by Len Tscharke, from Guidance for Each Day (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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That night Paul had a vision in which he saw a Macedonian standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us!’ As soon as Paul had this vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, because we decided that God had called us to preach the good news to the people there (Acts 16:9,10).
Read Acts 16:6–15
There is a popular song that goes, ‘I did it my way’. A reason for its popularity may well be that people like its positive message. We like to be in control, and we like to make decisions that affect our lives. It’s part of our nature. We find it already in our children. Just watch them as they struggle with their mother or father because they want to do it their way.
St Paul was zealous in his love for the Lord; that’s why he was where he was – out on the road sharing the message of Jesus. He had opened his heart to the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit, and he was ready to do what God wanted him to do and go where God wanted him to go. What a faithful servant!
What’s it like with you? Is that the way you do it, or do you like to keep control and decide what you will do for Christ? If you want to be a true and faithful servant of your Lord, you will need to do it his way, not yours. The Holy Spirit will guide you.
Lord Jesus, you are the way, the truth and the life. Help me to seek your will before I act, and give me a clear vision of what you want me to do. Amen.
Due to unexpected circumstances, the rostered contributor for this week was unable to supply the devotions. This week’s devotions have been reprinted from 2018 and feature excellent devotions from Openbook Howden publications. We thank God for the work of his dedicated servants, past and present.
by Len Tscharke, from Guidance for Each Day (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
There was a sharp argument, and they separated: Barnabas took Mark and sailed off for Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the care of the Lord’s grace (Acts 15:39,40).
Read Acts 15:36–16:5
Arguments are rarely (if ever) wholesome and, if allowed to get out of control, can lead to long-lasting pain, even tragedy. Our communities are full of broken relationships because of arguments that should have been nipped in the bud but were allowed to go on. And it’s so easy to come up with reasons to keep the argument going: you need to stick to your principles, or you have to prove to the other person that you are right. But how quickly it affects your relationships!
‘Do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day’ (Ephesians 4:26). That’s how your God wants you to live. And that’s how you will find peace.
Paul and Barnabas had a sharp argument, allowing their feelings and passions to get the better of them, and they paid the price. Many, many people have followed the same path with the same results.
God’s way for you to handle arguments and anger is clear, and it works because it’s grounded in forgiveness and love: ‘Forgive others, and God will forgive you’ (Luke 6:37b).
Dear Father, help me to live in harmony with people everywhere. Make me a channel of your peace. Amen.
Due to unexpected circumstances, the rostered contributor for this week was unable to supply the devotions. This week’s devotions have been reprinted from 2018 and feature excellent devotions from Openbook Howden publications. We thank God for the work of his dedicated servants, past and present.
by Len Tscharke, from Guidance for Each Day (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
When the people read [the letter], they were filled with joy by the message of encouragement. Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, spoke a long time with them, giving them courage and strength (Acts 15:31,32).
Read Acts 15:22–35
Our family has a letter that’s been handed down from generation to generation. It was written to our great-grandfather by his brother. The brother had been informed that our great-grandfather had lost his faith after coming to Australia due to the hardships that he faced in his new land. It’s a letter full of encouragement and love, urging him to remain faithful to his Lord. The letter was well received, even though the information that prompted its writing was untrue. It continues to be passed on from one generation to the next.
Not long ago, I came across a similar incident where a brother had written to his brother out of concern for his spiritual well-being.
Paul and Silas sent two of their Christian friends to Antioch to encourage the small group of believers there in their lives in Jesus. It was a case of Christian brothers caring for Christian brothers and sisters who had strayed, pointing them back to Jesus and encouraging them in their walk with him.
Can you think of someone you might be able to help like this?
Lord Jesus, help me to love others enough that I want to see them in heaven, too. Help me to encourage them to come to you and make me more like you. Amen.
Due to unexpected circumstances, the rostered contributor for this week was unable to supply the devotions. This week’s devotions have been reprinted from 2018 and feature excellent devotions from Openbook Howden publications. We thank God for the work of his dedicated servants, past and present.
by Grace Simpson, from God’s Promises for Each Day (LCA, Openbook, 1999)
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
‘Stop grumbling among yourselves,’ Jesus answered. ‘No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day’ (John 6:43,44).
Read John 6:35,41–51
Throughout time, people have grumbled about God. The Israelites had a good old grumble only a month after God had rescued them from slavery. ‘Why did you bring us here to the desert, where there’s no food?’ they grumbled. God’s response? He sent them bread from heaven. It saved their lives.
Many years later, the people listening to Jesus grumbled about him because he claimed to have come down from heaven when everyone knew he was the son of Joseph and Mary. Jesus’ response? He told them he was indeed the bread that came down from heaven. Bread that could save lives for eternity.
People still grumble about God today. ‘If there is a God,’ they say, ‘why doesn’t he stop wars and child abuse and other horrors?’ God’s response? He still offers a sin-sick world life-saving bread: Jesus.
