Today is June 8.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts, chapter 11.

19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

There seems to be so much busyness in the early church: so many people, so much coming and going, so much activity, and so much fruitfulness. And all this fruitfulness, all this work, was initiated by what the writer says was a scattering due to persecution. Think about that for a moment. What feelings or thoughts rise up in you?

Christians have a funny relationship to busyness and activity. Decades ago, Christian's said things like “I’d rather burn out than rust out”. These days, we’re all about boundaries, listening to podcasts to help us say NO. What is your relationship to activity within your church? Are you serving? Are you afraid to commit? Listen to this passage again, and listen to all the names and places listed.

Some of our work for the Lord is simply discipline – being obedient. Some is simply service – meeting needs. And some is passion - doing what makes us come alive. Most people love passion, and struggle with discipline and service. As we end our time of prayer, bring these ideas to the Lord, and listen for his leading.

Music Credit:
Be the Centre - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)