Happy Friday! The wonderful thing about God is that you can be sitting back, just doing the work of the kingdom, and out of no where He calls you to do something new, or unexpected, or what He has been calling you to do but in a greater way. Well today in Acts chapter sixteen we are introduced to Timothy. Enjoy today’s devotion and prayer.

Bible Verse – Acts 16:1-5 NLT

“¹ Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. ² Timothy was well thought of by the believersin Lystra and Iconium, ³ so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. ⁴ Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. ⁵ So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day.”

Notes

• Timothy’s background and journeys are also mentioned in 1 & 2 Timothy.

• According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word deference in verse three means humble submission, respect and esteem.

• The Greek word for strengthened in verse five is estereounto which means being solid and firm, which is different from the Greek word episterizo which means to strengthen .

Reflection

Paul was officially on his second missionary trip. He was with Silas and now there was an opportunity for him to add Timothy. While Timothy is of mixed backgrounds that did not deter Paul – Timothy could understand both the Jewish and the Greek culture making him very effective in the regions. Churches were being made strong and firm in their faith. The numbers of believers grew.

Sisters and brothers, there is always room to strengthen the church, its members and the community. However, its also important to strengthen your family in the faith. Whatever journey you are on, where you are right now – today is where God has you for a reason. Allow God to use you to share the Good News wherever you are. Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you, be humble, share boldly and respectfully. Who knows where the Lord is about to take you or do through you? Trust God’s plan for your life. He can use your background for His greater plan.

If God asked you to do something today, would you accept the mission?

Prayer

Father God, thank you for another gracious day. Father we thank you for your son Jesus Christ who came, died, and arose again – as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, calling us to repentance, and belief – reconciling us back to God. Lord God, forgive us for our sins (known and unknown). Forgive us for not following you faithfully. Lord, strengthen us and lead us in every area of our life. Lord, cover our homes, heal brokenness in marriages, reignite love, rebuild trust where it is broken, and make them better than new. Lord, work on both the mindset and hearts of the couples – let them both see you as first in their lives. Lord, build them up as the team you have called them to be. Lord, we pray for those who are recovering from procedures and those preparing for procedures. Lord, touch your children and remove their fears. Lord, give the doctors wisdom and understanding to diagnose their medical situation. Lord, let them act promptly and without reservation. Lord, we pray for those who are in dependent living facilities and shelters. Lord, we ask that you touch their lives and pour out your Holy Spirit in those places. Lord, let it overflow beyond what we can ever imagine. Lord our Provider, provide for each of their needs. Lord touch those who have been impacted by various illnesses, heal them. Lord, provide the necessary supplies and skills to help those in need. Lord, feel free to use us today, throughout the weekend, and always. In Jesus name, amen.

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