Happy Friday! God has blessed us with another day. Yesterday we read on Paul’s near death experience, and on Paul and Barnabas leaving for Derbe. Paul and Barnabas were met with a lot of opposition on their journeys, but they continued with the mission the Lord had them on. Sisters and brothers, continue on the mission that God has you on. Have a great day and weekend. Enjoy today’s devotion and prayer.

Bible verse

“²¹ After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, ²² where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. ²³ Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. ²⁴ Then they traveled back through Pisidia to Pamphylia. ²⁵ They preached the word in Perga, then went down to Attalia.” – Acts 14:21-25

Key Points

• Paul and Barnabas returned to each location they preached to strengthen the believers again.
• They appointed leadership (elders).
• They trusted God to do His work within those elders and churches.
• They continued to preach in new areas.

Reflection

The church was growing and disciples were being added wherever Paul and Barnabas went. While their was opposition from some Jewish leaders and non-Jews, the Lord continued to open doors and hearts which in turn lead to many converting to Christianity.

Paul and Barnabas could have easily given up or completed their mission at Derbe on a good note, but they were led to go back and strengthen the people. Their words of encouragement still ring true for us today, as Christians there will be suffering but remain focused on the promises of God.

Sisters and brothers, I know this year hasn’t been easy. I know that we are only getting through this by faith. The doors of the church may be closed, but God is opening hearts, we are having church beyond four walls, and expanding the Good News His way. The Good News will not be stopped… May the Lord continue to strengthen you and bless you and your family. May the Lord’s power overflow in you and may you use it to bring glory to the name of the Lord.

The Lord sees you. He knows you. He loves you.

Prayer

Father God we thank you for your amazing grace and patience with us. Lord you know our hearts and you know our greatest fears. Lord, we surrender ourselves to you. Lord, we ask for you to strengthen us as we seek to serve you and be a blessing to others. Lord, continue to equip us with your love 💘 so that we can grow to love others. Lord, we desire to be your hands and feet in this world. Use us. Remind us to do what is good, to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You. Lord, we want to be a better witness of the gospel – not only readers, speakers, or church attendees, we want to be doers of Your word. Give us an obedient heart to follow You and to do Your will. In Jesus name, amen.

Events

Information on our November 14, 2020 Women’s Retreat is posted. For more information on upcoming events, visit our events page:  https://maryewhiteministries.com/events/

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Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

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