Daily Reading

Acts 15:36-16:15; Psalm 50:1-23; Proverbs 10:27-30

It has been three years, and Paul is ready for another mission trip. Barnabas wants to bring Mark, but Paul isn't ready to trust him after Mark deserted them on the first mission. So, Paul & Barnabas split up. Paul takes Silas along with him and heads north to Antioch. Barnabas & Mark head west to the island of Cyprus. The two great missionaries disagreed and split up, but God still used both men to further his kingdom. Instead of one team heading out, two did. It is also important to notice that reputations proceed you. Be wise in making your decisions, knowing your actions will hold you accountable to others. When you face a tough decision, look to the Scriptures and pray about what you are going to do & why. Don't just follow rash emotions.

In Lystra, Timothy joins Paul's team. Paul asks him to be circumcised since he is currently half-Jewish & being circumcised will help him preach to the Jewish community. Isn't this in conflict with Paul's previous teaching that one didn't need to be circumcised to be a believer? Actually, there are two different issues here. Timothy is already a believer. He did not agree to circumcision so he could be part of the church. Instead, he voluntarily did this to go beyond the minimum requirements in order to help the Jewish community receive the Good News. When you become a missionary to a different culture, you will be asked to adapt in some ways to that culture so as not to offend the people. A woman may be asked to wear certain clothing or cover her hair or face. Men may be asked to also wear certain clothing or to remove facial hair. It's all about showing respect to the people you are ministering too. Timothy's willingness to show respect and honor lead to the strengthening of the church and many converts.

Paul wants to head into Asia to bring the Good News there, but the Holy Spirit leads him away. By being faithful to the Holy Spirit and following His leading, Paul met a woman, Lydia, who became a prominent member of the Christian church. God has a purpose & a plan. When we are faithful to listen, we become tools in the unfolding of that plan. So, once again & I cannot say this enough - be still & listen. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and flow in the plans of the Lord. It's like stepping into a river. Going with the flow is peaceful and comforting. Swimming against the current is tiring and it is much, much harder to get anywhere.