He continued his work. So must we. In the Acts reading we see Paul and Barnabas doing their best to point the people away from the apostles to the Christ who sent them. That, too, must be how we deal with flattery, not letting it go to our heads as if the results of our ministry are due to our own greatness and brilliance. Lord, it is enough for us to know that we are your servants.
Times get tough.
We hear stones hurling toward us and we get edgy, afraid. Give us the courage of Jesus. But other times we hear the sounds of applause, of adoring affirmations and they, too, make us feel uneasy. Give us a holy disinterest for stones or sacrifices as our hearts and minds are focused only on you and your service.