Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

We find Paul in this last leg of the second missionary journey continuing to travel abroad. We find him faced with decisions about where he should and should not go. Crucial to making these decisions is spiritual discernment. Discernment is “…the assured understanding of the divine will on all occasions, in every place and in all matters, and it is only found in those who are pure in heart and in body and in mouth.” - St. John Climacus (Ladder of Divine Ascent)

When discerning the will of God, the best course of action isn’t always the easiest! In fact, more often than not, true discernment takes us on the path less traveled and through the hills and valleys that strengthen our faith, and is most conducive to spiritual growth. God doesn’t provide a virtual roadmap for our lives, but we must pray asking for wisdom, we must be flexible, and we must trust that He will lead us where we need to go.

I think back on my own spiritual journey as I was struggling to leave a town where I had lived for 19 years. I prayed fervently for direction. My devotion the following morning when it was critical to make the decision was entitled “Life in a New Town” and the scripture quoted Joshua 1:9. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This confirmation was so clear that I still remember it, and that was some 16 years ago.

Throughout Acts we find that God kept Paul from preaching in some of the locations he had intended to go, while on the contrary, He sent Paul to Macedonia, a place he had never intended to go.

Here in chapter 18, Paul visited Ephesus where people asked him to stay to teach, but he decided to continue his journey to Antioch. He told them he would return if it was God’s will.

In verses 9-11, God encourages Paul. Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Have you ever struggled with making a critical decision? Do you struggle with discerning the true will of God for your life? If you pray and seek His will and dive into scripture, His way will be made clear to you. You only have to trust and believe.
• Think back to a time when you were stuck on making a decision. Journal about how the decision impacted your life. Maybe it activated another chain of events.
• Prayer: Dear God, It is our desire to be able to discern the will that you have for each of our lives. Help us to hear your still, small voice as we seek your face in the journey set before us. Help us to be encouraged that you will be with us wherever we go. Amen

Family Devos: Acts 18

By: Tina Bryant

Today we read about Paul and more believers that he traveled with and to! Paul was busy telling others about Jesus everywhere he went, he never missed an opportunity to tell others what Jesus had done for him! He was so excited to share that Jesus had died for his sins so he could be forgiven. As he shared what Jesus had done, many people believed and were baptized!

• Who is someone you could tell about what Jesus has done for you?
• Pray: God, thank you for what Jesus has done for my family and me. When I tell my friends about Jesus, please help their hearts to be ready to hear the amazing things you have done.