Discerning God's Will, Acts 21:1-14

Life has so many questions.

What Church? College? Career? Dating? Marriage? Kids? Take the job? Quit the job? Start the business? Keep Working? Retire? Buy? Sell? Move here? Go there?

How do I know God's will for all the stuff not exactly spelled out in the Bible?

Great question. However, it's a bit misleading because the Bible spells out how to discern everything, especially things not exactly spelled out, because that's mostly what we deal with. And the Bible is the most relevant resource on the planet.

Plus, since the Bible is absolutely timely, that is exactly what’s spelled out in our text today. Acts 21:1-14.

It’s been over 20 years since Paul was convicting, imprisoning and killing Christians.

Now he’s preaching and teaching and starting Churches.

He’s a soul winner and disciple maker. He's traveled over 10,000 miles on three missionary journeys, (mostly by foot), covering land in Israel, Syria, Turkey and Greece.

It won’t be long though, and he’ll be imprisoned, eventually taken to Rome and through a couple imprisonments, he will pen his final seven (of thirteen) epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. And then, he’ll be beheaded, for his faith.

Now, here in our text, Paul is winding up his third missionary journey, which was about 2,500 miles, half by land, half by sea (little more by sea).

The writing reflects their mood, they were in a hurry to get to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:1
 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

Why were they in such a hurry to get to Jerusalem?

Acts 20:16, Paul was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

But now their journey comes to a screeching halt, for seven whole days.

So, they did what all Christians ought to do when out of town with time on their hands. Find disciples. Find some believers. Find a Church and meet some family.

Christians belong to the biggest, best, most powerful, family on the planet. If we’d only harness that Truth, and come together in one accord, we would turn this world upside right overnight.

So, with seven whole days, where does Paul preach? What does he say?

Crickets. Not a word written about Paul or his crew saying anything.

However, somehow, the folks of Tyre heard about their hurry to get to Jerusalem, and “They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.”

Now we start to uncover our question about discerning the will of God.

Paul has a desire to be in Jerusalem, but the folks of Tyre have a, thus saith the Lord, don’t go to Jerusalem.

They told Paul, through the Spirit, not to go up to Jerusalem.

How does Paul respond?

Silence, at least as far as what’s recorded in the Bible.

In the silence is a message.

Sometimes silence is the best answer. A certain Indian tribe gives the gift of silence before answering. If they respect you, they will honor you by not answering you, until investing time in considering your question and formulating a respectful answer.

Psalm 46:10. Be still and know that I AM God.

There was a time when God would mainly tell His plan to man through His prophets.

However, now, if someone tells you, that the Lord told them to tell you to do this or that. Be still and know the Lord, listen for His voice to you, His Holy Spirit in you, confirming His Word already planted within you, His Voice, His peace, His inward witness.

Matthew 4:4. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God... not man, not the pastor, teacher, preacher...

We’ll see that Paul is not going to heed the words, through the Spirit, not to go to Jerusalem.

This is a highly debated issue.

Some say Paul missed it and was going against the warning of the Holy Spirit.

Others say the folks of Tyre misspoke; they were only supposed to warn Paul but not tell him what to do.

However, we should simply believe that the Bible says what it means. And the Bible says, They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

The original text is even more emphatic, saying, they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

We don’t need to understand to believe. Childlike faith.

Often if we simply believe, understanding will come. Obedience brings understanding.

So, let’s believe and keep reading. Lord willing, we’ll return to this with greater understanding.

5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.

Such love from the townsfolk. You know, like when you walk good friends to the door, then out to their car, then you talk a good while more, hug goodbye four times more.

However, maybe it’s just me but it sounds like Paul and crew are still in a hurry. Like they were counting the days. Finally, when we came to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way. But they all accompanied us, the wives, the children, toddlers, dogs, chickens, ducks... We shuffled along, all of them, all the way out of the city, then to the shore.

Then, we knelt on the shore and prayed.

Finally, we were able to take our leave of one another and board the ship.

Once on the ship they were off to the races again.

7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 8 On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea...

Now, finally they’re back in the land of Israel, about 70 miles from Jerusalem.

8... and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven, and stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

Don’t miss this powerful picture of forgiveness and redemption.

Imagine you have a beautiful life on the beautiful shores of the Mediterranean.

You’ve come a long way from the day you were called into the ministry, to serve food to widows.

Now you’re a well-known evangelist. And your four lovely virgin daughters are known for their God given gift to prophesy.

Suddenly, the peaceful quiet of your home is broken by a loud knock on the door.

