Category: Uncategorized

Oh God, give me back the tears that I once took for granted!!! Amen!!!

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq2EuhTkjZc&feature=youtu.be

DID CHRIST OVER SINNERS WEEP?

TEXT: Henry Lyte
MUSIC: Blake Mundell

Did Christ over sinners weep,
And shall our cheeks be dry?
Let floods of penitential grief,
Burst forth from every eye
Burst forth from every eye

Chorus: Behold the Son of God in tears,
The angels wondering see
Hast thou no wonder, O my soul?
He shed those tears for thee!

He wept that we might weep,
Might weep over sin and shame
He wept to show His love for us,
And bid us love the same
And bid us love the same (Chorus)

Then tender be our hearts,
Our eyes in sorrow dim
Til every tear from every eye,
Be wiped away by Him
Be wiped away by Him
Be wiped away by Him (Chorus)

FOCUS on JESUS

FOCUS on JESUS with EXPECTATION – That is HOPE

FOCUS on JESUS with ASSURANCE – That is FAITH

FOCUS on JESUS with REVERENCE – That is LOVE

FOCUS on JESUS

Faith, Hope and Love…but the greatest of these is LOVE which casts out ALL fear.

 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eOQ0KTrAMA

I believe we are coming into a season where we will not only be very aware of but we will embrace that specific anointing that God has put on us individually but also corporately. I believe with His anointing, God is preparing each of us to do our part in helping usher in what is being birthed on this earth.  I believe His anointing will bring us into a place of unity and intimacy with HIMSELF and with others in the body. I also believe that with His anointing we will see the fullness and blessing of the promises of God for our own lives.  We will bring them forth!

Sometimes God gives us a promise or calls us to do something that seems bigger than us and we have no idea how He’s going to do it or how we can even co-labor with Him to bring it about.  Bringing forth the promises of God is like giving birth and birth in the spiritual is very much like the natural.

The best example we have in Scripture is where I have been planted this last week – in Luke 1:26-45.

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. ²⁹ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. ³⁰ And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. ³¹ And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. ³² He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: ³³ And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. ³⁴ Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? ³⁵ And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. ³⁶ And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. ³⁷ For with God nothing shall be impossible. ³⁸ And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. ³⁹ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; ⁴⁰ And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. ⁴¹ And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: ⁴² And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. ⁴³ And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. ⁴⁵ And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 

In this passage Mary gets this incredible promise through the angel Gabriel – the Word of the Lord. He tells her she is going to give birth to JESUS – Immanuel. This happened in the natural but this also had great impact in the spiritual and we can learn much from Mary’s responses and how Mary brought forth that Word – Jesus.

First, let’s look at verse 28, And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

In this verse one word stood out to me – the word “IS.” The Lord IS with you. That was the promise of the Lord through the angel Gabriel. The Lord said, “I am with you.” And that is the Word of the Lord for you and for me as well – God is with you. You are one with the Lord. If you have said “YES” to Jesus Christ and He is Lord and Savior of your life, then you are one with God. It’s all about restored relationship thru the finished work of the cross and HE IS WITH YOU.

Don’t go by your feelings. Go by faith. I can hear some thinking, “well, I know that is the Word of the Lord but it so often doesn’t FEEL like God is with me.” Sometimes we do feel all alone, but we know the righteous don’t live by their feelings… they live by faith. Don’t let your feelings talk you out of the truth of the Word of God which is the very fact that GOD IS WITH YOU.

Second, look at Luke 1:34.Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 

In other words, Mary has gotten this great promise from God; this amazing, mind blowing promise from God and the first thing she thinks of is, “HOW am I going to do this? How is it going to work? I don’t get it.”

But look at Gabriel’s response in Luke 1:35. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 

Mary had questions. She had a promise that did not make sense. I like that because sometimes I have questions. For Mary, God’s answer isn’t to explain exactly all the step by step details of how it is going to work.  God’s answer to her was to say through the Angel Gabriel, “The power of the Highest shall overshadow thee.” The Holy Ghost; the power, the anointing of the Holy Ghost – that is how God’s going to do it. And God is saying the same things to us today. Don’t try to figure out all of how God is going to birth your promises – those callings, favor, miracles, and the salvations. Don’t try to figure out how he is going to heal you. Just trust that He is going to and start being grateful.

Mary was available and we know that even though Mary made herself available, as we all must do, she came into times of fear and confusion. There was one point where the Angel has to actually say to her, “be not afraid.”  We, like Mary must say “no” to fear and confusion. “No” to that lying voice of the enemy that says it’s never going to happen; hasn’t happened yet and never will. Imagine if Mary had believed a lie anywhere along the way. But instead she believed.

