Years ago, this advertisement appeared in the classifieds of a local newspaper: "Husband says either he or puppies must go. Puppies are playful and cute. Husband is grouchy and unsympathetic. Your choice free."

It just may be that our biggest challenge in life is relationships. At home and in the community, we struggle to make positive contributions to our relationship with others. Even within the community of faith, relationships require effort.

In today's passage of scripture we see three states in our development as Christians. We also see how God works in people's lives, guiding and directing them to bring God's purposes to fruition.

The Call

As we read this record of Paul's journey, there is the unmistakable sense that God is leading and directing his ministry. Previously in this …