“After saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, we sailed straight to the island of Cos. The next day we reached Rhodes and then went to Patara. 2 There we boarded a ship sailing for Phoenicia. 3 We sighted the island of Cyprus, passed it on our left, and landed at the harbour of Tyre, in Syria, where the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We went ashore, found the local believers, and stayed with them a week. These believers prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem. 5 When we returned to the ship at the end of the week, the entire congregation, including women and children, left the city and came down to the shore with us. There we knelt, prayed, 6 and said our farewells. Then we went aboard, and they returned home. 7 The next stop after leaving Tyre was Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed for one day. 8 The next day we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy.” Acts 21:1-9 NLT
“After this we packed our things and left for Jerusalem. 16 Some believers from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to the home of Mnason, a man originally from Cyprus and one of the early believers. 17 When we arrived, the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem welcomed us warmly. 18 The next day Paul went with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present.” Acts 21:15-18 NLT
Lord God,
Paul had travelled far and wide, was widely known, performed miracles and preached the gospel with much success. He had encouraged believers, kept them on the straight and narrow way and loved them.
Yet, he does not get too big for his boots. He returns to meet with James and the elders of the church in Jerusalem. He treats them with the same respect he treated those he met on his journeys. He did not think himself higher or lower and gave them a detailed account of what You, God had been doing among the gentiles.
He takes their counsel and advise to calm the fears of the Jewish believers. He is an outspoken man on occasions when confronted with false teaching but a man of peace and unity when it comes to building up the church. How wise. Paul talks about where his wisdom comes from in his first letter to the Corinthians, ““Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him? ”But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor 2:16) He does not rush in but turns to You first Lord. After all You reminded us in Proverbs that even a foolish man can appear wise if he stays silent. (Proverbs 17:28).
Help us to think before we speak. Not just think logic or emotion but think Christ in us. Listen for that calm, small voice. Not peace at any price, and we are not always meant to stay silent. We need Your thoughts, Your wisdom Lord for those difficult situations..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 7th December 2025
Another traditional hymn, whose tune I am not familiar with but that will not stop my worship! I have left verses 3 and 4 in the lyrics as they are not sung in the video but are definitely worth the praying.
Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone;
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.
Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet;
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hung’ring ones with manna sweet.
(Omitted verses 3 and 4
Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things that you impart,
And wing my words, that I may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
Oh, grant my spirit to renew,
That I may speak with soothing pow’r
A word in season, as from you,
To weary ones in needful hour.)
Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.
Oh, use me, Lord, use even me
Just as you will, and when, and where,
Until your blessèd face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.
Lyrics: Francis Ridley Havergal