“And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” — Acts 23:11
Paul was living for God and found himself in a whirlwind of problems. Though each circumstance and outcome will be different for God’s servants, there are some great truths we can extract from Paul’s situation.
God always stands with His children.
Paul was witnessing for God when it seems almost every person turned against him. There will be times in your life that you will feel alone, but don’t forget God’s “great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4). You are never alone with God on your side. He said He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5; Isaiah 49:15). Get to know Him and stay close to Him, for it is He Who is with you even when you feel alone, afraid, or abandoned.
God encouraged Paul was in a tough situation.
You will probably never have the Lord, or an angel, physically come to you, but the Lord still whispers truth in your heart and ears. Sometimes God reminds you of a truth from His Word, or a word that was told to you by one of His messengers, or a song you learned long ago. There are moments you must get away to encourage yourself in the Lord as the Psalmist David did in 1 Samuel 30:6. There are other moments God refreshes your soul with His presence. However the encouragement comes, continue to look to God and be of good cheer. God is greater than your problems!
God has a purpose.
God told Paul he was going to bear witness for Him in Rome. God had a purpose for Paul’s situation, and He does for yours as well. Nothing can catch God off guard. God knew about Job, even when Job didn’t understand. God knows your struggles, and God has a purpose.
I believe there are three essential areas in successful ministries. With the assumption that someone already knows the Lord and called to His service, there are three essential areas: self-motivation, self-control, and self-discipline.
The first is self-motivation, which I have outlined in my book Thriving in Life. Every individual must learn to encourage himself. There will not always be someone close by that can lift your hands, give you a pep talk, and encourage you along the way. Remember that you can’t encourage others if you yourself are not encouraged. The Bible gives account that David “encouraged himself in the Lord” (1 Samuel 30:6) before he saw victory. It is crucial that an individual, especially a spiritual leader, learn to encourage himself in the Lord in order to continue forward in life.
The second is self-control. Life is an emotional roller coaster, but we can learn to control our emotions instead of being controlled by them. Discouragement, anger, resentment, apathy, and laziness are a few of the emotional weeds that want to sprout within each of us. According to the book of Proverbs, a person who cannot control his spirit “is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). Conversely, Proverbs says that a person who controls his spirit is better than a mighty man that conquers a city (Proverbs 16:32). Fear, bitterness and anger do not have to control you. Here are some more verses to study about emotions:
Proverbs 16:32
Proverbs 14:29
Proverbs 15:18
Proverbs 19:11
James 1:19
Proverbs 25:28
Not long ago I read the book Becoming Emotionally Whole by Charles Stanley, and I gleaned so many wonderful thoughts from the book. This paragraph is a sum of what I learned from the book. The Bible is the ultimate book on emotions. You should be aware of your emotions since God uses them, but you should not depend on your emotions for your spiritual life. You cannot be totally surrendered to God if you are in bondage to your emotions. God gave emotions to serve you, not to master you. But you cannot control your emotions by yourself, you need the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the key to controlling our emotions. Abiding in Christ will influence your emotions. Prayer is talking to God, and you would be wise to talk to God around the clock, seeking His help and guidance. Trust in God means you turn over all your results and concerns completely to God. Your best answer for anxiety is to praise God. A mind dwelling on God‘s goodness has no time to dwell on negative and difficulties. And a mind dwelling on negative and difficulties has no time to dwell on God’s goodness. Many times, when people are angry, the root issue is that they are angry at God for what He did or didn’t allow to happen. You do not have to suppress your anger, or even express your anger, the best way is to confess your anger, and confess it to God. Disappointments happen to everyone, but discouragement comes from dwelling on disappointments. Trusting the Lord with all your heart and leaning not unto your own understanding will get you out of discouragement.
The third, which I have outlined in my book Self-Discipline Reboot, is self-discipline. At most workplaces, you are told what time to arrive, what time to leave, what to wear, and the details of each day’s tasks. Many do well in this type of environment because someone else provides the needed discipline. But what about all the other areas of your life? Your spiritual life, marital life, and personal life? Many fail in the other areas because they do not apply self-discipline.
Self-discipline is doing what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not. The feeling will not always be there, but if you want the results, then you must apply the discipline. Anything good in life is going to take a lot of discipline. Good feelings, a pep talk from someone, or strong desire might get you started, but self-discipline is required to get the job done. You do not have to be smart, rich, talented, or well-connected to accomplish much in life. You must simply apply lots of discipline. Without self-discipline, you will spin your wheels and stay in the same spot. Without self-discipline, all hopes, desires, and dreams are mere wishes. With self-discipline, however, you will make it further down the road until you reach the desired destination.
