Where ever you go
After spending some time there, Paul continued on through the region of Galatia and Phyrgia in central Turkey. And wherever he went he encouraged and strengthened the believers. Acts 18:23
How do people feel when they see you walking toward them? When family, friends or co-workers are around, do they rejoice to visit with you or are they trying to avoid you? Many people justify their lack of popularity by blaming something they were born with or into. Others would say it was because of things they have suffered in their past. Maybe they come from a poverty background or maybe even come from a different country. The truth is most people enjoy or not enjoy being around you by how they feel when the conversation is finished. If they leave your presence feeling uplifted and encouraged, then chances are they will not avoid you in the future. If they can’t wait to get away from you because all your words are criticizing, condemning and complaining, then they probably will walk the other way the next time they see you coming.
In today’s reading, the apostle Paul traveled to Jerusalem and on the way he made many stops. The passage says that wherever he went, he encouraged and strengthened the believers. God’s people were always glad to see Paul come for a visit because they knew the time he spent with them would strengthen their faith and relationship with the Lord. On the other hand, there were people in almost every city that he went to who despised him and wanted to shut down the message he was spreading throughout the whole earth. It was not because of where he came from or something from his past. It was simply because of the words he said every time he was around.
If you find yourself today feeling neglected or left out, consider the words you are speaking when you are around others. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you help in your relationships and for you to be a blessing to all those you come into contact with. Pay attention to what they are saying and the needs that others may have that you can help with. Become the type of person that makes people feel encouraged and inspired when you come around and you will have no issues with people avoiding you.
Today I want to encourage you to follow the example of the apostle Paul by encouraging and strengthening people wherever you go. Be the kind of person that others love to be around because when the leave the conversation they feel energized and inspired to help others. Don’t spend your time talking about the latest world crisis or political race, instead help people turn their attention to being helpful and productive in the world. Make the change today to be an inspiration to those around you and soon you will be able to help others do the same wherever you go.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 18:18-23
18 After remaining in Corinth several more days, Paul finally bid shalom to the believers and sailed away for the coast of Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before they left, Paul had his head shaved at Cenchrea, because he had taken a vow of dedication.
19 When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila behind, then he went into the synagogue and spoke to the Jews.
20 They asked him to stay longer, but he refused
21 and said farewell to them, adding, “I will come back to you, if it is God’s will, after I go to Jerusalem to observe the feast.” Then he set sail from Ephesus for Caesarea.
22 When he arrived there he traveled on to Jerusalem to visit the church and pray for them, then he left for Antioch.
23 After spending some time there, Paul continued on through the region of Galatia and Phyrgia in central Turkey. And wherever he went he encouraged and strengthened the believers.
The Daily Dose 