Acts 15
36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
A woman of God (NJM) told me in December of last year that a particular (preacher) friend of mine was not my true friend. It was nothing that she heard and she never saw us together. . . . she said that the Holy Spirit showed her. I was confused because I felt like we (the preacher and I) were like minded. He's a true man of God with a spirit of evangelism and gifted to help others. We've prayed together, preached together, traveled together and shared our personal lives with each other. So it was hard for me to accept initially what this woman was saying. She went on to say that he could not be trusted and he will prove himself to me in days to come. Honestly, I just did not believe she was talking about him. Everything was everything until just a few months ago, and I saw "my friend" for who he actually is. She told me that he was good for me for where I was then, but for where I am going now and for the direction my life and ministry is heading. . . . I must be selective, set boundaries and use wisdom.
Mark had his ministry and Paul had his. Paul chose Silas over Mark but that did not totally discount or discredit Mark's ministry. It was time for them to part and there may have been contention at the time but they were both very effective in their own ministries. The time will come when you must remove yourself from some people because they are not with you and can not be counted on as it relates to matters of the spirit. It doesn't make them bad people, they are human. They will make bad decisions and so will you. If you keep reading over in 2 Timothy . . . Paul ask that they bring Mark with them when they come to him for Mark is useful to him in ministry.
Friendships are sometimes seasonal. Seasons change. God places people in our lives oft times for where we are at that time and not necessarily forever. Churches spit. Families split. Friendships split. Corporations split. But sometimes great things come behind a split or a rift. Don't be so quick to judge others because they don't always act like you. Don't be so quick to throw people away completely because of character differences. Learn to accept people, be kind to them, but operate in wisdom and know where and when to draw the line. Don't try to stay connected to someone that you have outgrown or that's outgrown you. You don't have to try to fit in. You don't have to kiss up to anyone. You needn't prove yourself to anyone. Don't alter your character to be accepted by any man. Let them go their way and you go yours and as Laban said to Jacob: "May the Lord watch between me and thee while we're absent one from another". Amen! No hard feelings. . . . . just moving in opposite directions. We are still cordial and we yet fellowship with each other, just not as often. I respect him and what he contributes to the kingdom and I am thankful for Godly wisdom that keeps us sentient and watchful. Stay focused and ask God for courage to change the things about your life and your circle of friends that need to be changed.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mike
36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
A woman of God (NJM) told me in December of last year that a particular (preacher) friend of mine was not my true friend. It was nothing that she heard and she never saw us together. . . . she said that the Holy Spirit showed her. I was confused because I felt like we (the preacher and I) were like minded. He's a true man of God with a spirit of evangelism and gifted to help others. We've prayed together, preached together, traveled together and shared our personal lives with each other. So it was hard for me to accept initially what this woman was saying. She went on to say that he could not be trusted and he will prove himself to me in days to come. Honestly, I just did not believe she was talking about him. Everything was everything until just a few months ago, and I saw "my friend" for who he actually is. She told me that he was good for me for where I was then, but for where I am going now and for the direction my life and ministry is heading. . . . I must be selective, set boundaries and use wisdom.
Mark had his ministry and Paul had his. Paul chose Silas over Mark but that did not totally discount or discredit Mark's ministry. It was time for them to part and there may have been contention at the time but they were both very effective in their own ministries. The time will come when you must remove yourself from some people because they are not with you and can not be counted on as it relates to matters of the spirit. It doesn't make them bad people, they are human. They will make bad decisions and so will you. If you keep reading over in 2 Timothy . . . Paul ask that they bring Mark with them when they come to him for Mark is useful to him in ministry.
Friendships are sometimes seasonal. Seasons change. God places people in our lives oft times for where we are at that time and not necessarily forever. Churches spit. Families split. Friendships split. Corporations split. But sometimes great things come behind a split or a rift. Don't be so quick to judge others because they don't always act like you. Don't be so quick to throw people away completely because of character differences. Learn to accept people, be kind to them, but operate in wisdom and know where and when to draw the line. Don't try to stay connected to someone that you have outgrown or that's outgrown you. You don't have to try to fit in. You don't have to kiss up to anyone. You needn't prove yourself to anyone. Don't alter your character to be accepted by any man. Let them go their way and you go yours and as Laban said to Jacob: "May the Lord watch between me and thee while we're absent one from another". Amen! No hard feelings. . . . . just moving in opposite directions. We are still cordial and we yet fellowship with each other, just not as often. I respect him and what he contributes to the kingdom and I am thankful for Godly wisdom that keeps us sentient and watchful. Stay focused and ask God for courage to change the things about your life and your circle of friends that need to be changed.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mike
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