You look out the window and can’t believe your eyes.

That man. Could it really be him?

Your mind drifts back two decades. Back when you first saw him. Back when you were one of the Seven, chosen to serve food. You remember your old friend Stephen, also one of the Seven, a man full of faith and power, through whom the Lord did great signs and wonders. Acts 6:8.

You wonder where Stephen would be today, how many souls would’ve been saved, how many wonderful things the Lord would’ve done through him... had it not been for that man standing there outside your door. Paul (back then, he went by his Jewish name, Saul) he’s the one who had Stephen killed. Stoned to death.

What do you do?

You fling the door open wide with a great big grin and hug each one as they enter in. Because the Love of Jesus can wash and cleanse and forgive every sin and make all things new.

Even Saul the great sinner, who became Paul the great soul winner.

Jesus still does the same for us today, even for a wretch like me.

10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”

We met Agabus back in Acts 11:28. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.

So, when Agabus spoke, folks listened.

Now our questions about the will of God rises again.

Notice this time there’s no warning not to go to Jerusalem, just a prophetic statement by the Holy Spirit of what would happen.

Well, there was no warning not to go by Agabus or the Holy Spirit.

However, as for the other folks in the room, that’s another story.    

12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

They are speaking from emotion, not by the Spirit.

Now, for Paul something’s changed. It’s more than a desire. It’s beyond being silent. Now, he’s become so sure that going to Jerusalem is the Lord’s will that he’s willing to die for it.  

So, when they saw that...

14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

The emotions settled.

The peace of God prevailed.

They all yielded to the will of the Lord.

That is the best ending. Even better than, “and they all lived happily ever after.”

How did that happen?

Four ingredients to discerning the will of the Lord.

1.     SEED

It all begins with a Seed.

Let’s zoom out to see the big picture.

First the Seed was planted by God, back in Acts 20:16. Paul desired to be in Jerusalem on Pentecost.

Psalm 37:4. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Proverbs 16:3. Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established.

Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and He shall direct your paths.

If we keep delighting, committing, trusting, it’s like adding fertilizer, water and sun, to the Seed and out sprouts faith.

2.     FAITH

God plants the Seed. If we stay the course, delighting, committing, trusting, then, Active, Obedient Faith blossoms.

Acts 20:22, And see, now I go bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,

The (definite article) Spirit. Not, “a” spirit, not Paul’s spirit, but the Spirit.

The Seed (desire) grew into faith bound in the Holy Spirit.

James 2:14-26. Faith without works is dead. Real faith accompanies corresponding action. Active Obedient Faith.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Keep listening, delighting, committing, trusting, in the Seed, the Word, planted by God in your heart, and it will produce faith.

Yeah but Paul, don’t you know if you go, you’ll be bound?

I’m already bound in the Spirit. So, I’m bound to go.

No, don’t go, you’ll be persecuted.

Been there done that. All who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Tim. 3:12.

You might get killed.

Then, I’ll be Home. To live is Christ, to die is gain. Phil. 1:21.

I’m not burying my head in the sand. I know there’ll be trouble (John 16:33) nevertheless, none of these things move me. I have a perfect peace that passes understanding.

3.     PEACE

 Acts 20:23-24.  None of these things move me.

Philippians 4:6-7, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 119:165, Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

God plants the Seed. If we stay the course, delighting, committing, trusting, then, Active Obedient Faith, blossoms, and then, like sunshine in a storm Peace shows up and leads the way.

Now, one more final ingredient to discerning the will of the Lord.

4.     RESOLVE

This brings us back to a question we left hanging in Acts 21:4.

Why’d they tell Paul, through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem?

Resolve.

Paul had to make up his own mind, settle his own soul, set his face like a flint (unmoving, unwavering) to go to Jerusalem (just like Jesus did, Luke 9:51, Isaiah 50:7) regardless of the consequences.

When it comes to obeying the Word of the Lord:

Considering Consequences Causes Confusion.

Paul had to hold fast and not draw back, he had to have dogged determination, steely resolve.

Matthew 16:24. If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.

Hebrews 10:38. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back My soul has no pleasure in him.

Galatians 1:8. If we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel, let him be accursed (anathema: devoted to utter destruction).

Jesus shows us how the Seed (the Word planted by God) is tested and tried.

Mark 4:14-20
The Sower sows the word. ¹⁵ And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. ¹⁶ These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; ¹⁷ and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. ¹⁸ Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, ¹⁹ and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. ²⁰ But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

Let’s pray.

