message of faith directly from God’s word and also be encouraged by other believers.  When you begin here, you are building a foundation for your faith to grow on.

Next, the man believed.  He believed what he was hearing from the apostle Paul.  He believed that God sent Jesus to save and heal him.  He believed that if he continued to listen, his faith would grow, and he too could have the gift of salvation and all the benefits that come with it.  You must believe it also.  No matter what you are up against or what obstacles are coming your way, believe that God has a solution and answer for you, and it is a supernatural one.  Believe that He not only wants to save you, but He wants you to walk out all of your days in His grace and blessings.  He has healing for you, and He has strength for you to walk out your mission in victory.  He will restore your life and any relationships that may have been broken.

Lastly, the man acted.  When he heard Paul’s command to get up, he didn’t even hesitate or make excuses.  He could have said: “No, I have never stood on my feet so there is no strength in them to stand.” Or “I have never walked since the day I was born.”  Instead, he acted on the word he was given because his faith had grown, and he believed that God would give life to his legs.  You must also act if you want to see your miracle. If you are not sure what action you need to take, begin to ask the Holy Spirit for your part in the answer.  It may be obscure and not make sense to you, but one thing you can know for sure is that it will be different than what you think the answer is.  It will line up with the Holy Spirit’s character (fruit) and His Word and it will never be manipulative or deceitful.  But sometimes you have to step back before you step up.  Ask the Lord what was the last thing He asked you to do and if you have not done that yet, it is a good place to start.  Your obedient action is key.  Not so He can control you but so He can get you to the place where your miracle is waiting for you.

Today I want to encourage you to follow the pattern of Acts when opportunity and obstacles comes.  Remember that when you see an opportunity, obstacles are not far behind.  This doesn’t have to be a bad thing; it is just another opportunity to trust God’s direction to get you through the obstacle and eliminate the objections.  Be determined to overcome the obstacles and take hold of your victory.  Follow the example of the lame man at Lystra and get yourself in the secret place with God each day and keep Him with you all day long.  Commit to weekend service at your local church and come together with others to reinforce your faith in His Word.  Know that His Word and promises are also His will for what you are going through.  Believe that God is for you not against you and with God on your side nothing will be impossible.  Lastly, act on His Word and follow the direction the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart.  He will not lead you astray, but His instruction will line up with His Word.  You can even ask for a scripture to stand on as you walk out the things He puts in your heart.  Take hold of your miracle and answers to prayer today by stepping your faith walk up as you press into the love of your heavenly Father.  He has miracles for you, but you have a part in them too.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 14:8-18

8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 

9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 

10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. 

11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 

12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 

13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 

15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 

16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 

17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 

18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.

Stepping Stones

Therefore, they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.  Acts 14:3

 I never understood perseverance when I was a young person.  I thought that if there was an open door to go through, I would just make the decision about going through that door when the time came.  I often let the circumstances determine my decision.  How was I feeling at the time?  Did the open door look like it was going to make my life better or be more work for me?  Were there going to be any obstacles to overcome as I stepped into that decision and mostly was it going to be to my advantage to take that step instead of staying right where I was?

I didn’t realize that I could take each step in faith.  Not blind faith but knowing God’s plan and then going through the doors that He opened for me, step by step to walk out that plan.  I never recognized that struggles and obstacles were just a part of growing into that new position and I didn’t know that I was passing up many of the opportunities and missions God was opening up in front of me.

Then I started learning how to hear and know when the Holy Spirit was putting something in my heart and path.  I learned to tune in, get the plan, recognize the next steps, ask for the strength and faith to take that step and then hold on to Him and what He had shown me while going through the storms that may blow as I took the step.

This is how the apostles operated.  In today’s reading, Paul and Barnabas continued to preach boldly even though they were facing challenges every step of the way.  At first, their message was heard, believed and received, but then unbelieving Jews began to stir up the crowds and poison the thoughts of the people there to make trouble for Paul and Barnabas.  Verse 3 is simply staggering that says that even though they were facing a lot of kick back and multitudes against their message of faith, Paul and Barnabas stayed even longer.  (I would have taken that as a sign that it was time to leave and God must be done here because we are no longer welcome.)  However, because Paul and Barnabas knew what their mission was and that the Holy Spirit was going to be successful as they persevered, so they stayed until the power of God’s Word produced a victory.

Each phase of life we go through is a crucial stage and the choices we make now will shape our future.  The sooner you begin to press in and hear where God’s Spirit is leading you, the sooner you will have an anchor to hold on to when the storms come.  Begin to set time aside each day to listen, talk with and praise your Father in heaven and start asking Him to make His plan for your day to be plain and clear each step of the way.  Position yourself to regularly connect with godly people who will inspire you and empower you to fill up with the wisdom of God.  Get counsel from those who have gone through similar experience and who know how to live out the assignments from God on their life.