Self-discipline is awakening and applying what is needed in order to succeed in life. It is time to reboot self-discipline so you can achieve more. When discipline is applied, almost every area of life is better. It is time you awaken the God-given discipline within you. It is time to reboot self-discipline!
The Bible recounts the story of Moses commanding Israel to possess the Promised Land. Before this old prophet died, he repeated over and over that Israel needed to “go in and possess” the land God had sworn to them (Deuteronomy 1:8; 4:1; 6:18; 8:1; 10:11; 11:8). The land was already promised, and God’s presence was clearly with them, but they had to get up and do something. They would never get the land by sitting and hoping; they had to realize it was time to move.
Throughout the pages of Scripture, God’s children are promised “exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4). God has the answer for a great marriage, genuine happiness, good friendships, and a thriving ministry, but self-discipline is required to obtain each of the desirable areas. God’s Word has the promise, the plan, and the path, but the blessing of possession does not happen without applying self-discipline to one’s life. The problem is not knowing what God has promised, the problem lies in doing what one knows. Self-discipline is actively applying what is needed to obtain what is desired.
“And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, …And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus” — Acts 15:36-41
Paul and Barnabas disagreed about taking John Mark along with them on their journey. The disagreement was so sharp that they separated from each other. The Bible does not hide this disagreement, or say the division was right or wrong. Since God does not go into more detail, it would be unwise to determine which person was right, but there are lessons to learn in this story.
The Division Died.
We never see again in Scripture, or even the way they lived their lives, that this situation is ever brought up again. Neither party wrote letters about the other, made it the topic of their preaching, or attempted to get others to side with them.
Often, when there’s a disagreement, the hurt, anger, or memory of the past division becomes the central topic of conversation.
The Ministry Continued.
They did not quit ministry altogether because of the division. They continued forward, Paul taking Silas, and Barnabas taking John Mark.
Too often the devil seems to win after a disagreement and division. People become bitter at life, feel wronged, and quit ministry because of a division.
Fruit was Produced.
Though the contention separated them, it did not stop them or God’s work. They did not become bitter or send rumors or epistles about the wickedness of the other. They continued doing right to such a degree that Paul later sought out John Mark, the same individual that was the reason for the big split, stating that he was “profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). It seems clear that when the split happened, Barnabas stayed with John Mark teaching, helping, and restoring him from a timid young man to a profitable young man. And John Mark’s return to ministry was not just for his own good, he was profitable to Paul who earlier thought John Mark should not be in ministry (vs. 38). Barnabas encouraged and equipped John Mark, just as he did with others, to the point that John Mark was productive for God’s service.
This shows me firstly that there’s always opportunities for someone to get back on track even after bad decisions. It secondly shows me that a Barnabas-type person is needed to believe in another and help them when they’re down. And lastly, it shows me that when a separation happens, it does not have to consume you to where fruit dies… fruit can continue producing. How one responds to a separation, disagreement, or difficult situation is more important than what initially happens. The right response can cause life, ministry, and fruit to abound instead of ceasing.
Recently, I was told a fascinating thought about sailboats. The worst nightmare for the captain of a sailboat is not a stormy day; it’s a day with no wind at all. Wow! The same goes for the Christian life. Storms are certain for us, though not always enjoyed, but what is worse than storms in our life is the absence of God’s presence and blessings.
Lately, God has been working in me concerning this very principle. Here’s a few thoughts about God’s presence and blessing:
Realize the need for God to work. All our efforts fall short unless God works. Hudson Taylor said, “When I get to China, I will have no claim on any one for anything. My claim will be alone in God and I must learn before I leave England to move men through God by prayer alone.” The Psalmist reminds us that except the Lord do the work, we labor in vain (Psalms 127:1-2).
Ask for God to work. Each of us knows how much we need God, and it’s in vain if He doesn’t show up, but honestly ask yourself some questions: Am I asking God to save my children? Am I asking God to make my marriage strong? Am I asking God to let me see more people saved? Am I asking God to give me some people to disciple that will lead the church in the future? Yes, God knows your needs, but He also wants to hear from you. The Apostle James reminds us that we have not because we ask not (James 4:2).
Watch God work. There is almost no joy as great as when you see God answer prayers. When you work, you see the fruit from your work. When you pray, you see the fruit from God’s work. The increase God gives is much greater and permanent than anything you can produce on your own.