Lord Jesus, thank You for sowing Your Seed in our hearts today. Help us to stay the course, delighting, committing and trusting. Thereby receiving Your gift of faith to follow Your peace with steely resolve. We pray our hearts won’t be like the wayside, stony or thorny, but like the good ground, bearing much fruit, nourishing and refreshing all those You’ve given us, so none are lost.

Thank You, for hearing us and healing us for Your glory.

We love You, forever.

Amen.

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This was feed for you to read. Now it’s Seed for you to sow.

Thank you for sharing.

Finishing Well, Acts 20:17-38

Paul called for the elders (pastors) from Ephesus to a pastor’s conference in Miletus.

For three years Paul had worked shoulder to shoulder with the Ephesian pastors, helping them to establish the Churches.

So, they were more than willing to travel sixty-plus miles by land, or almost 40 miles by sea, to see Paul again.

Did they wonder what the meeting was about? Does Paul want us to help him start Churches in Miletus, like we did in Ephesus?

Nope.

Paul gave them a farewell address with 12 key points that still apply to you and I.

1.    YOU ARE THE ONLY BIBLE SOME PEOPLE READ.

Acts 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. ¹⁸ And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,

Since this message is to the elders, (pastors, shepherds) of the Churches in Ephesus, let’s pretend we’re them, okay? For the rest of this message, we’re the ministers that just traveled two or three days to see our old friend Paul, one last time.  

Look at my life, Paul says.

What manner I always lived. Not just Sundays. Everyday. Always in all ways.

You are the only Bible some people read.

What do they read when you leave Church? How about Monday morning when somebody grabs your favorite donut, the last one. You’re being read, what do you spell out? What do they read when you tee off and slice into the trees? At the beanbag court they read your response to that dirty joke. What do they read about Christianity on Karaoke night by songs you sing? How about where you spend Friday night, Saturday night and how you act at the red light when pokey joe doesn’t see that it turned green. Do you honk and scream while the folks behind read your “I love Jesus” bumper sticker?

Your life is the only Bible most people around you read.

What do they see?

Okay, back to Paul saying, you know what manner I lived among you...

2.    SERVE THE LORD WITH ALL HUMILITY

19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;

Serving the Lord with all humility. Not the people, not the steeple, the Church, the elders...

Serving the Lord with all humility.

Did he also serve others? Yes, of course. But serving Jesus must always be the priority.

Matt. 6:33
Seek first, the kingdom of God...

Matt. 10:37
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

Humbly serve the Lord and serving others will be a natural overflow from being with Jesus.

Once you get the hang of it, serving Jesus and serving others becomes synonymous.

Matthew 25:40
In as much as you’ve done it unto the least of these, you’ve done it unto Me

Colossians 3:17
Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord

Do it enough and you’ll understand that serving the Lord and others with all humility is actually a great honor.

Matt. 18:4
Whoever will be humble like this little child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that in due time, He may lift you up.

Knowing all this allows you to serve someone and then turn around and honestly say: Thank you for the honor of serving you.

Serving the Lord with all humility is not to think less of yourself, but simply to think of yourself, less.

Examine my life, says Paul...

3.    SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE

²⁰ how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you...

Kept back nothing; in the original text means, I did not shrink back, become a coward, shy away from hard conversations, gave medicine needed even if it was a bitter pill, I spoke Truth in Love, even when it hurt.

Hebrews 10:38
Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, (same word for “kept back”) My soul has no pleasure in him.”.

Lord, help us to not draw back, but speak the Truth in Love, unafraid, unashamed, unwavering, undiluted, keeping back, nothing.

4.    NO HYPOCRISY

²⁰... and taught you publicly and from house to house,

I was the same in public as in private, no arrogancy, no hypocrisy.

I was not two-faced, like wearing a mask.

The Lord despises hypocrisy.

5.    NO FAVORITISM

21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jews and Greeks: The gospel is for everybody, no favoritism, no prejudice.

6.    ACTIVE OBEDIENT FAITH

Changed inside and out. 

Repentance: Metanoia, a change of heart and mind. Inward change.

Faith: Total committed belief and trust resulting in corresponding action. Outward change.

Repentance and faith: Turning from sin and walking toward Jesus.

Jesus became source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. Hebrews 5:9.

Faith without works is dead. James 2:14-26. 

True Soul Saving Christianity goes beyond belief, to active obedient faith.

7.    RECKLESS ABANDON

22 And see, now I go bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, ²³ except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. ²⁴ But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

None of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear... Paul served the Lord with reckless abandon, unrestrained surrender, so that he would finish well.  