It’s an offer we need to pass on. When people are drawn to Jesus and filled with the life he gives, there won’t be so much for them to grumble about.
Jesus, may I always feast on you so that I can live forever. Amen.
Due to unexpected circumstances, the rostered contributor for this week was unable to supply the devotions. This week’s devotions have been reprinted from 2018 and feature excellent devotions from Openbook Howden publications. We thank God for the work of his dedicated servants, past and present.
by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4).
Read Psalm 34:1–8
Fear is a significant motivator in our lives – sometimes for the good, but it mostly has a negative impact.
Fear of something new is very common, as is fear of missing out. Fear of standing out, such as expressing who we really are or what we believe in, is also a big one. Ask people if they like public speaking. Overwhelmingly, it is the last thing people want to do.
We fear other people and what they can do to us. We fear being tested, of being found out that we are not good enough. The list goes on.
Fear can sometimes be a motivator for making sensible decisions. Fear of the consequences of speeding or walking too close to a cliff edge can be lifesaving.
The two sides of fear are expressed in this psalm. In verse four, the Lord delivers from all fears. Yet, in verse seven, those who fear the Lord are delivered. What a beautiful image verse seven presents: ‘The angel of the Lord encamps around them who fear him, and he delivers them.’
God wants to take away our negative fears and protect those who fear him.
So, how do we do what God wants about fear? We have to seek the Lord, listen to his responses, and have faith that his saving grace is real in our lives.
John Newton, the author of the lyrics for the song ‘Amazing Grace’, put it succinctly:
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace, my fears relieved.
Looking back on events in my life, I see several times I let fear dictate my actions or lack of action. If only I had had more faith in God’s grace to say, ‘I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears’.
What fears are stopping you, and which ones are you going to allow God to deliver you from?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise to take away our fears. Give us the faith to live in your promise so that we fear the things we should fear and surrender all other fears to you. Amen.
Stuart, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He loves living on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria, being involved in the Mansfield community and travelling. He is currently travelling in Europe, which will include a visit to the Poznan region of Poland, where some of Australia’s original German Lutherans came.
by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
It is my judgement, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God (Acts 15:19).
Read Acts 15:12–21
This passage starts with Barnabas and Paul relating the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. Their story was so powerful that the whole assembly became silent as they listened.
I can’t remember the last time I heard a speaker so powerful that the room became silent, let alone felt awe-struck by a speaker telling of what God has done through them.
Part of the story Paul and Barnabas were telling has been covered in this week’s devotions – the almost frenetic travels around parts of the Mediterranean, converting people to Christianity, enduring beatings and stoning, experiencing terrible conditions and conflicts, yet coming back to fledgling communities to support them in their spiritual growth.
In yesterday’s devotion, we saw that the relationship between Judaism and Christianity was a significant issue in the early church. Were Christians just a subset or sect within Judaism, or was this new?
In today’s passage, we get a resolution to the dilemma. James quotes Amos 9:11, 12 saying it was always God’s plan and purpose to ‘take in’ the Gentiles and that they should be part of God’s kingdom. He concludes that they shouldn’t make it difficult for people turning to God and should welcome the fulfillment of God’s promises. But as with all negotiations, a compromise was made, and while circumcision would not be required of the Gentiles, they were asked to abstain from four practices that were difficult for the Jews to accommodate.
Do we put roadblocks in the way of people turning to God on a journey of spiritual inquiry?
We could knowingly or unknowingly do this by our actions, our attitude towards them or our insistence that they have to go to church or the ‘right’ church.
What can we do to stop being a roadblock to those seeking God?
We pray that you work through us to bring healing and understanding to those around us. Help us to encourage people and not put obstacles in the way of people seeking your love and grace. Amen.
Stuart, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He loves living on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria, being involved in the Mansfield community and travelling. He is currently travelling in Europe, which will include a visit to the Poznan region of Poland, where some of Australia’s original German Lutherans came.
by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved (Acts 15:11).
Read Acts 15:1–11
It is often hard to let go of habits or beliefs we have held for a long time, even if they are no longer appropriate. For around 1500 years, circumcision had been part of the Law of Moses and a mark of belonging to God’s people; therefore, suddenly accepting this was no longer the case was difficult.
This passage relates to another great turning point in the early church. What is the relationship between the traditional Jews who now believe the promise of a saviour has been fulfilled and the Gentiles newly converted to the faith? I note that the church leaders were not afraid to tackle the significant issues impacting them as they arose and did so robustly.
Peter argues the Gentiles are accepted by God because they have the same Holy Spirit as the Christian Jews, and why burden the Gentiles with burdens that they (the Jews) nor their ancestors could bear? The Christian Pharisees argued that the Law of Moses must be maintained and that circumcision was a critical part of that law.