Today I want to encourage you to release the power of God in your life by approaching each day with a purpose mindset.  Know that His strength and empowerment to overcome any challenge is for you when you walk with the Spirit of God step by step.  Even when your journey seems to take a lot of twists and turns, make the determination to walk by faith in what your Father has led you to and the directions He softly speaks to your heart.  When you do, He will give you the boldness to embrace each circumstance as an opportunity for growth and it will be a steppingstone to success for you and the Kingdom of heaven.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 14:1-7

1 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 

2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 

3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 

5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 

6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 

7 And they were preaching the gospel there.

The Resurrection

_{If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 1 Corinthians 15:19}

Do you believe in the resurrection?  This is a pretty easy question to answer if you are a believer in Christ Jesus, but I am asking you to consider your resurrection?  Yes, we believe that Jesus died on the cross, was buried in a tomb and resurrected from the dead after 3 days, but do you believe you and all others will be resurrected after you die?

I think about movies where someone comes back from the dead.  It always seems to surprise me, which is why I am asking myself this question.  Yes, I know the movie isn’t real, just some fictitious story that Hollywood made up, but if I find it so surprising in the world of make believe, how can I be sure that I really believe in my heart that we will be resurrected when Jesus comes?

Today’s reading is about the resurrection.  Not only the resurrection of Jesus, but the resurrection of the saints.  Paul said if we don’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus, then our life is meaningless beyond this world when we die and those who have already passed have just perished or faded away.  Paul concludes that if we don’t believe that we will be resurrected, we are like all who do not believe that are most pitiable.  Which means should be pitied or pathetic.

My conclusion is that I will now believe and not be surprised or skeptical when it happens.  God raised Jesus up and He is able to raise up the entire body of believers on that day.  I actually look forward to that day, now.  My hope is that I will not have to be resurrected, but I will be changed in the twinkling of an eye. (see vs. 52)  but until that day comes, I will believe that I will live out the full number of my days, the days He numbered for me and then when He raises up the believers that have gone on ahead, I will be raised up and glorified with them.

Today I want to encourage you to consider the resurrection of the saints who have gone on before us.  No doubt, we all know some that have already passed.  Will we see the day that they will be resurrected and receive their glorified body and are we looking forward to that day to come.  Decide that you will not be like those who are most pitiable.  Solidify your faith in the resurrection and that you are living today for the benefits of tomorrow.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise.

16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.

17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

No more excuses

_{But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10}

I think we as believers get the wrong impression sometimes of the apostle Paul.  It is often said that he was the one who wrote 2/3rds of the New Testament.  He was the one that preached the good news to the known world at that time.  The Holy Spirit did signs and wonders through the hands of the Apostle Paul. He pushed through an innumerable number of afflictions, trials and setbacks.  Acts 19:12 even says that people brought handkerchiefs and aprons for Paul to touch to take to their sick, diseased and people with evil spirits to heal and deliver them.

Yes, we have a pretty high opinion of him and rightly so, but our thoughts about the apostle Paul should not be compared to the ministry we are called to today.  Sure, we will probably never be called to the extents that he was. To be arrested and taken to the leader of the world for trial, but we have the same Holy Spirit that Paul had and the same grace of God.

Take a look at what Paul said about himself in today’s text.

1. Someone born at the wrong time
2. The least of the apostles
3. Not worthy to be called an apostle because of his past
4. I am what I am (it is what it is)
5. Worked harder than anyone and suffered more

These objections sound like many of the excuses that you can hear today from people who are unwilling to pursue the call of God on their life.  They say things like: “I shouldn’t be here, I’m at the wrong place at the wrong time.” Or “I am just one person, what can I do.  God can’t use me because of too much baggage in my past.”  Even, “This is as good as it gets and there is nothing more.  I would have to work harder than anyone to get God’s blessing on my life.”

The truth is, it doesn’t matter when or where you were born or how small or great in importance you think you are.  It’s not about being worthy of a title or even the sin in your past.  You are not limited by what your surroundings and circumstances are today or how hard you are working or not.  It is all about God’s grace on you to get His mission accomplished.  God’s grace is big enough to overcome any objection and when you yield to the Holy Spirit’s leading and direction, you have the power to make a difference in your home, neighborhood, community and the world around you.

Today I want to encourage you to stop making excuses.  Don’t let your thoughts lie to you about who you are now that you have met the Savior and have a loving heavenly Father.  Take authority over the lies of your enemy and tell those lies who you are now that you are in Christ Jesus.  You are redeemed, you are righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and you are a witness of the goodness and grace of God to others!  Don’t let that list of un-qualifications slow you down, there is something greater than those limiting qualities and that is the grace of God that you received in His salvation! God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies those He calls.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,

2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.

