Today’s question is the same as yesterday’s: How do you treat the people who weren’t there for you? Who let you down? Who blew it when you needed them? How good is the church at reinstating people after they’ve blown it? This is the day the Lord has made. Let us agree to rejoice in this day. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
God of the Nations, God of the Generations, God who is mighty to save.
You are Savior, Victor, Example, and Lord.
You call us, equip us, and fill us with your Spirit.
You work in us and through us. You give gifts for ministry. You form the church.
Remind us today of your Providence and Grace.
And teach us to trust you. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
Come Holy Spirit, help us to hear your still, small voice as we read your word:
Acts 15:36-41 A little background: Paul and Barnabas had a fruitful ministry and a close friendship. Mark would write the gospel of Mark.
36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (ESV)

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
Paul was a born adventurer and could never stay long in one place. He decided to take the road again; but the preparations for the journey ended in a tragic breach. Barnabas wished to take John Mark but Paul would have nothing to do with the man who had played the deserter in Pamphylia. The difference between them was so sharp that they split company never to work with each other again. It is impossible to say whether Barnabas or Paul was right. But this much is certain, Mark was supremely fortunate that he had a friend like Barnabas. In the end, as we know, Mark became the man who redeemed himself. It may well have been the friendship of Barnabas which gave Mark back his self-respect and made him determined to make good. It is a great thing for a man to have someone who believes in him. Barnabas believed in Mark and in the end, Mark justified that belief. [In part by writing the Gospel of Mark.]

— Let this prayer be answered in us today: (4)
God of every good and perfect gift,
our lives, like our gifts, are not always good, and they are always imperfect.
We surrender, knowing that our motives are mixed and our mission is unclear.
Still, we offer ourselves to you with confidence,
knowing that your love is stronger than our problems
Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sources:
(1) Original.
(2) From Romans 5:6-10 NRSV as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.
(3) From The Acts of the Apostles, by William Barclay
(4) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.