SUNDAY August 6, 2023
Commended to the Grace of God
Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Acts 15:39-41
Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over John Mark, but parted ways in peace. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, an Island in the Mediterranean Sea, and the place of his home (Acts 4:36). Paul chose Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia to strengthen the churches.
The brethren in Antioch commended all of them to the grace of God. They were fully committed to God and His cause. In each of their endeavors, they sought to do the will of God. Paul and Silas were committed to strengthening the churches. They taught the Word of God and strengthened individual believers. That is exactly what we do in our services at church––we fellowship and strengthen one another: Therefore, encourage each other and strengthen one another... (1Thessalonians 5:11 GW).
I constantly pray for the body of Christ. May the Holy Spirit move in all of our lives, so we can see those in need of encouragement, strength and comfort. Think about it. God will often use the trials you have been through, and the experiences of God’s comfort in your own life, to bring comfort to other believers going through the same things:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
We need the anointing of the Holy Spirit in times of trial and affliction. I pray that God would help anyone facing extreme difficulties.
The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
~Psalm 28:7 NLT~
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