Years ago I was told God’s phone number is 333… coming from Jeremiah 33:3, that says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” When you realize your need for God and ask Him to work, He will work. One more powerful promise comes from 1 Corinthians 2:9, that says, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
I truly believe God can do and wants to do an amazing work, so realize your need for Him, call out to Him, and watch Him work as only He can work.
Every time period has words and ideas that have become part of it’s generational DNA. In the 1980’s, popular buzzwords everyone used were gnarly, homeboy, radical, stellar, wannabe, and bodacious. In the 1990’s, some popular buzzwords were bling, boo-yah, trippin’, bada-bing, and dibs. The 2000’s brought on popular words such as sweet, wassup, peeps, and newbie. The 2010’s made popular chillax and lit and the 2020’s made useful the words virus and social distance.
In our specific day, the word “victim” has become widely used, accepted, and almost customary. Someone can be a victim of society, victim of their upbringing, or victim of circumstances. A person can be a victim because of work, school, law, church, parents, crime, or other forms of injustice. Their victimization can stem from physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, spiritual, mental, cyber, criminal, or psychological. The results of being a victim can be depression, sickness, isolation, fear, anger, helplessness, confusion, shame, grief, anxiety, and withdrawal.
While there are many people that have been genuinely mistreated and faced misfortune, many other people ride the wave of victimhood. The aim of this article is not to dismiss the difficulties of life, but rather offer hope to the reader. Your past does not have to predict your future. Your future is bright if you will set your eyes upon the God that made you. You were made for much more. Don’t buy into pop-phycology or popular trends that try to keep you down. Your problems can be overcome. You were created to be a victor, not a victim!
Allow me to offer four areas that are lacking in those who remain a victim and not a victor:
Lack of Prayer
Could it be that you don’t have victory because you are not asking God? Yes, God may have allowed you to go through trials, tribulations, and extremely difficult situations in your life, but please don’t forget that you have a Heavenly Father that has not abandoned you. If He allowed you to suffer in an area, He was with you during that suffering. You can ask for help, you can ask for deliverance, and you can ask for strength to endure.
In other areas of need, you should ask God to fulfill. Are you tired of being lonely? Ask God for a close friend or a spouse. Are you tired of feeling depressed? Ask God for a verse or a song that will lift you. Are you tired of being stressed? Ask God for the toughness to get through, and the strength to endure or change. Whatever your need is, there is an equal or greater solution from God.
I love the old hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The first verse says, “Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer.” Never forget that you have a friend in Jesus, and you can take all of your problems and struggles to Him. There is no past that is too big for Him to handle. There’s no burden too heavy for Him. You don’t have to be a victim if you’ll simply take it to the Lord. Don’t keep silent, take your issue right now to the Judge of judges.
Lack of Acceptance
You may not like or agree with what happened to you in the past, but you do have a choice to make. You can stay a victim or you can accept that God allowed it to happen for some reason. Unless you are willing to accept it, you cannot move on. What if the person doesn’t deserve your forgiveness? What if the issue was so big you can’t forget it? Yes, what happened is real and cannot be erased, but you either accept the fact that God knew about it, or you will stay stuck in that moment of time. You don’t have to love what happened to accept it. You are accepting the fact that God knows, not the idea that you agree with what happened. If God is God, then let Him determine the details.
The story of Joseph in the Bible shines great light to this subject. Joseph was the eleventh son born of his father. He was unquestionably the favorite of his dad, to the point his dad made him a colorful coat to clarify his favoritism. Not much explanation is needed to understand why his brothers despised him. But his brothers took it way too far when they decided to sell him into slavery. They finally got rid of Joseph once and for all, or so they thought.
As the brothers conjured up a lie to tell their dad, the new owners of Joseph took him to Egypt. Joseph was passed from one place to another, abused, and mistreated as a slave. He worked for his life, literally. After years of work, he was promoted, only to be lied about and thrown back into prison. His bad luck seemed to be repeated once and again, moving up the ladder only to be thrown back down to start over. Finally, thirteen years later, Joseph is placed as ruler over Egypt (Genesis 41:43-46).
Not long after Joseph was put in charge, the Bible gives account of Joseph’s two sons that were born (Genesis 41:50-52). Children’s names had much more of a significance at that time then they do today. His first son was named Manasseh, which meant God “hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.” And the second-born was named Ephraim, which meant God “hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Notice the significance of their names. It’s much more than popular names of the day, it was a lesson God taught Joseph, and it is a lesson for us today. Joseph couldn’t have his second son (fruitful) before his first son (forgetful). He had to forget, get over and move past the pains (hated, sold into slavery, abused, and mistreated) in order to prosper. And the same goes today. If you do not accept your pains of past or present, you cannot move forward to see fruitfulness. The thought of victimhood wants to hold you down, but you must take the advice from Paul by “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Philippians 3:13).
