Devo Acts 14

Chapter 14
20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into
the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. 21They preached the good
news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to
Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22strengthening the disciples and encouraging
them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter
the kingdom of God,” they said. 23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them
in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in
whom they had put their trust.

Meditation:
1. Paul believed that the purpose of ministry was to “strengthen believers’ souls”
(v22) and “equip the saints” (Eph 4:12-13). We are commanded by Jesus not
only to make disciples, but also to teach them to obey everything that Jesus
commanded. This is the “Great Omission from the Great Commission” in
many churches.
2. How much do I know of the various Equipping opportunities at my church?
What have I been committed in?
3. Recalling my own Christian journey, how much equipping have I received?
Am I willing to receive training for spiritual growth and ministry preparation?
4. This “260 Appointments with God” is an Equipping opportunity. Thank the
Lord for this exercise, and pray that God will help me persevere to the finish
line.

Personal Note:

“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God”
It is true that salvation is a free gift from God.  We received the identity and status of belonging to God through accepting and receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and saviour.  God shares with us the joy of His work of redemption for His world.  It takes hardship to do God's work.  For example, my family is provided by God as a gift from Him.  I belong to my mom, dad, grandma, brother and soon with Vicky.  My family is a free gift, but it takes hard work, patience, sacrifice to have harmony and to build a strong relationship for the blessing to our world.

In Crossroad, the equipping ministries are: Small Group, Bible lessons on Sunday, Sunday Worship, Praise Team, and Discipleship training for leaders.  Of course I am involved in everything as the pastor.  When God add to the number of disciples, each of the equipping ministries will continue to build and new equipping ministries will be developed.

I had formal theological education, went on some short term mission trips, served inside the church and outside the church (TC, TRMC).  I believe equipping is a daily and continual process.  The devotional and prayer time is a significant time of equipping.  The mentorship time with my senior pastor is essential for directing my way.  Equipping is also learning for younger people, as I need to be trained and updated by younger folks on the current culture.

Areas I need more prayer on for equipping are: Planning, Teaching, Preaching, Sharing the Gospel, Leading a Bible Study.

I will continue with this exercise of posting the devotionals on line and in my blog as an encouragement to all to spend time in God's Words and prayer.

Blessings,

Lokkei