WATCHWORD:
We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. Psalm 78:4
24 Then they traveled back through Pisidia to Pamphylia, 25 preached again in Perga, and went on to Attalia. 26 Finally they returned by ship to Antioch, where their journey had begun and where they had been committed to God for the work now completed. 27 Upon arrival they called together the believers and reported all that God at done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. Acts 14:24-27
Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all times—speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly[a]—and so become more and more in every way like Christ who is the Head of his body, the Church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly, and each part in its own special way helps the other parts, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15-16
Meditation:
A Better Story
In the course of my reading I often come across quotable quotes, portions of essays or books that seem to carry a certain, ‘I wish I had written that’, quality to it. Quotes that stick in your mind. I came across this essay online, on a website that I read most every day. The site is called Today, and the title that caught my attention was, “Telling a Better Story”. I rarely do this, but this one was so good and fits in with my interest in story, so I share it:
Telling a Better Story – I once heard a speaker say that if your Teenager (think grandkid) is disconnected or uninterested in being part of the family, give them a better story to be a part of.
In this passage of Acts 14, we see Paul and Barnabas sharing stories of transformation. After returning from Antioch, they gathered the community of believers and “reported all that God had done through them.” In other words, they shared with passion and excitement the things that the Spirit of God was doing.
Part of having a deep sense of awe in our life with God is knowing that we are part of a better story. We might even say that continuing to tell the stories of God’s work will help to keep the mission going. After Jesus had sent his disciples out in pairs to spread the good news about him, He brought them together again and had them share stories of what had happened. Stories have the power to make our faith real, and they prompt us to live with our eyes open to see where God is working.
As we grow in faith, we begin to understand that we are part of a greater story that needs to be shared with others. And when we are down and discouraged, stories can help us regain our joy.
We are neither Barnabas nor Paul, but the patterns of our lives in Christ are remarkably similar. And because we are sharing how the Lord has touched our lives, it has value for those who hear and know our stories. We are called to go and make disciples, and the tools the Lord has given us is the life we have led directed by Him. Never under estimate the power that your story may have in the planting of seeds of faith. The Lord is leading you, you are confident in that. Don’t keep it a secret. Go and do likewise. Amen.
Trade-In?
Saturday’s Watchword: Trading one body for another? Interesting. Stan
Prayer:
God, thank you for inviting me into your story. Help me to share with humility and boldness how you are working in my life and in the lives of others. Amen.
