PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 28:11-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.” (Acts 28:15)
To follow Jesus is not an easy path, it has many challenges.
But meeting with other Jesus followers is very encouraging.
To know that we are not alone, that others believe like us.
Paul is refreshed by meeting with the believers in Rome (see Romans 15:23-24, 31-32).
This makes me wonder about times when I meet with other Jesus followers.
Is it refreshing, is it enjoyable, are we mutually encouraging?
Sometimes yes, when the conversation is uplifting and hopeful.
But sometimes no… when the conversation is negative, critical or meaningless.
I am aware of some road bumps and potholes the church is facing.
Conversations turn to debates, criticism, differences of opinion, and warnings.
Satan loves to stir the pot, to get Jesus followers off the path.
Now more than ever we need to make sure our times together are encouraging.
The path is hard, but Jesus is still Lord, and grace is still operative.
Since we are saved by grace, let us encourage one another with grace… we need it.
PRAYER
Lord, help us as a church to grow as a grace community, where we can refresh and encourage one another, especially when the enemy is working to divide and discourage us.
After an epic journey with many challenges but also blessing – those that came and provided hospitality to Paul – Paul makes it to Rome and is welcomed there. He is allowed to live on his own under the watchful eye of a guard, but none-the-less relatively free – yet protected – especially if there still were those who wanted to eliminate him. But what a blessing to be welcomed – especially after an eventful journey and the prospect of a trial before Caesar! Wherever I go I treasure the company of other Jesus followers – they make me feel at home. That is the kind of community we need to be!