Author: Dana Hagstrom

Read Acts 15:22-35

The council met, and an agreement was made. Now it’s time to share with the people, particularly the Gentiles. It’s also a message Jews need to hear and accept as well. As with any decision, some on either side will not be satisfied. But we hear that even the Holy Spirit blessed this decision.

There was another genius move by these leaders. We often see the messenger of such news taking the brunt of the dissatisfaction. The whole church in Jerusalem and the elders chose two men to bring this news to the people. Those men were entrusted with the letter, leaving Paul and Barnabas to minister to the people. They did not have to take any blame or criticism that might be projected from an unhappy believer upon the messenger. Does it seem like I know firsthand what it feels like to bring a message to a group, only to take flack and be ostracized by some? Maybe you do, too. Continue reading “Acts 15:22-35 – Here’s the Deal”

Read Acts 15:1-21

We see a challenge arise in our young church. It is helpful for us to watch how the apostles and leaders work through the differences and reach a resolution. If you’ve ever been part of a church, or any organization for that matter, where a disagreement or difference of opinion arises, you know how important it is to address it quickly and not let it fester or grow into a much bigger problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, unresolved issues can take on a life of their own.

I’ve seen that time and time again, especially when we keep our concerns to ourselves. How can we expect to resolve something that is hidden? Sometimes people thrive on negativity and seem to want to stir up trouble. That is not healthy for a young church or any group. We see a good model here in Acts 15 for healthy resolution and decision making. Continue reading “Acts 15:1-21 – Let’s Decide”

Read Acts 14:21-28

Paul’s first journey comes to an end, as they return to the point of their beginning. I wonder if he knew how many more journeys were ahead and where the Lord would lead? I get the impression he was ready, “on-call” you might say, for the Lord to lead in whatever direction. How about you? Do you stand ready for God to call you to your next mission?

Today’s reading was calm. No stonings or jail time, just straight up sharing and traveling. I like how they retraced their steps so they could encourage the young churches they had planted along the way. The young believers did need encouragement because entering the Kingdom of God is not without hardship.  Despite their hardships and angry mobs, the Word of God was preached and the Good News proclaimed. They had much success to report to the people of Antioch who had “entrusted them to the grace of God.”  Continue reading “Acts 14:21-28 – End of the Road”

Read Acts 14:8-20

I remember studying the Greek gods in elementary school one year in Social Studies. It made an impression on me because at that young age, all I knew was there was one God, the God we learned about on Sunday morning. Who were these other gods? Zeus and Aphrodite are the names I remember. I was the kid who looked forward to Sunday School and learning the Bible stories. These Greek gods never came up. (I guess we didn’t read this passage!) Those were my roots, and I am thankful that seeds were planted when I was young.

I’ve never been a witness to any remarkable miracle like the miracle described in today’s reading. Have you? My life is not over, and I am always looking for God to move in incredible ways. He has certainly moved in my life. I can clearly see his hand visible in so many of my turning points. How have you witnessed God moving in your life or in those around you? Continue reading “Acts 14:8-20 – God is God”

Read Acts 14:1-7

The grass is not always greener on the other side. Today we see an example of this truth. It’s not like Paul and Barnabas were expecting a new town to be without issues. But we see the same scenario playing out again. The twists and turns may be a little different, but the similarities are striking.

What I liked about this account is the apostles stayed there “a long time.” They didn’t jump ship, they persevered. Through their ministry, many people heard the Good News and believed. They were bold, and God rewarded their faithfulness by revealing himself through the miraculous signs and wonders. How bold are you in standing on your faith in the midst of conflict? What setbacks have you encountered that have caused you to step back, move on or reevaluate? Continue reading “Acts 14:1-7 – Conflict Will Come”