Daily Devotion

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Acts 16:6-10     Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Paul values teamwork very much, so in Lystra he chose Timothy to go on mission trip with him. Just having a coworker team, however, is not enough; team is important, but direction for the team is even more important. We often become lost in direction because according to human nature we like to depend on ourselves. This is particularly true for the educated in North America. In the companies we like to brainstorm on ideas and issues, and we think we can use this method before God as well. I am not against brainstorming, but today the mistake we make is that we want to depend on ourselves. When we are searching for direction and God's will, the first and most important question is what direction is God and the Holy Spirit going towards. If we don't answer this question first, then no matter how exciting our discussion is we're merely listening to our own voices, but we won't be in the will of God. That's why Jesus said, in Gospel of John chapter 15, that "apart from me, you can do nothing." As we are pursuing our spiritual journey, we need to continuously make this decision - Are we going to follow God or follow ourselves? What kind of church do we want to establish - A church that we like, where we feel comfortable and convenient, or a church that pleases God? Paul has a softened heart towards God and he has a sensitive spirit, therefore he was able to understand when the Holy Spirit prohibits him from something, and also see how Holy Spirit wants to guide him. Whether it's God's direction for a church or God will in your personal life, it is important to have a soft heart and a sensitive spirit. The Bible says: "Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you." What is a horse or mull? One who's stubborn and ends up suffering due to failing to seek God's will. May God have mercy on us, let us seek His will so that we may walk on the path of God courageously.    Pray with Pastor Tong Liu     Lord, we thank you because you are happy to guide us the way you guided Paul and Silas with the voice of the Holy Spirit. Bless us, Lord, with sensitivity in our hearts when we seek your will, so that we may recognize your voice and walk on your path. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!