Good morning! Thank you for joining me today. Last Thursday, we finished chapter seventeen with Paul speaking in Athens and with a few people including a member of the council becoming believers. Today we will begin our reading in Act chapter eighteen. Enjoy today’s devotion and your weekend.

Bible verse

“Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.^[a] 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. ³ Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers^[b] just as he was.

⁴ Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. ⁵ And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. ⁶ But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.”” – Acts 18:1-6 NLT

Observations

• The distance from Athens to Corinth was approximately 50 miles.
• Paul went to Corinth alone.
• Paul continued to speak in the synagogue on Sabbath. This is a pattern throughout Acts that the message of the Good News was delivered to the Jews first in the synagogues and then to the Gentiles.

Reflection

Paul was a faithful servant of Christ Jesus. His difficulties on his mission trips did not hinder him from being faithful to the Lord. The Lord continued to be faithful to Paul and ensured provisions for him during his journey. For a period of time, Paul worked with his hands and also spoke at the temple.

Paul faithfully spoke to the Jews and shared the Good News, and the doors were also open for Paul to speak with the Gentiles. The Lord made a way for all to come and know Him as Savior and Lord.

Sisters and brothers, as you begin your week think on how the Lord met you, and when you believed and accepted the Lord as your Savior and as the Lord over your life. Then also consider how the Lord is calling you to reach the lost, the wandering sheep, and guide them into a relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

• When you think of the lost or wandering sheep, who comes to mind?
• Have you considered someone in your home, on your job, a friend, or even a neighbor?

Your situation may not be as difficult as Paul’s, but it may have some challenges. Let me encourage you to start praying for the people God is sending you to share the Good News with. Let them see Christ in you – in your words, actions, and in your life, but most of all be authentic.

Have a wonderful week. God is with you. Where is He leading you?

Prayer

Father God we thank you for your son Jesus. We thank you for sending him to earth to save us and reconcile us back to you. Lord forgive us for the sins we have committed. Lord, free us from the things that take us away from a deeper and sincere relationship with you. Lord, we want to be authentic Christians who love and desire to serve you. Lord, renew us and equip us to share the Good News with those who do not know you. Encourage us to be a blessing and encouragement to our fellow sisters and brothers of the faith. Lord, do not allow us to become distracted by the plots of the enemy. Work in us and suit us up in your armor. Be with us, in Jesus name amen.

Events

Our next virtual Women’s Retreat is Saturday, November 14, 2020 . In order to participate in the arts and crafts session and receive your supplies on time, we strongly advise that you register at least two weeks before the event.

Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

Copyright 2020 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.