6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.

7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.

8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

It all works together

Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: Acts 13:16

 Sometimes it seems like the Old Testament and the New Testament are two different stories.  Many times, I only look to the New Testament scriptures for encouragement and reinforcements.  However, the truth is, without the Old Testament there would be no foundation for the New.  Without the Old Testament saints starting with the beginning of creation, there would be no New Testament Church or Salvation in Christ Jesus.

In today’s scripture reading, Paul and Barnabas show up at Antioch, and on the Sabbath, they went into the synagogue.  It was what they did, much like we go to church now on Sundays.  On this particular Sabbath, they were invited to share a word of exhortation to build up the people there.  Paul started his message all the way back to the beginning of Israel.  He taught them how God raised up the Savior, Jesus for the nation of Israel and the world, and how His coming was prophesied throughout the history of Israel.

It is easy for us who believe now, to look back at the hundreds of passages that predicted Jesus’ birth, ministry, death on the cross and resurrection, but when Paul laid it out on that Sabbath, this was all new revelation.  The message created such a hunger and energy in that city that on the next Sabbath, almost the whole city came out to hear the word of God.

So, what was the secret to the draw of God’s message back then and why don’t we see whole cities coming together today to hear more about the message of salvation?  I could say it is because America has been saturated in the message and all have already heard, but that would not be quite accurate.  In fact, over 40% of people in our country have not heard this message.  In the world we live in today and the ability we have to spread news, this is a staggering number.  However, this explains much of the troubles we see in our nation.

The solution?  First of all, start filling up your own heart with God’s Word and His love. Become so filled up with His Spirit and the good news of salvation that you minister to others from that overflow. Then start sharing.  Seek God for direction and prepare a plan for the message of His love that you can share when you have the opportunity.  Ask for Him to bring people to you that are searching for answers in this life and looking for purpose for their existence.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to remind you of the words and actions that you prepared ahead of time to say and do when those opportunities come.  America needs the salvation message as much as the rest of the world does.  Start today to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers.

Today I want to encourage you to once again pray for boldness.  Equip yourself with the words of God’s love and provision ready to share every time you have an opportunity. You may have to get up earlier in the morning to press into Him or put away some things that may be distracting you from what is most important, but when you do, life will become much clearer. look for opportunities to pray with others who are struggling in life and invite people to small groups and weekend services where they can learn about the love of God that will change their life forever.  We only get a few short breaths here in this world to make an impact.  Begin today to touch the world around you and make a difference that will count toward eternity.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 13:13 – 52

13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. 

14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. 

15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”

16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: 

17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. 

18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. 

19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.

20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 

21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 

22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ 

23 From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus— 

24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 

25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 

27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 

28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 

29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 

30 But God raised Him from the dead. 

31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 

32 And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. 

33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’

34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’

35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’

36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 

37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. 

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 

39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 

40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:

41 ‘Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.’ ”

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 

43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 

46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 

47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 

51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 

52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Every Step of the Way

Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him. Acts 13:9    

  Have you ever stepped out in faith toward something or someone you knew the Holy Spirit was leading you to and then, just when you were about to get there you suddenly faced opposition?  It is not an uncommon occurrence and in fact, you should expect it to happen.  The enemy is always up to no good and when he can throw a monkey wrench in things you can be sure he will.  It can be frustrating to the point that you want to give up and go home, but I assure you if you press on through by following the leading of the Holy Spirit, He will make sure you succeed on your mission.

In today’s reading, Paul and Barnabas were on their first mission trip and sure enough right away, they were faced with trouble.  It really isn’t a surprise to us reading it now because we have seen that everywhere they went there was always something or someone trying to stop their ministry.  We all know that when you step out in faith it can be a scary thing and I am sure that even though these men had been through their share of struggles, they still had some of those anxious feelings.  But they didn’t let that stop the mission.  The passage actually says that Paul, because he was full of God’s Spirit rebuked and called blindness to come on the man trying to stop them from ministering the good news in that area.  They were well prepared because they had taken the time to press in and fill up before they even arrived at the place.

The cool part about this account is that Paul and Barnabas didn’t want to hurt anyone. Instead, they wanted to bring the message of hope and the love of God to others. When the people saw what happened to the man standing in their way, they were amazed and believed in the power and salvation of the Lord.

So, here’s the encouraging part: just like Paul and Barnabas, you might face challenges in life, and there might be people who try to stop you from doing good things. But remember, with faith in God and the fullness of His Spirit, you can overcome those challenges and keep doing what’s right.  Keep pressing in, keep filling up and keep sharing the love of God and His salvation with others, just like Paul and Barnabas did. God is with you every step of the way, just like He was with Paul and Barnabas.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 13:4-12

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 

5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.

