“An angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Rise and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza…’ And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and join this chariot.’ So Philip ran to him… and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ And he said, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him… Then Philip.., beginning with this Scripture, told him the good news about Jesus.”
“Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ The Lord said, ‘Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul.., and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem…’ But the Lord said, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel…’ So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 8:26-31,35; 9:10-13,15,17
Going about their duties and hours filled with the Holy Spirit, Philip and Ananias met opportunities to follow the Lord’s lead with ready obedience. Alert to the enemies of God, these steady servants were focused on their Lord and prepared for heavenly service no matter what. Their prompt obedience to the Lord’s clear call put into motion life-altering, world-changing moments all in a day’s service of the King. (Acts 8:5-7)
What a privilege it is as God’s children to be involved in His kingdom building! Every day we can be part of making an eternal difference. As disciples of Christ, how eager are we to seize such opportunities and fulfill God-given appointments with those in need? Devoted worship and love for Jesus compel us to serve His will in word and deed. (2 Corinthians 5:14-21; 1 John 3:18)
Would we begin our days immersed in the Word, getting filled with the Spirit, attuning our ears to prepare for wherever and to whomever God would have us minister? Would we be so yielded and full of love that we can connect with even the antagonistic and unlovable? So confident in God‘s truth that we’re not fearful of His enemies, nor uncomfortable around those different from us? When we go forth in the call, filling, and equipping of the Lord God, He does the magnificent work and we are the privileged servants. (Ephesians 5:18)
Lord, have full way and sway with me that my hours serve Your purposes and glorify Your name.
As the rain and snow 