Good morning! We often plan things in our lives to go one way and sometimes it goes differently than we have planned. While the unexpected often creates disappointment or unsettling within us for a moment, we can often look back and see God’s hand in it all. Join us today as we finish Acts chapter fifteen. Have a blessed Thursday.

Bible Verse – Acts 15:36-41 NLT

“³⁶ After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” ³⁷ Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. ³⁸ But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. ³⁹ Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. ⁴⁰ Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. ⁴¹ Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.”

Reflection

Paul and Barnabas saw eye-to-eye on many things, except an agreement to take John Mark with them to the cities where they preached the word of the Lord. Their disagreement did not limit the spread of the Good News, in fact it spread more because they both went to two different areas spreading the Good News and strengthening the believers. But, they also took along other believers – Barnabas with John Mark, and Paul with Silas. God was sending two more unexpectedly, but they were ready to serve.

Sisters and brothers, don’t be discouraged by leaders leaving and starting their own church, or going out in the missionary field, or starting a ministry. God is the one who calls and directs. While we may not see the immediate good in the situation, trust the fact that God knows what is good for His church and His people throughout the world 🌎. If God is calling your sisters and brothers of the faith to something, send your sisters and brothers off in prayer, encouraging one another in the mission God has called them too, and don’t create dissension that discredits you as a Christian, them as a Christian, or the people as a church. Continue to seek God’s will for you and keep sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ – who knows God may be calling you next – unexpectedly.Will you be willing and ready to serve?

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for your love and grace. Thank you for giving us your perfect peace and joy. Lord, forgive us when we act in our flesh, when we take matters into our own hands because we don’t know or understand what you are doing. Lord, forgive us for the times when we thought we knew more than you. Lord, direct our hearts and minds back to you. Lord, you know the wickedness in our hearts and we ask you today to remove those roots that do not produce good fruit in our lives or in our speech. Lord, where there are disagreements let us be able to seek your guidance for wisdom and understanding. Lord, we know that we are not always right, but we know that when we align our hearts and intentions to You we are better suited to speak truth in love ❤. Lord, lead us in our speech, our actions, and in everything. Lord, we also pray for our sisters and brothers who are having medical procedures today and treatments this week. Lord, we ask for your hands to be on the physicians, that you produce a favorable outcome for our sisters and brothers. Remove their pain quickly, cure and heal them. In Jesus name, amen.

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