Lord, we pray to make our latter days better than our former, that we finish well and complete the ministry You’ve given us.

When it comes to obeying Christ, considering consequences only causes confusion.

Yeah, but, if I go to Church instead of work, I’ll never make ends m—  Forsake not the assembling together of yourselves... Hebrews 10:25.

Seek first the Kingdom of God... Mt. 6:33.

Yeah, but, if I forgive, they’ll think what they did was okay, that they were ri— Forgive and you will be forgiven, but if you do not forgive your Heavenly Father will not forgive you... Mt. 6:14-15.

I don’t think I can do that.

I don’t even know where to begin.

Start here:

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

8.    INNOCENT OF THE BLOOD OF ALL

25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

Paul? Innocent of the blood of all men? Isn’t he the man that sought and slaughtered Christians? Wasn’t he the one who approved the stoning of Stephen?

Yet, here he stands, innocent of the blood of all men.

The blood of Christ cleanses from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7.

Paul was probably referring to Ezekiel 33:1-20.

As a watchman, he sounded the trumpet. He did not shun to tell the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth, so help him God.

9.    NOT A CHERRY PICKER

27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

Paul was able to say he was innocent of the blood of all because he did not keep back, draw back, did not shun from delivering the whole counsel of God.

That’s why we go book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. We address the hard to swallow, difficult to understand, un-politically correct, whole counsel of the Word of God.  

No cherry pickin’

Because:

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Matthew 4:4
Man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

10.  TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES

28 Therefore take heed to yourselves...

Now for the next five verses the spotlight shifts off Paul and focuses on shepherds and wolves.

We’ve examined me, now, examine thee.

Examine yourself, take heed to yourself, remove the log from your eye, deal with forgiveness, put the oxygen mask on your face first, recharge your soul, get things right with you and Jesus...

Examine your life in these areas:

1.    You are the only Bible some people read

2.    Serve the Lord with all humility

3.    Speak Truth in Love

4.    No hypocrisy

5.    No favoritism

6.    Active Obedient Faith

7.    Reckless Abandon

8.    Innocent of the blood of all

9.    Not a cherry picker

10.  Take heed to yourself

Now, the spotlight pans out to include the flock.

11. SHEPHERD THE FLOCK

28... and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Take heed to yourself first, then, shepherd the flock, care for those God’s given you.

 Shepherd the Church of God. It’s God’s Church, not Paul’s Church, not the pastor’s Church, not the elder’s Church, not the board of directors or deacons or denomination’s Church.

It’s God’s Church which He purchased with His own blood.

Jesus said, I will build My Church... Matt. 16:18.

 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.

Wolves from without.

The shepherd must protect the flock against wolves from without and within.

About 10 years from this time, Paul was martyred, decapitated for his faith in Christ.

All the apostles, but John, were martyred.

The Greek word for witness, is martus. So many witnesses for Christ were killed for their faith, that our word martyr grew from the word martus (witness).  

Perhaps many of the elders in this meeting were also martyred. Now how do you feel about agreeing to be one of the elders?

The wolves are still prowling.

Did you know more Christians were martyred in the 20^th century, than all other centuries combined?

Just within the last week or so:

Lahore, Pakistan; 12-year-old Christian girl reportedly kidnapped, forced to convert to Islam, and married against her will (this is all too common).

Nepal Detains 17 U.S. Citizens on Charges of Proselytization; alleged evangelistic activities.

70 Christians were tied up in Church and decapitated, in DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). Open Doors US reports that 95% of people in DRC are Christian. Yet violence from the Islamic terrorist organization ADF (Allied Democratic Forces), takes place with impunity, almost no one is held accountable.  

America beware!

If the moral majority is silent, they'll be ruled by the immoral few.

If the moral majority is silent, the immoral few will become a monstrous multitude.

Some politicians, judges, school board members, are wolves, hell bent on destroying family, Christianity, our nation. Those immoral few are screaming for the slaughtering of babies, mutilating children and traumatizing girls in locker rooms. Demonically driven cowards they are, preying on the weak, the innocent, the children.

Shepherds it's your job to stand up, speak out, expose the wolves and protect the flock.

30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

Wolves from within.

More deadly than the wolves without are the wolves within. They are the nice smiling, Bible toting, misquoting, wolves in sheep's clothing.

It happened then, and it still happens today. Some so called, “churches” in America have turned from Biblical teaching to ear tickling.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Some years ago, right here, we had a couple of wolves within. They wanted to start having “church” in the Clubhouse. I was writing the newsletter for the village at the time. When they told me their plans, they repeated over and over to make sure I put in the newsletter that they would take up a “love offering.” Oh, and they kept insisting that I call the mister, Pastor.

