“They went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t let them go there either. Proceeding on through Mysia, they went down to the seaport Troas. That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans.” (I Corinthains 16:6-10 The Message Bible)
How often do we let self, so-called friends, or sensational, perceived to be, happenings or special events change our priorities, plans, and the places we go? How often does the comfort of our beds or the compensation that comes from working voluntary overtime change our priorities, plans, and the places we go? I still have questions, but I’ll just limit it to one more. How often do we let the things embraced by our generation, or the generation before us that modeled the false truth that church was optional and one does not have to hold God in the highest esteem, change our priorities, plans, and the places to go?
In the text above the Apostle Paul had priorities, He had some plans. He had some places that he wanted to go. But Paul’s priorities, plans, and the places he wanted to go were re-directed by the Spirit of the Lord. Read the text again if you don’t believe me.
There is a point to this meditation. On this Saturday morning, I hope you are already planning on being in the house of the Lord tomorrow, However, if not, I pray that you will let the Spirit of the Lord move you to be in the assembly of the saints. You will see that you will benefit! Your family will benefit! Those who unconsciously are persuaded by what you do will benefit! The community will benefit! The world will benefit!
Go worship the Lord tomorrow and do so earnestly, sincerely. I’ll continue praying that the Lord changes your priorities, plans, and the places you might have wanted to go, and you will enter the house of the One who has blessed you all week long, and better than that, your whole life. Be blessed!
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
I was invited to go out of town for the labor-day weekend to visit family. Although I wanted to go, I realized that I would be missing two pre-scheduled gatherings ar church. I had to decline the invitation and when asked why, I shared my commitment to attend the two gatherings. The response was, “Why don’t you just not go?” In years past, I may have said okay. The Holy Spirit wouldn’t let me do it this time. I felt better, too, when I kept my commitment.
Great example! Thanks for sharing how you stayed true to your commitments to support the ministries of your church! Be commended for you choosing to be steadfast and faithful. God will bless you. Be blessed!