February 13, 2023 -- Acts 16:6-10 -- The Acts of the Apostles: The Spirit-directed life

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 16:6-10 ESV

This passage is precious to many people at Mount Zion, the church I attend here in Moncton. At its starting a small gathering of believers met together and were seeking a denomination with which to affiliate. They asked the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in the U.S. to send people to them. “Come over to Canada and help us” was their Macedonian call. Why mention this? Simply, there may be many opportunities for service in your life. So Paul’s example is helpful for us all.

Notice that Paul had opportunities in Phrygia and Galatia and Bithynia—no doubt all places that urgently needed the Gospel. However, the Spirit kept Paul from going there to preach. Instead, the Spirit brought Paul to the people who were prepared by the Spirit for the message. No doubt the A.R.P. in the US had many opportunities, but in God's grace, He gave the go ahead for the building of this ministry in Canada.

It is easy for us to think we know where the Gospel is most needed. It is tempting to go where we think we need to go and then afterwards ask for God’s blessing. It is harder, and most proper, for the people of God to seek the Lord. “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8). Those who are in prayer, always setting the LORD before them in Bible reading and worship, will be prepared for the times God says “no” to a particular venture and open to going to the place where His Spirit says “yes, go”.

Consider this “If we do things for God without praying, he cannot afford the risk of allowing us to succeed. For we would get proud and would be hardened in our conviction that activism, not dependence on God, is the way for Christians to serve the Lord”. (Michael Green, I Believe in the Holy Spirit, page 22). Hm. I wonder how often I have tried to do things in my own strength or for my own glory rather than in humble service at the direction of God my King? Father, lead me in the way I should go

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. You know all things. You have directed all things for Your purpose, for Your glory, and in such a way that the Son's redeeming work will have its appointed effect. Forgive us for the misguided zeal we have, and the times we have rushed one way or another without first humbling our hearts and prayerfully consulting You. Faithful Father, direct our plans and our works by the Spirit's power so completely governing us that we will serve according to the grace of Jesus Christ, and so we shall serve You to the greatest effect and in fullness of joy. Amen.

https://youtu.be/8nbMfLQd2P4

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God — Keith and Kristyn Getty

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