After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer. (Acts 19:21-22)
I pray those who read my devotions hear God’s voice. He often gives me words to write. Those of you I don’t know personally, I expect to meet in heaven. But first, like Paul, I want you to live life on earth to its fullest by following God’s will with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Believing in Jesus and asking Him to save you is enough to get into heaven, but a closer relationship, knowledge of Scripture, spiritual gifts, and the power of the Holy Spirit is required to follow His plan and live with peace and joy.
Paul wanted to nurture and encourage the new Christians in Macedonia, Achaia, and Rome and teach them how to follow God’s will. He planned to do that by teaching Scripture, teaching about Jesus, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit, praying with them, and helping them discover and use their spiritual gifts. He also planned to spread God’s love to the famine-stricken city of Jerusalem. He sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia to collect a love offering for them. (See 1 Corinthians 16.)
We don’t all have the opportunity or gift to evangelize like Paul did, but most have young people in their lives. Share with them how God has helped you and tell them they can do all things through Jesus. Read them books about Jesus, pray with them, and help them discover and use their talents.
Father, I praise you for the power of the Holy Spirit. Let me use Your strength to help ________ become closer to You and find Your will for his/her life. Show me all of _______ talents so I can encourage her/him to use them. Help me show ________ God’s love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
When I was reading this I thought about missionaries in the United States and other countries around the world that have the chance to shepherd for God daily. Many of them take huge risks with their lives to spread the word of God and Christ. They are doing noble work, just as Paul did. Paul didn’t start off with a great life doing great things in the name of Jesus Christ, which means that we all have a chance to do better at being God’s shepherds and spreading the word when we have the opportunity.
That’s a very encouraging thought. Thanks for sharing. I prayed for you and your whole family this morning. I hope you are enjoying the Christmas season. Love you Sis. Blessings.