Lack of Work
Though there most definitely exists bad scenarios, you can decide to work hard and move forward. Victimhood will paralyze you with fear, anxiety, and withdrawal, but you can intentionally work to be bold, praise, and get out there. Don’t allow your past to hold you down when God has given you a reason to push forward. Strive to see the purpose God has for you. Force yourself to memorize God’s truth that will become your spiritual strength in the moments of weakness. The devil wants to shut you down and keep you quiet, but you can get back up and advance boldly for God.
Proverbs 13:4 says, “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” The sluggard might have a reason for his laziness. He possibly has worked in the past and saw little to no fruit. He possibly was mistreated when he worked, had a bad example when growing up, or hindered in such a way that he never wanted to work again. Whatever the reason was, he stopped working, and the result was that he had nothing. The diligent, on the other hand, may have went through as many hard times as the sluggard, but he works and is made fat (prosperous). The diligent pushed forward by faith, not feelings, and as a result, he saw the desirable fruit. And if you desire to see future fruit in your life, you must not let the victim mentality disable you from working to move forward.
Lack of Ownership
Though life may have dealt you a bad hand, you still have to play with the hand you were dealt. Decide you will accept no excuses. If you do not take ownership, you will not break free to move forward. Victimhood is known for focusing on what others did to you whereas ownership takes responsibility to make something happen. Whether or not you are where you are because of your past doings, your future is determined by present actions. You don’t have to stay bitter, hurt, angry, ashamed, guilty, or helpless. You are responsible for your attitude and actions today. You can decide to let go of the past. You can determine to believe and work towards a better future. You can choose to trust that God has a purpose for your life. Circumstances or people might try to make you a victim, but don’t forget that God has made you a victor!
“And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” — Acts 18:26
In Acts 18, we are presented to a power couple that made an impact in their service for the Lord. They were later mentioned again by Paul to the Roman believers (Romans 16:3), to the Corinthian believers (1 Corinthians 16:19), and to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:19). They were no ordinary couple, and this chapter points out their determination and dedication they possessed for God’s service.
They Hosted — vs. 1-3
When Paul came to their area, they hosted him. He didn’t worry about a place to stay or food to eat, he was always taken care of when ministering near Aquila and Priscilla.
The Shunammite woman and her husband hosted Elisha by giving him food and a place to stay “as oft as he passed by” (2 Kings 4:8-10). John commended those that hosted and helped God’s servants to “bring forward on their journey after a godly sort” (3 John 5-8). The writer of Hebrews gives the reminder to “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). Hospitality is a prerequisite for a pastor/biship/elder (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8), encouraged to all believers (Romans 12:13), and commanded to be done without grudging (1 Peter 4:9).
They Helped — vs. 18
Priscilla and Aquila were right there alongside Paul as he journeyed. Whether they helped prepare meals, carry luggage, provide encouraging words, or just sat next to him, they were the ones Paul called “my helpers” (Romans 16:3). What a compliment!
Every child of God should desire to be “fellowhelpers” of those carrying the Gospel (3 John 1:8). Yes, you need help, but determine to be a help to others. Help the lost know Christ, help the Christians grow, and help God’s workers be encouraged and continue serving God. We can all be helpers in God’s work. The credit is not to the person we are helping, but to the God we are ultimately serving.
They Made Others Better — vs. 24-28
A certain eloquent preacher came to town named Apollos. He was known for being fervent in the spirit, mighty in the scriptures, and a diligent teacher. Though it was apparent he was already being used of the Lord, Aquila and Priscilla “took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (vs. 26). It seems they did this discreetly as to not embarrass, but they gave him more insight so much that “he mightily convinced the Jews” (vs. 28). Apollos was good, but he became even better as a result of his time with Aquila and Priscilla.
This should awaken us to be willing to be helped by others. Aquila and Priscilla were not in full-time ministry, but this did not deter Apollos from listening to them. God has used “non-ministry” people to teach me! Do not miss God’s lessons because the packaging is not what you anticipate… have open ears and a willing heart to learn from whomever God sends your way.
This should also awaken us to make others better. Whether someone is above you, below you, or next to you, you can be used of God to influence them for good. Determine that anyone God lets cross your paths will be a better person as a result of knowing you. Make them better by encouraging words, by wise insights, by personal prayers, and by your valuable time.
