The readings come from the Daily Lectionary in Lutheran Servcie Book.

In the Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord the confessors write, "The preaching and hearing of God's Word are the Holy Spirit's instruments." In the Acts passage and throughout the entire book the Apostles constantly speak the Word of God--not necessarily quoting it but interpreting it for the situation. In today's reading Luke records that Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly in turning to the Gentiles. It all makes sense: God speaks creation into existence and usually by the power of his Word Jesus heals people--sometimes just by touch Jesus heals. We are told in Acts, "And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldy, saying, 'It iwas necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning tothe Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have made you alight for hte Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.''"

So, get busy and speak the Word of the Lord: " So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" ( Ro 10:17).

The readings come from the Daily Lectionary in Lutheran Servcie Book.

In Joshua 24:2 we learn that "Father Abraham" was once a pagan--he served other gods! In Deuteronomy he is called a "wandering Aramean." We often forget that God just chooses Abram to make him Abraham, the father of many nations, i.e., pagans. Striking! Halting! Jesus says the same thing explicitly in John 15:16: "16 'You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.'" God speaks creation into existence and things come to be, including people! This gives us hope. God's Word is powerful, doing what it says: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb 4:12). So speak the Word of God into the lives of people! Join in God's re-creation of all things!