November 07

Led by a Dream


That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” The dream gave Paul his map.

Acts 16:9 (The Message)


Our culture doesn’t put as much weight on dreams as some, but Paul came from a culture that took dreams seriously. In fact, throughout Scripture dreams have been told and interpreted with amazing results.

Before the dream, Paul sought to go one way then another only to be blocked by the Holy Spirit. Finally, God used the dream to give Paul his bearings.

Our God has many different ways to get our attention, a host of avenues to lead us forward: His word certainly but also friends and family, circumstances and, yes, even dreams. The key is to stay close to Him—to trust and pray and listen ... with an open heart!


Lord, open my heart to Your will and show me Your way—however You think best. Amen.

November 06

Sharing the Terrific News!


… they told everyone they met … the breakthrough to the Gentile outsiders. Everyone who heard the news cheered—it was terrific news!

Acts 15:3 (The Message)


There is something wonderful about a testimony.

Yesterday at staff meeting someone shared about a woman whose step-father had finally come to faith—the culmination of a year-and-a-half adventure that saw the whole family come to Christ. The staff nearly exploded with joy. Outsiders who were now insiders, an entire family now part of the family of God and set on a spiritual journey—forever together with Him!

This is my kind of news—news to share and cheer about!


Lord, thank You that Your word is alive and powerful, that You change and transform lives. Use these new believers to bring You glory. Amen.

November 05

When the Crowd Flip Flops


Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.

Acts 14:19 (NIV)


This same crowd which, at one point, wanted to worship Paul as a god is now out to kill him. Like many in our world, these people were extremely fickle. They were impressed with the miracles but not the truth behind those life-changing experiences. In spite of this set back, Paul and Barnabus will brush themselves off and continue to preach Good News and do good works for Christ.

I read this and I am challenged. Aren't you? Like Paul, I need to persevere. Sure, people may be swayed by the latest media scare, but I must remain true to Him who calls me, and I must continue to do the things He has chosen for me.

Never is it about me. Never is it only about them. It is always about Him.


Lord, grant me the inner strength of Paul and Barnabus that You may work Your good work in me. Bring glory to Your name, I pray. Amen.

November 04

Being Sensitive, Being Used by God


The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

Acts 13:4 (NIV)


While they fasted and prayed the Holy Spirit spoke—indicating Paul and Barnabus were to be prepared for a special work. Then, after fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands, they moved out.

Does the early church's spiritual action, their speed of life, seem foreign to you? For whatever reason, I think we sometimes lack this kind of expectant sensitivity. I, for one, should be seeking God's will, listening and responding to God’s Holy Spirit … trusting God as these disciples did … anxious to proclaim the Good News and to see His work done—His way.


Father, speak to my heart; fill me with Your Holy Spirit and with Your joy as You did for these trusting Christ-followers. Amen.

November 03

The Power of Prevailing Prayer


All the time Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse the church prayed for him most strenuously.

Acts 12:5 (The Message)


Consider the great lesson God taught His church in Jerusalem. It wasn't until disaster knocked on their door (Herod had murdered James and imprisoned Peter), that the early believers got extra serious about prayer. And so, they prayed fervently and God answered miraculously ... just as He promised (see Jeremiah 33:3).

These men and women prayed up a storm, and yet, isn’t it amazing how difficult it was for them to believe their prayers had been answered? One of the lessons I take from this story about Peter’s miraculous rescue from prison is the simple power of prevailing prayer—if only we’ll pray! So why wait for disaster to strike to start praying? Why not enjoy answered prayer now?

I don’t know about you, but I want to see God’s hand move; I want God’s miracle too. All we need remember is ... it happens through prayer!


Father, open my heart to prayer. Help me to find prayer partners, to pray wisely and to see Your will be done. Amen.

November 02

A Model for Leadership


Barnabus was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And large numbers were brought to the Lord.

Acts 11:24 (NLT)


When the new Church came under persecution, believers took the Good News to Antioch and saw non-Jews come to faith in Christ. When Barnabus, a great leader of the early church showed up to investigate, He rejoiced at what he saw. Then, under his leadership, even greater numbers of people came to faith in Christ. Notice the outstanding characteristics of this godly leader: a good man, strong in faith and full of the Holy Spirit.

If we desire to lead and especioally if we want to lead others to Christ then Barnabus offers an excellent example. First, he was a man full of great joy and good will. There is something attractive in that—don’t you think? Second, to be like Barnabus, you and I need to follow Christ as he did: in purity and good works and stepping out in faith as the Holy Spirit leads. This is how we can lead; this is how God can use us to touch the lives of others in positive ways.


Father, help me be more like Barnabus—a good man, full of Your Spirit and walking boldly in faith. Amen.

November 02

A Model for Leadership


Barnabus was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And large numbers were brought to the Lord.

Acts 11:24 (NLT)


When the new Church came under persecution, believers took the Good News to Antioch and saw non-Jews come to faith in Christ. When Barnabus, a great leader of the early church showed up to investigate what had happened, He rejoiced. Then, under his leadership, even greater numbers of people came to faith in Christ. Notice the outstanding characteristics of this godly leader: a good man, strong in faith and full of the Holy Spirit.

If we desire to lead and especioally if we want to lead others to Christ then Barnabus offers an excellent example. He was a man full of great joy and good will. There is something attractive in that—don’t you think? To be like Barnabus, you and I need to follow Christ as he did: in purity and good works and stepping out in faith as the Holy Spirit leads. This is how we can lead; this is how God can use us to touch the lives of others in positive ways.


Father, help me be more like Barnabus—a good man, full of Your Spirit and walking boldly in faith. Amen.

November 01

Open Doors


God has shown me that I should never think of anyone as impure. … I see very clearly that God doesn’t show partiality.

Acts 10:28b, 34 (NLT)


In this passage, the Good News comes to the Gentiles. God sees Cornelius’ pure heart and concern for others. He is a chosen one, and in the process of Cornelius’ conversion, Peter learns a humbling lesson—God’s grace is for everyone!

There is application for me here too. My heart should open wide to all—rich or poor, pretty or less-than-pretty, difficult people or easy, skinny or obese, popular or unpopular, or just the average Joe. It doesn’t matter. God is impartial, and, just as He did with Peter, He calls me to impartiality too.

He is especially pleased, I think, when I reach out to those who are shunned by others. And so, I will….


Lord, open doors … and help me walk through them. Amen.