A String of Pearls

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Acts 19:8 "All Asia Heard" (July 14)

Acts 19:8 For 3 months, Paul reasoned and persuaded his peers in the Synagogue about the Kingdom of God.  When some became stubborn and continued in unbelief---speaking evil of The Way---Paul withdrew and took his disciples with him to a different place.  For Two More Years! And all of the residents of Asia heard the bold word of the LORD.  Paul's goal was for all to hear the word of the LORD and make their own decisions.  What was success for Paul?  God did extraordinary miracles through him. But, it wasn't about Paul! It certainly wasn't about the numbers.  Paul even withdrew in the face of rejection of the Truth.  He labored all that he could that "Christ be formed" in those who heard.  Galatians 4:19.  Father, the prayer of our heart:  Use each of us this day that You might be formed in the hearts of those we love.

   
Posted by Bev Brandon

4 comments:

  1. twinkleJuly 14, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    All Asia heard. I keep thinking about how the Spirit refused them to go to Asia in earlier readings. God brought this full circle and He prepared the way for Paul to witness...

    This is why it is so important to allow the Spirit to respond to our prayers and plans with a "No," or even a "Wait."

    I like to think that instead of moving our mountain...He sometimes has to plow our mountain to make it ready for the crop.

    I think that is so beautiful...He plows our mountain.

    And He is always in control.

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  2. twinkleJuly 14, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    Annette, you are much loved here.

    Each one of you are a sweet blessing to me every time you post!

    I am so thankful Lauren made it home safely. That was a long trip and the thought of her having another seizure would have made me worry, too. Thank You, Lord, for watching over this daughter of Yours.

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  3. Bev Brandon @ The FrayJuly 14, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    Yes! So grateful Lauren is home!

    Just read this Proverbs quote from Crabb... and it meant so much!
    "Do you ponder all I have created and recognize a wisdom you lack? Absolutely! I'm seeing more of the evil in my heart than ever. "Do you observe life and see your God whose sovereign power shuts your mouth? Absolutely, unfortunately, unwaveringly, and gratefully His Uncompromising Love is opening my ears to hear Him in midst of a little loss. My windshield just shattered in the TEXAS heat from a pea-sized crack to a foot-long break that cost $300. Uh oh. I will trust Him in this! Loved what Deborah said about God plowing up our fields, our mountains. He is. So grateful to Him for what He is doing in all of our lives.

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  4. annetteJuly 14, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    Thank you for sharing my burdens here, praying, rejoicing with me through the daily stuff. I feel loved here! Twinkle, that is such a comforting thought, that he plows our mountains!

    Prepare the way, Lord. Whether it is yes or no, go or stay, open and close doors that we may follow You all the days of our lives.

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