February 18, 2020
Acts 13:1-4
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.  While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
New International Version (NIV)
Living in the most diverse city in the United States gives us certain advantages.  Every day we encounter people of different cultures and faiths.  For a church which began two thousand years ago with the commission to make disciples of all nations, Houston seems like a great place to set up shop.

Every time I read these verses I remember that the church has been diverse almost since the beginning.  Jesus assembled a group of apostles with very different political and economic perspectives. Once persecution forced the disciples out into the world they began to reach people of all walks of life.  Among the leaders of the church at Antioch stood both prophets and teachers. Simeon and Lucien were likely from North Africa.  Manaen grew up with Herod.  Saul of Tarsus and his encourager Barnabas of Cyprus were also members of the leadership group. 

God spoke to this diverse leadership group as they worshiped the Lord and fasted.  If we want to know what God thinks, it is always a good idea to be on speaking terms with him.  Good news:  the Holy Spirit spoke.  Better News:  He had a plan for Saul and Barnabas.  Best News:  the church obeyed.  Fasting and praying they placed hands on them and commissioned them.  When the church sent them, Luke tells us the Holy Spirit sent them.  In others words, they did what God wanted.

One fifth of the way into the 21st Century A. D., we do well to continue the early church’s commitment to diversity in membership and leadership.   Every Sunday at Tallowood I encounter members from six continents.  We may have someone from Antarctica but if so I am unaware of it.  God has brought people together from all over the world.  Now we get to go into our diverse city with the same good news which changed the world.  Our mission has not changed:  we want to make disciples of all nations.  We can do it right here and around the world!  Will we?
Pray with me:       
Father, thank you for including all people in your great missionary plan - for loving the world so much that you gave your only Son.  We are glad to be a part of your world.  Help us to love people as you do.  Empower us to finish the work of making disciples of all nations.  Let us be disciples today who learn of Christ, live as he lived and lead others to do the same.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  
Join us in memorizing the Word.  Scripture for this week:    
Matthew 5:15-16
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan.  Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG 
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week.  In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year.  Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.  
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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