[Acts 13:1-2, 4-5] Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called "the black man"), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. [2] One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them." [4] So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus. [5] There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant. [Acts 13:13] Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. Sometimes a STRUGGLE reveals where you still need to GROW. [Acts 15:36-38] After some time Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing." [37] Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. [38] But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. FORGIVENESS doesn't automatically eliminate CONSEQUENCES. [Romans 8:1] So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Don't mistake PROCESS for PUNISHMENT. [Acts 15:39-40] Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. [40] Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord's gracious care. Pic Don't let your PAST become your IDENTITY for your future. [1 Corinthians 4:5] So don't make judgments about anyone ahead of time--before the Lord returns. You're still BECOMING who God wants you to be. [Acts 4:36] For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means "Son of Encouragement"). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. [Acts 9:26-27] When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! [27] Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. Don't mistake a QUIET season for an INACTIVE God. [Colossians 4:10] Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas's cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. [Philemon 1:23-24] Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. [24] So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. What somebody CALLED you in one season doesn't determine what God can make you in the NEXT. [2 Timothy 4:9-11] Timothy, please come as soon as you can. [10] Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. [11] Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. God can REDEEM the very thing you thought DISQUALIFIED you. [Philippians 1:6] And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
