Amid the great disturbance of our days, we needmore than ever to heed Scripture‘s command to "be wise in the wayyou act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity" (Col.4:5). - P61
When debates get loud and tempers flare, let us not forget thatGod can use something as simple as a respectful attitude to strengthenthe witness of His church. - P61
Father, even though the world may be hostile to the gospel, give me the graceand wisdom to always love others and do good to them. - P61
Empower me to dothis especially when dealing with non-believing leaders.
In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P61
[NIV] 1 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for thedisciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye andset out for Macedonia. - P62
4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus fromBerea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica,
Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus andTrophimus from the province of Asia. - P62
9 Seated in a window was a young man named Euty-chus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talkedon and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to theground from the third story and was picked up dead.
10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young manand put his arms around him. "Don‘t be alarmed," hesaid. "He‘s alive!"
#D - P63
12 The people took the young man home alive and weregreatly comforted. - P63
Paul sets out to Macedonia and encourages those in that area. Some Jews inGreece plot against him, but Paul manages to avoid them. - P63
When Paul and hiscompanions arrive at Troas, Paul talks until midnight. Eutychus falls asleepwhile listening, falls from the third story, and dies. Paul brings him back tolife. Everyone is comforted by this. - P63
After the riot in Ephesus, Paul travels through Macedonia, then departsto Greece, and eventually returns to Macedonia as his plans to go toSyria are changed due to some Jews plotting to harm him. - P64
EverywherePaul goes, he intentionally makes an effort to encourage fellow believ-ers. - P64
There are many people who accompany Paul in his journeys, andhe is never alone in his missionary endeavors. Paul‘s mission work hasalways involved partnership and fellowship with other Christians ashe recognizes the importance of unity and love among believers. - P64
Asmembers of one body in Christ, we are called to practice our faith infellowship with other believers so that the world might recognize thelove of Christ in the love we display for one another. - P64
Paul breaks bread together with the believers in Troas, again demon-strating his sincere commitment to fellowship with his brothers andsisters in the faith. - P64
Not long after, while Paul delivers a long sermon inupper room, a man named Eutychus who is sitting by a window onthe third story, dozes off and tragically falls to his death. - P64
RemarkablyPaul raises him from the dead, and after this incident continues to eatwith and teach the believers. This miracle is yet another example of theHoly Spirit working powerfully within the Early Church, fortifying thefaith of the believers and establishing a sturdy foundation upon whichwe continue to build today. - P64
We know from Scripture that Paul could get impatient. While on trialbefore the Sanhedrin, he had to admit he had spoken rashly to thehigh priest (Acts 23:1-5). - P65
His encouraging words do not arise froma naturally considerate personality. Yet in Acts 27, we see Paul aboarda boat that has been tossed about by a violent storm for two weeksand his serenity becomes an encouragement to the other passengers.
Though cold, soaked, and tired, Paul draws encouragement from Je-sus‘ promises (vv. 23-25). - P63
Jesus‘ words are reason enough for him notto let himself be overwhelmed by the circumstances. - P65
Jesus has alreadygiven us His peace. - P65
In every storm, let us direct our thoughts towardHis words until we firmly realize that they are reason enough not to fret. - P65
Let our knowledge of and trust in His promises be such that weare able to encourage others as well. - P65
Father, what a gift it is to be able to walk this journey of faith alongside fel-low brothers and sisters in Christ! May I not take this fellowship for granted.
Through the sharing of Your Word, the breaking of bread, and our loving oneanother, may You be glorified. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P65
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