I pray that encourages you today. Any promise that you’ve gotten from God and anything that He is stirring in you that seems WAY too big for you to do and almost too big to even believe in. Any of those promises that make you question, HOW GOD? Or if you’ve been believing for awhile and haven’t seen it come forth and now you have gone from great faith to fear and doubt and you’re questioning God because you don’t see it or understand it. Remember, even Mary had those questions and God’s answer to her was,” I’m going to do it. I’m going to overshadow you. It’s in my strength that it is going to come forth. “

Maybe you think if an angel would come tell you to believe then you would believe…but you have someone so much better than an angel because you have the Holy Ghost with you and He is your counselor, your mentor, your guide, your comfort and He is saying to you today – Believe!

Last, I want to look at Mary’s prayer in Luke 1:38. It is wonderful. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. 

I think in the really big promises; the “HOW IS THIS EVER GOING TO HAPPEN GOD” type of promises, this should be our prayer and the posture of our heart. Like Mary we should say, “Lord, I’m your servant and I’m open, I’m willing, I’m available for you to do whatever you want. Let it be unto me according to thy will.”

—

It is no accident that as we continue reading that Luke 2 begins ”and it came to pass.” The time of Mary’s promise had come. Very soon those Words will ring true for you… “and it came to pass.” All that you have been promised, you will see.  All we have been promised as a Body, we will see. It is also no accident that Luke 2:7 we see the fulfillment in the Word… “and she brought forth her firstborn Son.”

Mary brought forth her firstborn son.  I think it is important to note here that Mary co-labored with God to bring forth Jesus. God will do it in His strength but He uses us, just like He used Mary.  In His strength Mary believed and in His strength she walked in obedience just as we are to believe and walk in obedience.  God gave Mary the promise of Jesus and He helped her, strengthened her, led her along the way…but Mary brought forth her firstborn Son. To co-labor with God means just that – we have to do our part. It is an active part, not just sitting around waiting on it to happen. It may be painful at times but oh my, my, my… just like birth!

—

Today I would encourage you to take an extra measure of time with the Lord. Time worshiping, in His Word, prayer. Listen to Him and make Him your source. Be mindful about carving out time with God because as you say “YES” to that time together, as you welcome the Holy Ghost, as He comes down and the most High overshadows you, He is going to stir you up. He is going to stir up the promise within you. He is going to stir the memory of all He’s done and truth of Words that have been spoken over you and your life.

Birthing anything begins with unity and intimacy and it ends with unity and intimacy and the in between time is that time of preparation that is in the natural and spiritual the time where we tend to get impatient. It is hard to wait. During the in-between time at first no one else can really see the promise. It is a time when because they cannot see many will not even believe it to be so.  But you know because you know the promise. As a mom with child, before anyone else can see the fruit, you KNOW it, can feel it….and in that time you also KNOW – the most unified and intimate you will ever be with another human. That child becomes precious to you.

It is the same with the Lord. As you spend the time with God you will see and know unity and intimacy with Jesus come forth and along with that unity and intimacy you will see the anointing on your life. You will see His promises, the miracles, the favor.

But not only will you see your promises brought forth but you WILL help usher in the great things that are getting ready to be birthed on this earth. During the time of waiting on the promise; when you have only a promise to go on but you have the promise -don’t forsake this time or despise it. In this time your promise will become precious to you.

TRUST and BE OBEDIENT and remember the bigger the promises, the more impossible they seem, the bigger the HOW…the more glorious it’s going to be because God is not only going to have to do it but He will do it.

It says in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God in Him are “yea”; and in Him “amen” unto the glory of God by us.”

Make yourself available to the Lord, start declaring that you are His and He can do whatever He wants in your life and come into agreement with Him and say, “Lord – this promise – may the fullness of it come forth according to Your will, according to Your Word and ALL to YOUR GLORY!”

And like it was said of Mary in Luke 1:45, it will be said of you, “Blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. ~ 1 John 4:18

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. ~ Revelation 21:6-8

fearful – feeling fear (to be reluctant to do, meet, or experience; anticipation of the possiblity that something unpleasant will occur), dread (to be reluctant to do, meet, or experience), apprehension (anticipation of adversity or misfortune; suspicion or fear of future trouble or evil), or solicitude (state of anxiety/concern; expressing excessive attentiveness)

unbelieving –  skeptical; to not believe (have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so)

adominable – repugnantly hateful; detestable; loathsome

murderers – someone who kills another human being (to deprive of life in any manner; to destroy; do away with; extinguish)

whoremongers – someone who consorts (associates, joins, unites) with whores; a lecher (person given to excessive sexual indulgence)or pander (person who caters to or profits from the weaknesses or vices of others)

sorcerers– someone who practices sorcery (the art, practices, or spells of a person who is supposed to exercise supernatural powers through the aid of evil spirits; black magic; witchery)

idolators – a worshiper of idols (any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion). A person who is an immoderate admirer; devotee.

liars – a person who lies (speaks falsely or utters an untruth knowingly, with intent to deceive).

