Acts 14: At Iconium Paul and
Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so
effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe
stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable
time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his
grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. 4 The people of the city were divided; some
sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5 There was a plot afoot among both
Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone
them. 6 But
they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and
Derbe and to the surrounding country, 7 where
they continued to preach the gospel.
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After mailing in a dollar’s
worth of coins and box tops from cereal, I was on my way to elation. Weeks later
a box came to the house with my name on it. The “free” kite had arrived. I had
never flown a kite and didn’t know how. I put it together and went outside.
I ran with the kite behind
me, but it would not fly. “Here, let me show you” a neighbor said. He stayed
with me until I understood how to fly a kite on my own.
- Many people have stayed with me until I learned.
- Many people have been patient with me until I understood.
- Many people have had the courage to help me when I struggled with something.
Paul and Barnabas spoke to everyone
they could in another town. Many believed, but there were those who poisoned
the minds others, causing confusion. Paul and Barnabas stayed a considerable
time, teaching and preaching. GOD saw this and enabled them to perform many
signs and wonders.
- GOD wants me to stay with people until they understand HIM.
- GOD wants me to stay with people until they can seek HIM on their own.
- GOD wants me to stay with people until they see HIS message of grace.
Staying with people takes
time and effort. Unfortunately, the pressures of life pull me away from staying
with those who really need the time. BUT GOD wants me to make time. HE wants me
to slow down for a moment and explain HIS love.
Since I am no expert on GOD,
HE wants me to simply share what HE has done for me. I am glad HE has forgiven
me for all my sins, even the one’s that are done over and over.
- Are you spending time growing people for GOD?
- Do you see someone struggling who needs to hear HIS grace?
- Will you slow down and speak to that person about GOD’s amazing love today?
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