October 25, 2020: SOAP #3979:  Job 16; Acts 21-23

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 21:5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. 6 After saying good-bye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. 7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven.

Observation:  The above verses give insight into Paul’s travels.  There were limited hotels or motels.  Paul stayed in the homes of people who shared his vision of a local church.  His visits were an encouragement; they loved to see him come and they hated to see him go.  Paul’s ministry was a series of relationships.  In a day with no copies of the Word to have in private homes, it must have been a special blessing to have someone like Paul in a home for an extended time.  Oh, the things they could learn about God and His plan for our lives. 

Application:  A relationship with God leads to relationships with people.  So much of the Bible concerns our relationships with people. Perhaps we should consider any visit that does not end with a closing prayer or a blessing a wasted opportunity. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for today, allowing Sharon and myself to celebrate 52 years of marriage!  Wow!  We are so blessed!  Thank you for the special relationships you have placed in our lives that have encouraged and strengthened us.  Use us to do the same for others.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!