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. ~ Revelation 21:6-8

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. ~ 1 John 4:18

______________

We often talk about the sexual sins, abominations, witchcraft and even unbelief and lying…but we rarely talk of fear as sin.

Fear is not some cute, poor me, excusable emotion. It is sin just like all of the sins of this scripture passage. Some have made fear an idol in that they put so much focus on their fear(s) that they are feeding and feeding them and because of their focus it grows until fear takes over their lives. Fear manages their lives and what they do and even what their families do. I was one of those in that kind of bondage to fear and it is an awful way to live. Some have more of a controlled type of fear. It not in the forefront but more hidden, like a phobia that only rears its ugly head on occasion…but fear or fear by another name… it is all SIN. As Christians we need to deal with fear the same way we deal with any other sin. Get it out of our lives and cut it off at the root. Overcome!The Bible says in Revelation 12:11 Andthey overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.  

I don’t care who you are, what position you do or do not hold, what you have been through in your life, what you have done or has been done to you, what may or may not be getting ready to happen in your life, in your family or in this world….we are not to fear. FEAR, except for the fear of the Lord, is sin. Period. FEAR almost sent me straight to hell for eternity and if you make the choice not to deal with it in your life then it will send you there too!!! 

Overcome (to get the better of in a struggle or conflict; conquer; defeat) and you will inherit ALL things. That is the Word of the LORD! AMEN!!!

______________

I have so much to say on this subject but I need to close and end with this…

How do I overcome fear in my life???

I always use the Word of God and the authority I have been given through my Lord Jesus Christ! When I was trying to get rid of that bondage of fear and even these days when the enemy tries put it back on me I turn to what I call my “Father’s Love Cast Out Fear” cards. 101 cards that I have written scripture on – 50 of what the Bible says about fear and 51 of what the Bible says about the Father’s Love. I say them out loud until fear breaks. It always breaks because the Word of God is powerful and the enemy cannot stand against TRUTH. The only reason the enemy brings fear into our lives is so that we will cower in our God given assignments for our lives or even for that moment.

Overcome!

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecO_umof0gA

Last day of August…tomorrow starts September. 9/23 starts the Fall season. I hold close to my heart a Word from the Lord given to me with a specific time frame of this summer. Summer is almost over and I haven’t seen my promise. I know I can’t earn it and I know I can’t force it but in these last days of Summer I can seek the Lord regarding it. I mean really seek!!! All with those precious words on my lips… “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done…on earth as it is in heaven.”

So many are prophesying of things in September. Why do I hear something else so deeply in my heart? Maybe it is the same Word just with different Words. (I don’t write this as another prophetic word for anyone. These are my own rambling thoughts on what I feel God is saying to me.)

The Lord says “YIELD!” I have never been more desperate. I have never been more hopeful. I have never felt more prepared and unprepared. What?!? I go forth with only a Word but that Word is a promise so…I am placing all of my “eggs in one basket” as I head into these last days of summer. September is going to be a good month for the Kingdom of God. A good month but the way through it is going to be narrow. More narrow than we like to think…and the only way to walk down the path I am on is on my knees!!! Low. This thought comes to mind – no one gives birth walking around or even really sitting up and most definitely not involved in the things of the world. No, they go into the secret places to give birth. They sequester themselves. In the natural it can look really bad, feel really bad and yet be the most beautiful thing possible. It is the same in the spiritual. September is not a time for fear but to welcome what is being birthed. His promises are birthed in the prayer room but prayer involves more than just a bunch of words and it is going to take it all – prayer and worship and the Word and fasting and tears and most of all obedience. In the secret place. Expecting so much in these next few weeks.

Luke 12:29-32 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

God bless you all.

Yesterday I had lunch with a friend that I once went to church with. I haven’t seen her in a couple of years.

She expressed to me how her heart had been broken by my leaving that particular church and compared it to my own heartache when one of my good friends had also left. It was painful to hear that…but I get it. Everything we do affects others and we don’t always see how or the extent until we realize that many times the same pain we have felt we have turned and given to others.

