Scripture: Acts 11:22-24
News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord.
Thought for the Day: Yesterday during all three services, I felt as if things didn’t go as well as I would have liked. There were bumps, a few missteps, and times when words didn’t sound as impressive off my lips as they had inside my brain. Yet at each service, I heard people describe the experiences with language like: holy reverence, a living-spirit, and a genuine welcome. I guess I didn’t see or experience what they did, but it was a good reminder of God’s ability to work with our bumps, missteps and imperfection…or in-spite of these things. In the early church, God was working in places and among people no one could have previously imagined, yet grace was at work with such power that even Barnabas, the newcomer, could visibly see its existence. How has God surprised you recently? Where has grace come alive where you least expected it to do so? What did that teach you?
Prayer: Keep surprising me, Lord. Continue to show me how the limits I impose on a situation are only opportunities for you to reveal something that wouldn’t otherwise be visible. Amen.