Aquila and Priscilla were a power couple because they allowed God to use their lives. As Joshua proclaimed to the people he was leading, “choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). Serve God individually, but do not neglect to serve God with the spouse and family He has given you.
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.” — Acts 13:1-4
The church recognized spiritual leadership.
There were four prominent leaders here— vs. 1. These men were prophets and teachers, and most likely served over the congregation (or with the apostles). We’re not certain of all they did, but something made them stand out above the others. God’s servants should always stand out. Wise Christian leadership will notice when God’s hand is on someone, and give them opportunities to serve, and then lead in God’s work.
The church sought God’s guidance on whom to send — vs. 2. They prayed and fasted, seeking God’s will for the situation. A church and an individual should always seek God’s guidance in order to make the best decisions.
The church laid hands on Barnabas and Saul — vs. 3. This was not unusual, it was a sign of recognizing and passing leadership or blessing from one to another. We see this throughout the epistles, and it goes back as least as far as Moses and Joshua (Numbers 27:18-21; Deuteronomy 34:9-12).
The church “sent them away” — vs. 3. Likely meaning they sent them with prayer, encouragement, passage money, support to live on, and promises to stay in contact and await their return.
The Holy Spirit pointed out the leadership.
It was the Holy Ghost that told the church which leaders whom to separate. God calls an individual, the church just recognizes and obeys God’s leading.
It was the Holy Ghost who sent Barnabas and Saul. What a beautiful thing that we can partner with the Lord as He calls and sends forth laborers.
It is evident that the Holy Spirit and the church partner together to send out a missionary. The obvious conclusion is that if someone desires to serve God, the church should recognize this, and the Holy Spirit should make it obvious to both the individual and church. As with Barnabas and Saul, God chose men that were already serving and doing God’s work. What are you doing right now for God in ministry? You can’t expect God to send you if you are not currently serving Him. God uses Spirit-filled people that are busy about His business. God’s servants should be:
Representing the Lord with a good testimony in the church
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” — Acts 20:28
As Paul was giving his farewell speech to the elders before leaving for Jerusalem, he pleads with them to “take heed.” This is a phrase he tells to Timothy as well (1 Timothy 4:16), and this is a phrase God has for you and me as well. Paul specifically says to take heed in two specific areas, and we would be wise to consider his warning:
Take Heed to Yourself
Sometimes we concern ourselves with and judge everyone else, when we should be more concerned with and working in our own lives. A good rule of thumb is to be lenient towards others and more strict and judgmental towards yourself.
God reminds us to “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Don’t allow pride from thinking you’re above yielding to temptation, making unwise decisions, or drifting from God. In Hebrews 3:12, we’re told to “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”
“Take heed” was a phrase used by Moses the month before Joshua was to lead Israel over the Red Sea and into the Promised Land. Moses reminded them that they were blessed with God’s goodness more than any other people (Deuteronomy 4:7-8), and as a result, he said, “Take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget” (Deuteronomy 4:9).
It is easy to see the issues of others, but be honest and examine your own life with some hard questions: Do you have victory over areas of weakness in your own life? How is your love for God and love for others? How is your private walk and dedication with the Lord? How is your attitude towards people, ministry, and life? Are you the same person at home that you are in public? Each one of us would be wise to take heed and work in our own lives. To best minister to others, we must constantly improve in our own lives.
Take Heed to the Flock God Has Given You
Paul was quick to mention that the ministry and people are God’s people, ones He “purchased with his own blood.” The ministry and people are not yours, God can give it/them to another steward if you are not faithful. The people in your ministry, and the ministry in general, belong to the Lord, and we should never forget that.
Paul says, “over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” The responsibility you have was given to you by God. Never forget that! Because what you have is from God, don’t abuse your position and privilege. Don’t try to lord over God’s heritage but be an example (1 Peter 5:3).
A big part of serving God is serving others. Examine how your dedication, love, and attitude is towards the flock God has give you. First, don’t forget it is from God, and second, don’t forget that it belongs to God.
Take heed to feed the flock. If you’re not in the Word, you cannot provide for them. If you’re not filled with the Spirit, you will not be the example or serve them well. The flock is your responsibility from God. Paul reminded the church in Colosseum to “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it” (Colossians 4:17) What is the flock God has given you? Is it your children, family, those you teach, preach to, or those in your city? Clarify what flock and ministry God has given you, and then take heed to feed them. And remember that you cannot help or serve those you are over if you are first not taking heed to yourself. Those you serve over need you to be walking with God, filled with His Spirit, and willing to lovingly serve them.