Sometimes no matter the pain you just have to go away though. Sometimes we steal away for a season. Sometimes it is life long. I found that once I was going and once I had said my “goodbyes”… to stop again for small talk or to try to explain myself further risked taking away from what God was doing in my heart. I can see many things now because I am much further removed.

And my friend had asked me to lunch to find out why I’d left.

I offered yesterday and now only a brief explanation. I have no apologies for leaving. I have no regrets in any decision that I have made along the way. I can say that truly. God has taken me on a journey away from some things and toward Himself and I find no need to justify the path He plowed. I am excited about the place I am in and what God is doing in my life. My friend was excited about what God is doing in her life and the path of the church as well. I think probably neither one of us really, truly GOT the other’s excitement at first. Such different paths it seems.

God has had her stay put BUT GOD led me away from the place I was in. WHY? That was the question –

I believe He did it for several reasons. First – to protect me! Secondly – to prepare me for the end times…in earnest. I don’t say that in a proud way and certainly I don’t say it as an indictment of anyone or any church. It was a very personal thing about my own personal walk with the Lord. I pray you get how very personal it was and still is. Where God leads you or places you is personal. That doesn’t mean you can make that decision by yourself or that you should come and go at will. It means He leads you into the place where He can speak to you, grow you up and use you according to His will. I believe God Himself decided He was taking action with me. Yes, I had a choice but God put something so strongly in my heart. The choice was easy and for that all He has done in my life these last years I am beyond grateful.

Why did He take action? Well….

In many ways I had become addicted to the growing of friendships and the daily activity we all like to call church. Sure I was doing some very good things with very good people but I needed to let go of many of the things I was doing and even some of the things I LOVED so much and even some of the things I am ultimately called to. Maybe it makes no sense but I was too busy. I needed a type of an intervention and an extended time of “detox” from the works of church…too many of which I had my hands in. These last three years have been a hard, satisfying time. Sometimes they still are plagued with great loneliness but then that loneliness ALWAYS seems to lead to greater union with my Father. Times of deep reflection in His Presence have reorganized life. MY life that was always meant to be an expression of HIS LIFE and His LOVE and a carrier of His Will.

As far as preparing me for endtimes. In the place I am, sitting under those I am, I am being prepared. I believe there is a time coming when we will have to walk in what we have been prepared to walk in and others will be dependent on our walk. If you haven’t done the preparation what will you do???

God is starting to allow some things that are His will for me into my life. Some He isn’t allowing. It’s all so unique and believe me I haven’t figured it all out. But just like no two people are alike, no two plans are exactly alike when it comes to God’s plans. Even if God has created you to love, study and talk about the same things I do, it will still be a call so special and sacred for you.

So here we sat at lunch – two friends, from two different cultures, two different church bodies. Both with hearts for the Word, prayer, the poor and lost. Both wanting to be fruitful but so aware now of some of the traps. Both feeling we are called to fulfill the Great Commission as a type of a missionary – but with VERY different visions of what that looks like (at our age!). Two different paths that are both following JESUS!!!

And then the lunch was over and once again we said those “goodbyes.”

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;  ~ Colossians 1:9-10

Yesterday someone had a Word for me. They said it was a Word from God and so I was excited to hear. But then…

It was a word that contained one phrase so troubling to my heart that it immobilized every part of me for the better part of the day. Every part except my tears. My tears were all that moved freely and the only prayer I could even utter (whether it be from God or even if it wasn’t). Honestly I wanted to rail against it and my first reaction was to say, “well that’s not of God!” Don’t some believe a Word is always supposed to be encouraging? Hmmm….I surely wasn’t encouraged. However, I also know this person doesn’t normally come to me with Words from God so I felt I had to consider it.

I have been taught in all things to test what is said and done. Test to see if it stands the tests of Scripture, sound reason, and the nature and example of Jesus Christ. Test ALL things whether it is something I disagree with or even something I agree with. Test all things regardless of the vessel. All means ALL.

So I am testing. I know that the Bible and teaching of Jesus are full of difficult truths that often trouble our emotions. Our emotions are often troubled greatly before they change or before we can make even a little change. I also know Truth doesn’t exist to keep me happy or unhappy. It just is. Truth will set me free. Truth spurs me toward something higher and deeper in God than my current place. Jesus is Truth!

If indeed a Word of truth can change my life and maybe help me to look more like Jesus…then I guess though in the moment it is troubling ultimately it will be a very encouraging Word. Right? So I don’t dismiss it at all – not even a little bit. I appreciate it and try to ponder without distress and I listen for the Holy Ghost to speak regarding it. I will hold fast to that which is good in Him whether it gives me warm feelings or sharp pain. If it is a Word from God and it is Truth I can’t pick His words.

