Things Are Looking UP!

Daily Reading: Acts 13

“Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” So, Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand, said… (Acts 13.15-16)

Devotional Thought: Many of us want to be involved in the work of the gospel, but we are not sure how to do so or what to say.  Be encouraged by what Paul and Barnabas did on the second stop of their missionary journey:

·       They showed up.  “90% of success is just showing up.”  Paul and Barnabas dared to believe that their presence – bringing with it the presence of Jesus! – made a difference.  You will be surprised at the opportunities God gives you if you just show up.

·       They spoke up.  Being there was not enough, however.  Paul and Barnabas gladly responded to the invitation to speak.  When we show up and God opens doors, it is up to us to go through them.  "Be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3.15).

·       They stood up.  Paul and Barnabas were suddenly in the spotlight.  They didn’t seek attention, but neither did they shun it.  Standing out can be uncomfortable.  Most of us would rather stay in the background.  There are times when we must stand.

·       They cleared up.  The people in the synagogue did not know the true story about Jesus.  Paul and Barnabas told them.  We can clear up people’s misconceptions about Jesus by our testimonies.

·       They pointed up.  Paul and Barnabas redirected the attention to Jesus, giving them a reason to look up: Jesus is alive!  When we show up and God gives us opportunities to speak up, stand up, and clear up, we must tell people to look up to Jesus.  We cannot solve the great problems of life, but Jesus can!

Prayer: "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord; Over mountain or plain or sea; I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be."  Amen.  (Brown and Prior)

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 75.6-10

"For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,

but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.

For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs.

But I will declare it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up."