The Lord's Leading

Acts 15:5

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. 

Paul came back to Derbe and Lystra to deliver the message from the Jerusalem council. It was in Derbe that Paul met Timothy, a young man in the faith, whom Paul wanted to travel with him. Even though he was a Greek and did not need to be circumcised as per the message Paul delivered to the people, Paul wanted him to be circumcised. Why? As they went from town to town or even country to country, he did not want the gospel to be overshadowed by lesser issues. Paul always went to the synagogue first, and his gospel message needed to be clear. Timothy's lack of circumcision could be an issue that would block the understanding of the gospel at all. Paul was teaching Timothy one of his missionary principles, that is to the weak he would be weak that I may win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. [1 Cor. 9 22] This is a principle that many believers today should remember. Because of God's love toward us, we need to be love to others. If love is our motive, many hearts can be softened. If we meet them on the most basic issue, that is their salvation, they will not be turned away at once. What does it matter if they smoke, if there hears are not turned toward Jesus. Is it any better to make them a reformed smoker without salvation?

People have always struggled with decision-making and the will of God. Many times we have been taught to listen to the Spirit's leading as did Paul and Timothy [vs 6-10]. They were forbidden by the Spirit to go to Asia. When they came to Bithynia, the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. And then by way of a positive move, Paul had a vision in the night telling him to go to Macedonia. Even someone as close to the Lord as Paul was needed to rely on the Spirit. What an example for us! 

Then at Phillipi Paul and Timothy went outside the city to a place of prayer. There they spoke to the women who had come to the river. One of those listening was Lydia, a worshiper and a business woman who sold purple. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. She and her household were baptized. The Lord definitely works in his people whether they are church leaders or members of the congregation. This same Spirit of Jesus and the Lord works in each one of us. Why can't we hear? Perhaps our ears are not attuned to hear, or our lives are to cluttered with worldly influences. Whatever it is, it is clear that the Lord communicates with His own.

Lord,

Help me to listen, to pay attention. Spirit draw me closer so that I might hear Your voice. 

In Jesus name,

Amen