Place to Place

Place to Place

Acts 14: ²¹ They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. ²³ Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. ²⁴ After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, ²⁵ and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

²⁶ From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. ²⁷ On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸ And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

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Rushing into the gas station bathroom, I held my breath as long as I could. I really had to go, so the super-disgusting surrounding would not deter my mission. Not knowing if I made up a saying or heard it along the way, I remembered “Leave a place better than you found it.” I wiped off the grimy sink.

• There have been some places I’ve been that were disgusting.
• There have been some places I’ve been that were difficult.
• There have been some places I’ve been that were downright disastrous.

Paul and Barnabas returned to the place where Paul was stoned. Their return brought on new life to those who remained. They encouraged the residents to remain true to the faith, explaining the hardships of a true follower of JESUS. They appointed elders, committing them to the LORD. This place was now better.

• GOD wants me to meet people wherever I go.
• GOD wants me to leave people better than I found them.
• GOD wants me to encourage people and prepare them to be strong during persecution.

Some people will remain stationary and reach others for CHRIST. Others, like me, will go from place to place with HIS encouraging message. No matter which of the two, GOD wants HIS kingdom to be encouraged.

Each encounter I have with another human is precious. GOD wants me to see what HE sees in people and encourage them rather than sending up yet another complaint about “that” person. GOD already has the accuser standing before HIM, complaining about each human. GOD wats me to stand firm and pray a blessing on people I meet. I am grateful GOD gives me purpose.

• Are you complaining about people?
• Are you being persecuted?
• If you are planning to leave a place, will you encourage the people before you leave so they can be strengthened in CHRIST?