Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

God's Sustaining Presence

Bible Reading:   Acts 18:1-4

Key Verse: “Because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked” (Acts 18:3)



DEVOTION

Paul’s arrival in Corinth marked a critical turning point in his missionary journey. Corinth was a busy, and morally complex city. It was a hub of commerce, religions, and philosophies. It was a city known for its wealth and vice. After leaving Athens Paul could have easily become discouraged. Yet Acts 18:1–4 shows us God's sustaining presence working through the ordinary rhythms of life through friendships, work, and worship.
Luke, the author of Acts, carefully points out Paul’s connection with Aquila and Priscilla. Certain historians present Aquila and Priscilla as refugees. Acts18:1-4 shows the bond between Paul and this couple and their shared hardships of displacement, isolation, and labor. They became co-laborers not only in tentmaking but also in the spreading of Gospel. Paul’s work as a tentmaker wasn’t just a way to earn a living; it was also a way to build relationships, live with integrity, and create opportunities for the gospel. His ordinary labor was part of his extraordinary calling.  Engaging in manual labor allowed him to remain independent and connected to ordinary people. Historically, rabbis were often trained in a trade alongside their religious studies; Paul’s work would have been seen as honorable. Therefore, this approach would have helped Paul to overcome the setbacks in Athens.
God’s sustaining presence often comes through unexpected means. In Corinth, Paul was not alone. God provided companions. He was not idle; he found meaningful work. He was not silent; he continued to reason boldly in the synagogues. This pattern speaks powerfully into our own moments of transition and discouragement. When success seems slow, when the culture around us feels alien, when isolation tempts us toward despair, God's presence sustains us through community, vocation, and worship.
The hospitality and partnership of Priscilla and Aquila became part of the foundation of the early church. Often, God's sustaining presence comes through the faithful, humble service of others. This texts addresses people who are discouraged, lonely or uncertain about various needs of life and encourages to find a sustaining relationship with God. God is sustaining us through a friend, a new opportunity or even with a new perspective towards life. When we align ourselves with others who are walking in the same direction spiritually, we gain encouragement, accountability, and strength for life.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for reminding that every part of our life matters to You. Not just the big moments, but the ordinary ones too. Help us to live with purpose, to work with integrity, and to see opportunities to share Your love in everything we do. Amen.


Thought for the day

Live purposefully even in the “ordinary” parts of life

                                                        
Abraham Zachariah
St. Thomas MTC, Kozhencherry

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more