SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 21:4 Finding the disciples there [in Tyre], we stayed with them seven days… 7 …landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. 8 … and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist… 16 … [in Caesarea] brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay …
OBSERVATION: The church was growing and spreading across the Roman Empire. Many cities had a group of believers. So Paul looked for disciples in each city where they stopped during their trip to Jerusalem.
APPLICATION: I need to keep my heart open to the Holy Spirit and my eyes and ears open to those around me. I never know where I will find another believer. I may be a source of encouragement to them, or they may be a source of encouragement for me.
We do not need to make a connection; Jesus has already made the connection! The Holy Spirit living within us will help us to recognize His presence in another person.
It was my first day at Balboa Naval Hospital (1966) and I was wondering how to locate other Christians. I was certain that some would be there; just how would I find them? Standing in the lunch line, the Holy Spirit quickened me to watch for someone who would bow their head and give thanks before eating. Shortly I saw another sailor bow his head in prayer. When I got my food, I went and sat across from him and bowed my head in prayer. And so began a great encouraging fellowship! (Thank you, Boyd!)
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, today help me to notice other believers sharing my space. Help me to recognize the connection that we already have in you! Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
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