God’s Word Says….
Acts 14:1-3 (AMP)

1 NOW AT Iconium [also Paul and Barnabas] went into the Jewish synagogue together and spoke with such power that a great number both of Jews and of Greeks believed (became Christians);
2 But the unbelieving Jews [who rejected their message] aroused the Gentiles and embittered their minds against the brethren.
3 So [Paul and Barnabas] stayed on there for a long time, speaking freely and fearlessly and boldly in the Lord, Who continued to bear testimony to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be performed by their hands.

My Thoughts…..

Throughout so much of the New Testament we find evidence that when one is ‘filled with the Spirit of God’ miracles and wondrous works for God occur. In this passage today, we know that Paul and Barnabas were ‘filled with the Spirit’ because they spoke with such boldness that both Jews and Gentiles were saved. We must know that only God can save someone. God, through His Holy Spirit, spoke so boldly through these men that souls were saved. Also, what followed is always evident when the Holy Spirit is actively at work – old Satan does his very best to rise up through his little army and provide enough opposition, that God’s workers will flee the scene. Just look at our churches today, many are divided because Satan was allowed onto the scene through weak ‘Christians’ who started arguments over very silly stuff (the color of the church walls or carpet; or the pastor didn’t speak to me today so ….). These disgruntled (Satan led) believers then act just like the Jews in verse 2, they embitter the minds of the brethren, until a faction arises, and before you know it, the church is just like the world with its fights and separation. Praise God for His pastors and workers who follow the example of Paul and Barnabas in verse 3, for they knew that God had a work to accomplish through them, so they continued on in their efforts with God’s help. I heard a preacher say that he was staying put until God redirects him to go elsewhere. Basically, when we are ministering in God’s name and for His glory to accomplish His will, nothing will disrupt that flow until He moves you to another place to do the same. When the work is for our Father, then nothing should offend us, or discourage us, because it’s not about us!

Challenge……

Friends, I believe that, like me, you will discern from this passage that God will use us, if we are faithful to His Word and His ministry. I believe you will also see that like Paul and Barnabas, we may have to move on to other ministry opportunities, when He directs. While I am not promoting moving from one church to another frequently, I believe that we need to be careful to listen to God’s voice and obey Him. Further down in verse 6 of chapter 14, we are told that ‘Paul and Barnabas became aware of the situation’, in other words, God opened their eyes and their understanding at the appropriate time when He wanted them to move along. Further, we know that when these men moved on, they very quickly got busy/resumed their ministry in their new location. If God moves us, it will not be to hide out in some large church and not be involved. We are to always be about the Master’s work. What’s your situation today friend? I believe that we each know personal situations where this lesson can, or has been applied in today’s environment. If faithful workers are no longer faithful workers, we need to minister to them and encourage them and pray God’s hand upon them. Don’t just let them sit and sour in the temptations of old Satan.

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, there is so much work to be done in the towns in which we live, so many lost souls that will die and go to Hell, unless we, Your faithful witnesses, allow Your Holy Spirit to infill us and work through us to do Your will. Please be actively dealing in our hearts, so that like Paul and Barnabas, we may gain a deep desire to witness to our lost family members, our friends, our coworkers, our neighbors and yes, even to the one that might sit next to us in church. People need the Lord! Please use me, and please use my fellow Christians, to fulfill the needs of the people, for it’s in the precious name of Jesus that I ask all this and seek Your favor, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.