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Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkVYlSE9eh0
Or search YouTube for ‘Acts Episode 5 – Barnabus
By Eyewitness Bible Series (15 min 30 sec)
“After considerable time had passed, about three years or so, the Jews plotted together to kill him (Saul/ Paul), but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the city’s gates day and night so they could kill him; but his disciples took him at night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
“When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. However, Barnabas (Son of Encouragement) took him and brought him to the apostles,
“...and described to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to him, and how at Damascus Saul had preached openly and spoken confidently in the name of Jesus. So, he was with them, moving around freely as one among them in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.” Acts 9:23-28
I suspect we all wonder why certain people come into our lives. Some love us and some don’t. Some betray us. Some strengthen our resolve. Some hurt us physically and/ or emotionally. Some forgive us and hope in us. Some support us in many ways we may never see.
There are those who drain us by being near and those who take us for granted. There are those who help us stand up, help us walk, help us grow and soar into our own greatness.
All of the people in our family, our friends, acquaintances and those people we barely register are God’s hand in our lives to grow us up into the image of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Assignment
1. Set aside an hour and find a place where you will not be disturbed.
2. Bring your Bible, notebook, something to write with and a refreshment.
3. Settle in and pray the Lord brings surprising memories of those who He has sent to grow you up in Him.
4. Open and date a fresh page in your notebook and open your Bible to read these passages:
Acts 4:32-36
Acts 13:1-7
Acts 15:36-40
5. As you read, write down any key thoughts you discover of how the Lord used Barnabus in Paul’s life.
6. Consider your own life. Choose three people who have ministered to you or challenged you or even hurt you who have helped you grow in the Lord. Write their names in your notebook with a sentence or two of how the Lord used them in your life.
7. Take time to write them a thank you note or send them an email letting them know how they have helped you grow up in the Lord.
Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)
PS: Find my statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’. (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone. Not sure about Apple.). For the books, go Amazon books.
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)
UPDATE - Barbara – (my sister-in-law) recovering from an infection in her leg that is a bit better. The antibiotics have left her very tired. Please pray for her complete recovery and for Tim who is caring for her.
Elizabeth and Dan - planning their wedding. Please pray that they both are firm in their commitment to Jesus Christ as a priority and that Sue and Grant have wisdom in their advice to them.
Simon and Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way. Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them. And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks. Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision.
Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing and pray her husband gives his heart to the Lord.
Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23). Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning. Pray for their wisdom and for trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based friends to support them.
Peyton and Carter- Grandchildren of Jeff and Rachael. Payton is eldest granddaughter and now in her third year at college. Carter is a senior in high school. Both are exceptional students and love the Lord. Please pray they are not distracted by worldly things, that they continue do well in their studies and that their love of the Lord increases with each day.
Pat and Isobel –as they serve tirelessly in challenging times. Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.
Jasper and Bec – the new youth pastor. Still studying at Moore College and living on campus there. Pray for balance between academic studies and common-sense family focus.
Elaine and Jim Pounder and their Little Church ministry have begun a new work. Continue to pray for their healing strength and time with family as their ministry continues to spread around the world in a model of home churches. They have begun a YouTube channel Please consider watching and subscribing to their sound teaching episodes. Website: The Little Church World. And https://www.youtube.com/user/thelittlechurchworld.
Jenny S– A woman who has served the Lord as a Bible teacher at a local Bible school who has been called into a new ministry. Give her courage and strength as she finds her way in this new role. Give her a hungry curiosity under change. Help her identify the balance and value of her unique contribution. Pray the Lord maintains her health in this time of stress.
Audley M – In his 90s has just gotten married. Pray for their union in Christ and for their health and strength. Pray for his wisdom and the effective growth of his wonderful radio ministry (Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Indianapolis) as America hunger for ‘true meat’!
Sophie– five-year old daughter of a friend is chronically unwell and frail. Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.
Hans– a dear friend in Germany, continues his battle lung cancer and financial difficulties. Pray his new social worker will be able to help him through this time. Pray for his patience and God’s mercy. Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey. Pray for his Mom (age 84) -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.
Callilah- a lost child. Pray the Lord will capture her heart.
Pray for those in full-time service
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health. Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
Pray for the World
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