Thursday, December 3, 2020

GOD’S CALL

Today’s Reading: Acts 13

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

 

This is Antioch. Today it is called Antakya in Turkey. Saul (Paul) and Barnabas were sent out from here as missionaries. Tradition says that Peter pioneered the Church here. At first, as was the Jewish custom, they spoke in the synagogue, but those who believed then gathered in a cave for Christian worship.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Acts 13:2-3

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

 

In chapter 9, Saul (later Paul) was sent by the Jerusalem Church to his home city of Tarsus. In chapter 11, Barnabas is sent from Jerusalem to find Saul. Barnabas and Saul settle in Antioch. Saul may have served the Lord here for a dozen years as a faithful local church member before the Holy Spirit revealed God’s plan for a missionary team which would reach other communities.

It is essential that God’s people remain faithful in a local Church. This is where mentoring takes place, and where ministry gifts can be developed providing the Senior Pastor has the New Testament Vision. The experience at a home Church will confirm whether or not God has called us to a larger place in ministry. Our brothers and sisters who know us best will witness to God’s call. It was in Cyprus that Saul (which means “big”) became known as Paul (which means “little”). Perhaps when Saul exercised great authority, as recorded in verses 9 to 12, Barnabas recognized that Saul needed to constantly be reminded to stay humble. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul tells us that God intervened to help keep him humble. The “thorn in the flesh” was so that Paul would not become “exalted above measure.” God knows our weaknesses and deals with us accordingly. Paul, educated in the rabbinical schools, knew his Hebrew Bible. Notice how he bases his preaching on God’s Word.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, please help me to preach and teach the Scriptures. Help me to learn from Paul’s way of communicating Your Word. Lord Jesus, You urged me to pray that “the Lord of the harvest would send forth labourers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:38). You answered Your prayer request in the Antioch Church by calling two people into full-time service. Do this again and again in our day, I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

For years now, I’ve tried to remember to pray Jesus’ prayer request each morning. In the “Our Father,” Jesus tells us, “When you pray, say…” In our prayer for “labourers” (not big preachers or executives), we recognize that this is a call to, as Churchill put it, “blood, sweat and tears.” It’s a call to die to personal ambition or any kind of self-seeking. For Paul it meant genuine hardship. Check out 2 Corinthians 11:23-33. I ask myself upon reading these verses, “Do I still want everything God has planned for my life?” YES, YES, and YES!!!! I would like to be somewhere nearby when Paul stands before the Lord in the believer’s judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). I must never take God’s call lightly. It is the most serious calling in the universe. Obedience must be my #1 priority.

Yours for a greater understanding of God’s call on your life and mine,

David

P.S. The photo of modern Antioch was the first one taken by my eldest son, Reynold, on a trip across Turkey, Greece, and Italy. He is the professional photographer in our family, as well as a missionary with his wife Kathy (Paul made tents to support his missionary calling). Check out their missions website HERE. Ron, my younger son, is also an ordained minister. He and his wife Ann proofread every blog before it’s posted and add any needed links. Their marriage ministry website is HERE. Thank you, my sons and spouses!

12 thoughts on “Thursday, December 3, 2020

  1. Such meaning in today’s scripture and David’s message. Ever thankful God used Paul in his new found humility to share the message of our Risen King Jesus. Today marks the 4th anniversary of my Mom Jean’s passing. Thinking of her in heaven. Wishing all saints a blessed day in the Lord. His peace and love and assurance be with you.

    “Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3 ESV

    Come People of The Risen King by Keith and Kristyn Getty
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJsizuCKq9k

    • Love the song Beverlee, we have sang this in our Church worship time.
      I am sending you hugs today as you remember your Mother’s passing. I am sure you miss her very much. It is so wonderful that she is in Heaven with her Lord and Saviour and you will see her again some day.
      I pray that all our family members would serve Him as their lord and Saviour.
      Blessings to you and all who read this blog. Eleanor M.

  2. For some reason the music you sent today will not open. I will try later. Thanks Beverley. I may need to take my phone in for a check as there seems to be other things going wrong today. Take care all.

  3. Thank You, Father, for Your obedient children, first of whom is Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Strengthen all Your children everywhere, Lord God, and help each one to be obedient to Your call. In Jesus’s great and loving name, amen

  4. God bless you today Beverlee on your Mom’s memorial day. Hugs are sent your way. The scripture verse is very special to me today as well. God bless everyone!

  5. Thinking of you,Beverlee Kay.This ‘poem-of-comfort’ came to mind.God bless
    His Other Hand

    Do not linger in your sorrow,
    For your grief brings a tear,
    I want for you a happy tomorrow,
    So you can share joy and cheer.

    Keep always looking to the sky,
    For in it’s beauty truth is found
    And like me,truth does not die,
    While in truth can love expound.

    Take hold of His outstretched hand,
    Keep Him as close as I would be,
    For what you fail to understand,
    Is His other hand is holding me.
    G W (Bill) Marshall / Dec 3,2012
    Jesus is our link with loved ones gone.
    They have just caught an earlier flight.

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