Then Peter states one of the fundamental tenets of Christianity: it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved. There is no place for legalism, the law has been fulfilled, and salvation is not by works of the law.
In an age where we think we have control over our lives, it is difficult to accept that the most valuable aspect of our lives – being in a relationship with God and being with him eternally – is only available by the grace of someone else. God’s grace is truly humbling and awesome at the same time.
Heavenly Father, we pray for faith to truly believe that we are saved by the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray that the Holy Spirit sustains us in that faith. Amen.
Stuart, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He loves living on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria, being involved in the Mansfield community and travelling. He is currently travelling in Europe, which will include a visit to the Poznan region of Poland, where some of Australia’s original German Lutherans came.
by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
They gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27).
Read Acts 14:19–28
One thing I really like about travel is that it takes you out of your routine and comfort zone. It makes you live at a more conscious level. You may confront unfamiliar airports, train stations and road rules. Overseas, we may confront different languages, customs and foods. Sometimes, travel can be exhausting, but a good trip creates lots of stories to tell friends and family.
When reading the Book of Acts, at times, I have felt exhausted by the pace of travel that Paul, Barnabas and others undertook to spread the word of God.
In this passage, having been left for dead, a revived Paul set out the next day to go to another city that needed to hear about God’s saving grace. Then he and Barnabas returned to the three cities where they had encountered opposition but had also created new churches that needed support. Then, they were off again to other cities before returning to Antioch.
When the people of Antioch first heard the word, Paul was challenged by the Jews who stoned him. That must have made it difficult for the Christians of Antioch, new to a faith that the powerful people in their city strongly opposed.
How encouraged the newly converted at Antioch must have been to hear the stories of all God had done through Paul and Barnabas on opening the door of faith to the Gentiles! The Christians at Antioch were not completely isolated; their faith would have been reinforced and validated by hearing of the faith of others.
I have been very moved by stories of people’s conversion to Christianity, what it means to them when they talk of a sense of freedom, being loved and supported, and how their lives have been transformed.
But with all travel, even our life’s journey, we need to stop and take heed of all that has happened and to reflect, consolidate and take care of ourselves and others around us. It’s good to know Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch ‘a long time’.
Heavenly Father, help us to be ready with stories of how you work in our lives and how Christ died for all. Sustain us on our journey of life. We thank you for the people around us who support and validate us in our faith journey. Amen.
Stuart, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He loves living on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria, being involved in the Mansfield community and travelling. He is currently travelling in Europe, which will include a visit to the Poznan region of Poland, where some of Australia’s original German Lutherans came.
by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God (Acts 14:15a).
Read Acts 14:1–18
In this and many other passages in Acts, God’s word is a sword through the fabric of the communities in which the word is preached. We are told on many occasions that the preaching was effective, and many people came to believe. But there is active opposition to the preaching of Paul and Barnabas, and the Jews who refused to believe ‘stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers’ (verse 2).
And then some misunderstand or struggle to grasp the point because this new teaching is so foreign to them. Even though Paul and Barnabas have been preaching the gospel in their midst, the people at Lystra are so amazed by the miraculous healing that Paul and Barnabas perform that they hail the missionaries as gods! All they know are their existing gods – Zeus and Hermes – and their familiar ways of worshipping. They are trying to make this new teaching, this new God, fit their existing ideas.
When Paul and Barnabas realise what is happening, they are horrified, tearing their clothes. How can they redirect the focus of their listeners, pagan people with no background in the Old Testament or real knowledge of Christ crucified? Their message is simple: reject worthless things (the old gods, the old ways) and turn to the God who made heaven, the earth, the sea and everything in them. And the evidence of this God? Well, he has given you good things, such as rain, crops and plenty of food, and fills your hearts with joy.
No doubt Paul and Barnabas would have followed up with the preaching of God’s love and saving grace through Christ crucified as they did so effectively with the Jews and Gentiles in many places. But, during this moment, they need to point the people first to the God of all creation, who gives them all good things.
There are many people in our society who are so disconnected from Christianity that simple messages are needed to connect with them, such as pointing to the wonders of God’s creation, that God created us to be in relationship with him, and we can be in relationship with him through Christ crucified.
The opposition to Christianity we see in today’s society, particularly in Western countries, is nothing new, yet through all of that, the church survives and, in some areas, prospers.
As God’s people, we need to share the good news at a level that people can understand, that meets them where they are and helps them grow in their knowledge from there. Sometimes, a simple message may be the best one.
Heavenly Father, help us tell people about you, the good you provide to all and, in particular, your saving grace. We pray we can relate to people at many levels with appropriate messages about your love and grace. Amen.
Stuart, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He loves living on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria, being involved in the Mansfield community, and travelling. He is currently travelling in Europe, which will include a visit to the Poznan region of Poland, where some of Australia’s original German Lutherans came.