Acts 15 - 1.17.23
Scripture
Acts 15:28
“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements…”
Observation
In Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas take a problem in the church to the leaders in Jerusalem. Paul, Barnabas and the church leaders set a great example for us on how to make decisions, both personally and corporately.
They sought godly advice.
Vs. 2: “So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.”
They considered the issue in light of scripture.
Vs. 15: “The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written …”
They listened to the Holy Spirit.
Vs. 28: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
They acted in unity.
Vs. 22: “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided…”
Understanding
These are the principles we should be following whenever we have decisions to make in our personal lives. Instead of making decisions based on our desires or in our own wisdom, we need to seek godly advice, consider the issue in light of scripture, and pray and listen to the Holy Spirit.
Likewise, when there are decisions to be made in the church, or when conflict arises, the same principles are to be followed. I am so glad to be a part of a church body that functions this way. Instead of our pastors making decisions in an authoritarian way, decisions are presented to church leaders for prayerful consideration and acted on in unity.
Life Application
Thank you for the reminder in this morning’s reading, in both Acts and in Proverbs, to seek wisdom and not do whatever feels right to me in the moment. Thank you for surrounding me with wise counselors and examples, people who seek your word and your direction. Thank you that you will answer and guide me if I will only listen.
- Debbie Dunn
Ecclesiastes 2 - 1.16.23
Scripture
Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT
“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.”
Observation-What does it say?
Although the author of the book of Ecclesiastes is never mentioned by name, all evidence points that it was David’s son, King Solomon, who wrote this book; and what a life King Solomon lived! He had it all! He had lots and lots of money, the big houses, an abundance of women, and servants at his beck and call. I’m sure if there were cars back then, he would have garages filled with them! But even with all that, and all his accomplishments, King Solomon still felt empty inside.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Pursuing God is the wisest decision you can make.
King Solomon is considered to be the wisest man to ever walk the face of the earth; and why shouldn’t he be?! Of all the things he could have asked God for, he asked God for wisdom to lead his people, and God blessed him with it. So I think it’s best if we listen and cling on to every word he has to share. In this passage, and in this book, King Solomon’s main theme is that everything we spend our time in life pursuing, (money, power, sex, and fame), is meaningless! It is a waste of our time! And if anyone would know, it’s King Solomon. He had access to all of it! But when it was all said and done, King Solomon still walked away feeling empty and unfulfilled inside. His wisdom showed him that the more he obtained, the more he wanted. The more he had, the more others wanted to take or steal from him. All the knowledge and wealth he worked so hard to obtain, would just be handed off to his successor who could foolishly squander it. As King Solomon would say, “how meaningless.”
So what was King Solomon’s conclusion? It was that the only true thing that can bring you true joy, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment is pursuing God and following His ways.
“For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him.”-Ecclesiastes 2:25-26a
“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”-Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
So how am I spending my time here on earth? What things am I wasting my time pursuing? Will I choose to be wise, or live like a fool chasing meaningless things?
Life Application
Spend my time wisely.
If you fast forward and read chapter 12 (the final chapter) of the book of Ecclesiastes, you read about an older and much wiser King Solomon. He urges the reader to not waste their youth by forgetting God. He implores them to not wait until they’re old and gray to choose to follow and obey God. We must do it now!
Let’s use this time of our 28 Days of Prayer & Fasting to pursue God, and follow His ways. Let’s cut out the distractions in our lives that take us away from wholeheartedly doing that. Let’s make sure we are putting our time and efforts pursuing the things that truly matter in life. Let’s use this discipline to not just carry us through the month of January. Let’s use it to jumpstart us in a more deeper and more meaningful relationship with God for the rest of our lives. Know that when we do, we will walk away feeling more joyous and fulfilled. 😊
-Moses Gaddi
1.13.23 - Acts 13
Scripture
Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Observation – What does it say?
Several of the church leaders were worshiping and fasting together in Antioch, when the Holy Spirit spoke and gave direction for Barnabas and Saul.
Understanding – What does it mean?
Clarity and direction are a byproduct of fasting and drawing near to God in worship.
There are so many decisions we make daily. Small decisions like a purchase on Amazon or how we’re going to respond to the guy who just cut us off. We also make big decisions that will impact where we live and work and serve, who we have relationship with, how we will spend our future, etc. In each decision, we can lean on our own understanding and just go with what seems best, we can lean on others to make decisions for us, or we can allow God to lead us. Following Jesus means that we allow him to lead us.
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:17)
“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Cor 5:15)
Like Jesus, I want to be in step with what the Father is doing and to be able to say, “I only do what I see my Father in heaven doing.”
This time of worshiping and fasting for Barnabas and Saul (AKA Paul) led to them being thrust into one of the most fruitful and truly world-changing missionary journeys. If they hadn’t been seeking God in fasting and worship, would they still have heard God’s call? Would they still have been used by God in such great ways?
Life Application
This encourages me as we are in the middle of our 28 days of prayer and fasting. I am expecting and anticipating God to speak to each of us, giving us direction and guidance for the future. Who knows what fruitful and world-changing assignments he might speak to us about as we fast and seek him together!
God, we want to be positioned to hear and receive direction from you. As we fast and pray and worship, please speak to us and reveal to us your will for us personally and as a church. Amen.
-Levi Thompson