After This

Daily Reading: Acts 18

After this... (Acts 18.1)

Devotional Thought: Paul had planted a church in Athens, but after this, God had something new for him.  In this story we find four helpful clues for what to do "After This":

·       Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.  Saying yes to God’s purpose for one thing always means saying no to other things.  For Paul, it meant leaving Athens to go to Corinth.  He was a church planter and evangelist, and God was moving him on to the next "After This."  Are you holding on to things that prevent you from your "After This?" 

·       He found a Jew named Aquila… with his wife Priscilla.  When Paul arrived in Corinth, he immediately identified a like-minded couple and recruited them to join him in his work.  And not only did he get the benefit of their labor and encouragement, "After This" the Church benefitted by having a new ministry team trained and sent out. When pursuing God’s purpose, don’t go it alone!

·       Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome.  God was spreading the Church around.  What was a life-changing disappointment to Priscilla and Aquila – losing their home and business in Rome – turned into a great opportunity to advance to God’s "After This."  When life gives us setbacks, God always – yes, always! – gives us an "After This."

·       He stayed with them and worked.  Both Paul and his new friends in Corinth were tentmakers.  In order to support their ministry and to “feed their families” they went to work doing what they knew to do.  Not only did this pay the bills, but it also gave them opportunity to meet and minister to people. Demands of life often lead us to the next "After This"!

Wherever you are, may God bless you "After This"!

Prayer: Lord, I may be settled in my ministry or may have an unrest in my soul.  Wherever I am, help me to recognize the next "After This" that you send my way.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 77.16-20

When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.

The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side.

The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook.

Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. 

You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.