6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 

7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 

8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 

9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 

10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 

11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 

12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Prayer and fasting

Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.  Acts 13:3

Prayer and fasting.  You don’t hear much about it today.  We have a national day of prayer and occasionally there may be a national “call” to prayer.  In Jesus’ day, it was a common practice, so common that religious leaders of the day were fasting so those around would think they were “super spiritual.”  Jesus said, “when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”  (Matthew 6:16)  Notice Jesus said, “When you fast”, not if you fast.  He was teaching them the right way because it was the right thing to do.  

So, what is fasting all about?  Fasting is a time of separating from the things of the world to “tune in” to the things of God.  It doesn’t have to be food, though it certainly can be.  It could be things such as social media, scrolling, news, or gaming, anything that takes time that you can turn your attention to God instead.  The things you fast aren’t necessarily bad things, it’s just a time you purpose in your heart to spend with God in the place you usually spend with those other activities.  Fasting can also be a time when you decide to reach out to others more or in a different way than you usually do, a time of giving of yourself.  When fasting foods, it can be for a time of cleansing in your body for more healthy living.  The timing is also flexible.  It can be one day as the Israelites did weekly on the sabbath or three days as Esther did to seek God’s wisdom.  Daniel fasted twenty-one days, he still ate food, he just fasted “pleasant foods” and Jesus and Moses fasted forty days.  Fasting is not a ritual practice; it is a spiritual discipline.  In fasting, your physical body is forced to submit to your spirit so it must obey what you tell it to do instead of you obeying what your flesh demands to be comfortable.  It is not something you do to try to get God to move closer to you or in your behalf.  It actually produces the opposite effect for you to move closer to God and to act on His behalf.  

In today’s reading, members of the church in Antioch set aside a time of prayer and fasting.  In fact, the passage says when they fasted, they were ministering to the LORD, which in my opinion is amazing.  During that time of fasting they were impressed by the Holy Spirit to separate to the LORD Paul and Barnabas for the work God was calling them to.  Their sensitivity to God’s spirit was heightened because the were setting aside the things of the physical realm to press into the spiritual.

I know this is not so interesting to some, but it is truly a powerful practice.  By putting your flesh in subjection to your spirit and submitting to the Holy Spirit, your spirit becomes stronger and more discerning to the things God is speaking to your heart.  Today I would ask that you consider a time of prayer and fasting.  Read about it in the Word and listen to what God has to say about it.  It is not a bad thing, for sure, and it is not obsolete.  Start small, maybe just a morning to evening fast?  The same results can be had today that were given all through Bible times.  If nothing else, in fasting you show yourself just how serious you are about the things of God.  In establishing this discipline today, your body will be ready to submit every time you need to press into the Holy Spirit for answers to storms you may be facing and the best part is that it is actually a gift you can minister to the LORD that blesses Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 13:1-3

1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 

2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 

3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

God’s Word Continues

But the word of God grew and multiplied.  Acts 12:24

  If you were to ask most people today if they followed current events or world and local news, chances are they would say “yes!”  Some people even consider it irresponsible if you are not caught up on the latest headlines.  Most of the time if you don’t look at the news, you won’t even have anything to talk about with others because many idle conversations are all about what is going on in the world.

If today’s reading was made into a headline or media post, it would probably read something like this: KING ENGAGED IN A VIOLENT DISPUTE WITH TYRE AND SIDON.  Maybe: CITIZENS OF TYRE AND SIDON WORSHIP THE KING FOR RELEASING SUPPLIES AND AID DURING FAMINE. Or: KING DIES BY AN INFESTATION OF WORMS.  I don’t know what the media of the day was, but I am sure there were ways to spread news of the current happenings.

The point is that even though the headlines change in content, they are mostly disturbing and graphic. The reason is simply to get the attention of the hearer. However, there is good news, and that news will go on forever!  The key verse today says even though the headlines may be distressing and bleak, God’s Word word continued to grow and multiply the growth of the church.  Isaiah 40:8 says: The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.   No matter what is happening in the world around us, God’s Word is the only news that is eternal, and God’s Word is the only Word that makes a difference in our world today until forever.  So, the next time you read the headlines or listen to a news broadcast, make sure you also give that same amount of time or even more attention to the good news of God’s word.  Instead of filling up with the bad news of the world and letting it spill out into every conversation, fill up with God’s word and watch it growth and multiply His kingdom.

Today I want to encourage you to spend time in God’s word.  Let Colossians 3:16 be the template and motto of your life that says: Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  Encourage others with the God news of God’s love and hope for tomorrow.  Put away the fears and anxiety of coming possibilities and sing songs of praise with grace in your heart to the Lord.  Headlines and news items are always going to change but the Word of the Lord will stand forever!

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 12:20-25

20 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country.

21 So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. 

22 And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 

23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.

24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.