In no time at all it was obvious who they were. A tree is known by its fruit. They were not called by God but wolves in sheep’s clothing.

How about some Good News?

A recent poll from Barna indicated that 77% of teens were committed to a lifetime of learning more about Jesus.

Bible sales have recently skyrocketed.

This year, 2025, Wycliffe projected having the Bible translated into every language on earth (900 to go).  

Jesus says: When this gospel is preached to every nation, then the end will come. Matt. 24:14.

Buckle your seatbelt exciting days ahead.

 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

Watch: be awake. Alert. Not asleep in the Light.

32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Plant the Seed, do what you can, save the savable, then, release them to God.

Trust God to give the increase.

Now Paul swings the spotlight back on himself for his closing.

12. NO COVETOUSNESS

33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

He closes alluding to the 10^th commandment. Thou shalt not covet... Exodus 20:17.

God can do great things with someone who can’t be bought.

If Jesus is all you need, that’s all God needs to do great things through you.   

Paul preached out of obedience to his calling, not as a means of gain, not for a love offering.

Those who heed the call of God don’t need to be paid or prompted, it will be like a fire shut up in their bones, that needs release, they won’t be able to stop from preaching, or singing or writing, or interceding, or whatever God’s call.

However, we understand that for ministry to continue, practical needs must be met.

Jesus showed us this. He often taught near the shore. He told His disciples that a boat should be made ready due to the multitude. He sat in the boat a little way from the shore, and taught, allowing the water to carry the sound of His voice to the multitude.   

Jesus endorsed the vehicle of Churches to spread His message when He had John pen the seven letters to the seven Churches in the book of Revelation.

God has chosen the foolishness of preaching to spread His Good News. 1 Cor. 1:21.

So, Biblically, and practically speaking, practical needs must be met for ministry to continue.

Churches need lights and sound and traveling ministers need trucks and gas.

We're blessed above and beyond all we could ever ask or think. What a wonderful world it would be if every Clubhouse was a Church House.

What we do to promote and provide for the continuation of the ministry is that when guest ministers come, we generously guarantee a certain amount, that we know will be above and beyond any "love offering."

All ministers have appreciated that offer of generosity...well, all but one.

One time we told the guest minister we’d guarantee at least $500 in the love offering (which is more than double any given “love offering” from our small congregation).

Well, instead of the usual “God bless you, thank you kindly” we got an earful of his expenses and were told that he’d take the $500 PLUS the love offering. God will honor you for doing that, he said.

I thought, Yeah, He will honor us, but not so sure about you. You met our generosity with greed.

If a minister does that, they may have a heart issue, perhaps they suppose godliness is a means of gain (1 Tim. 6:5). Or perhaps it was a misunderstanding.

It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not called of God. It means they’re human. It means they need to invest time with Jesus to let their soul catch up.

They need the Church to pray for them, and for the pastor to approach them, one on one. Extend an olive branch and an invitation to repentance and faith.

We had a real good talk. He said, he misunderstood. I prayed for him. Still do.

God uses imperfect vessels to carry His perfect work.

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Goodbyes are hard.

They wept knowing they wouldn't see Paul again, in this life.

The other day, we gathered around the hospital bed as one by one each family member said their goodbyes.

Then, we bowed and prayed.

We walked away mostly in silence, except for Mom and dad telling the girls that Poppy was in a better place with no sorrow, no more pain.

When we got to the parking lot, one of the little ones asked, "Why does God make it good for those who go and sad for those who stay?"

Goodbyes are hard. We weren't created for them.

Paul's companions didn't know it at the time, but a decade later, Paul would be decapitated in Rome. He'd join a long list of the Church's founding fathers martyred for their faith.

Today, the freedoms we enjoy in Christ, the Word we preach and believe and hide in our hearts, was birthed and built on the blood of the martyrs.

Jesus built and continues to build His Church, with broken, imperfect vessels.

Somehow, by His amazing grace, these imperfect vessels are able to carry His perfect message, with His unfailing Love, so we, scars and all, may help one another, to finish well. 

Let’s pray.

Lord Jesus, thank You for making us one, helping us walk in Your Love, keeping us from evil, and helping us to finish well, so that of all those You’ve given us, none are lost.

We love You, forever, amen.

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This was feed for you to read. Now it’s Seed for you to sow.

Thank you for sharing.