THURSDAY - August 6

Read. Acts 15:36-41
36 Some time later, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit all the brothers and sisters in every city where we preached the Lord’s word. Let’s see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them. 38 Paul insisted that they shouldn’t take him along, since he had deserted them in Pamphylia and hadn’t continued with them in their work. 39 Their argument became so intense that they went their separate ways. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas and left, entrusted by the brothers and sisters to the Lord’s grace. 41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Reflect. This is the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey, and it begins with a disagreement. Paul has a desire to go again to check on the Christians in the communities that they had visited before. Barnabas is ready to go and suggests that they take John Mark along. This is the same John Mark who deserted Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13).

• In this disagreement there are no theological tensions; neither man argues that the other is being unfaithful. This division, though, is quite painful. Paul and Barnabas have gone through a lot together, and now they are parting company to never work closely together again. 
• If we use language that is used today, Paul creates a boundary in his life to protect himself and his work. Having healthy boundaries is important in life. Boundaries are limits we set with others that communicate the kind of behavior we find acceptable or unacceptable from the other person. Without boundaries you can easily allow other people to run your life. Sometimes we have to set clear boundaries between ourselves and other people (even people we love) so that we can live a full and faithful life. 
• Reflect on your relationships. Are there any boundaries you need to set or attend to? Do you feel that there could be a relationship that needs a Paul and Barnabas type moment? 
• To learn more about boundaries, check out Boundaries: When to Say yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud. 

Pray. Pray for the rocky relationships in your life, ask for God to give you discernment on how to best deal with these relationships. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. John.