Sometimes parts of this path are more trails of tears than an actual path. Jesus knows!

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ~ John 8:32

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.~ 1 John 4:1

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:21

I’ve been studying Acts 16 all week and I’m still there! What follows is taken mostly from a commentary on Blue Letter Bible with a few of my own thoughts added. I put them here because they have encouraged me greatly and I want to hold on to them. In this text Paul was forbidden by the Holy Ghost to do what he was called to do and he was forbidden more than once. Sometimes you feel like you have done something wrong when God shuts doors, when His plan isn’t real clear or you are in that “waiting” time. In reading this I see that God shut doors for the Apostle Paul…not because Paul’s desires were wrong but He closed the doors for His greater purposes. I am encouraged as I wait for my own Macedonian Call.

_____

God knows what He’s doing when He says “NO!”

Acts 16:6-8 The Holy Spirit forbids Paul to go towards the province of Asia Minor. (WHAT?)

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia. After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 

a. They were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia: After strengthening the churches in the region, Paul sought to go next to the south-west, towards the important city of Ephesus. Yet, Paul was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go there.

• We note with interest that the Holy Spirit actually forbade Paul to do something we normally think of as good – preaching Gods Word to those who need it. Yet the Spirit of God directed this work, and Paul wasn’t the right person in the right place at the right time to begin bringing the gospel to the Roman Province of Asia Minor. There was certainly nothing wrong with Paul’s desire to preach the word in Asia; but it wasnt Gods timing, so this was forbidden by the Holy Spirit.

• It is difficult to say exactly how the Holy Spirit said no; it may have been through a word of prophecy, or by an inward speaking of the Holy Spirit, or by circumstances. One way or another, Paul and his company got the message. Ephesus would come later, not now.

• Asia does not refer to the Far East as we know it today. It refers to the Roman Province of Asia Minor, which is modern day Turkey.

b. They tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them: After the attempt to go to Asia, Paul sought to go north into Bithynia, but was again prevented by the Holy Spirit. So, they came down to Troas.

• Paul didn’t set out to go to Troas. It was at least the third choice for him. But it was the Holy Spirits plan to lead him there. Paul, beautifully responsive to the Holy Spirit, was willing to lay down his will and his plans for the direction that the Holy Spirit brings.

• Paul was guided by hindrance. The Holy Spirit often guides as much by the closing of doors as He does by the opening of doors.

• David Livingstone wanted to go to China, but God sent him to Africa. William Carey wanted to go to Polynesia, but God sent him to India. Adoniram Judson went to India, but God guided him to Burma. God guides us along the way, to just the right place. (I wanted to go to Africa but God has sent me to Romania and Haiti)

Acts 16:9-10 God directs Paul to the region of Macedonia.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. 

a. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: In Troas, God made Pauls direction clear. In a vision, Paul was invited to the region of Macedonia, westward across the Agean Sea.

• This moved Paul and his missionary team from the continent of Asia to the continent of Europe; this was the first missionary endeavor to Europe.

• The wisdom and greatness of Gods plan was beginning to unfold. In Pauls mind, he wanted to reach a few cities in his region. But God wanted to give Paul a continent to win for Jesus Christ.

b. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, Come over to Macedonia and help us. The Macedonian man wanted help. So Paul went to bring Macedonia the gospel – the best possible help.

• The greatest help we can bring anyone is the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. It is good for us to bring other help along with the gospel, but without the gospel, little real help is given.

c. Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go: Paul did not hesitate to answer the call of the Macedonian man. Pauls missionary team did not hesitate to follow him on the basis of this call. This was a strong, godly man, leading a strong, godly team.

• God still calls people to the mission field, and He may call through unusual ways. Its still possible for a type of Macedonian Man to give an unusual call to serve God in a distant place. When that happens, its important to respond the way Paul and his team did.

d. Immediately we sought to go: The shift from they (they came down to Troas, Acts 16:8) to wein this verse probably means that Luke joined the band of missionaries in Troas. Perhaps he even came as Pauls personal doctor.

• Now we see another reason why they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. We see another reason why the Spirit did not permit them to go into Bithynia. God wanted Paul and his team to go to Troas and pick up a doctor named Luke. Because God said no to Paul these two times, we have a gospel and a Book of Acts written by Doctor Luke.

• At the time, Paul probably had no idea of the greatness of Gods purpose. God wanted to give him a continent for Jesus, to give him a personal doctor, and to give all of us the man whom God would use to write more of the New Testament than anyone else did. God knows what He is doing when he says, No.