This week’s devotional has in mind our 10th Anniversary. It takes its inspiration and text from Acts 13:1-5 and the westward expansion of the church from Jerusalem. As you read this devotional, keep in mind the next 10 years of LifeSpring’s existence and how the ideas of the first century church bear on our own identity and strategy.
Weekly Scripture Readings:
Tuesday, September 13. Read Romans 10:14-15. What does Paul say is a prerequisite to being able to call on Christ? What does he say about the “feet” of one who undertakes this task?
Wednesday, September 14. Read Acts 11:19-21. What effect did the martyrdom of Stephen have on the church? What do you think would have happened if the church had not been faced with that challenge?
Thursday, September 15. Read Acts 13:1-3. What happened to a group of “prophets and teachers” as they worshiped? What does the Spirit reveal about God in the instructions given?
Friday September 16. Read Jonah 1:1-3. What caused Jonah to “buy a ticket to Tarshish?” In what ways do you ever find yourself agreeing with Jonah?
Saturday, September 17. Read Acts 13:1-5. This text is the basis of Sunday’s sermon.
Weekly Devotional Article: Are You Ready to Reach Out? by Phil Ware.
Hymn of the Week: Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life by Frank Mason North (1905)
Where cross the crowded ways of life,
where sound the cries of race and clan,
above the noise of selfish strife,
we hear your voice, O Son of Man.
In haunts of wretchedness and need,
on shadowed thresholds fraught with fears,
from paths where hide the lures of greed,
we catch the vision of your tears.
From tender childhood’s helplessness,
from human grief and burdened toil,
from famished souls, from sorrow’s stress,
your heart has never known recoil.
The cup of water given for you
still holds the freshness of your grace;
yet long these multitudes to view
the sweet compassion of your face.
O Master, from the mountainside,
make haste to heal these hearts of pain;
among these restless throngs abide;
O tread the city’s streets again;
Till all the world shall learn your love,
and follow where your feet have trod;
till glorious from your heaven above
shall come the city of our God.