WEDNESDAY November 8, 2023
Precious Reunions
And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge. And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
Acts 21:15-17
Once again, Paul and Luke packed up and continued their travels to Jerusalem. Accompanied by disciples from Caesarea, they journeyed about 65 miles through Philistine country, all the way up into Jerusalem––a two-day journey.
Among them was a man named Mnason of Cyprus. He was an early disciple or an old disciple as the KJV translates it. This elderly Christian could have been one of the coverts of the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost. As they arrived, the Christians in Jerusalem were so happy to see Paul. Think about it. Years prior, he was persecuting Christians! Now he was ministering to these precious saints.
As I travel to visit other churches to minister to Christians, I know there are people in our church who pray for me. I feel their prayer support. God has established such a tremendous work through Calvary Chapel Golden Springs in South America and in other places of the world. He has opened the doors for us to do many outreaches and conferences. God is using us to touch the world! Pray for the mission field––for those who do not have anything––that God would allow us to help supply their needs.
It is so important to continue to pray that these open doors remain open and do not close. I think of our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted in Russia, South Africa and China. They pray for us to come so they can be strengthened and comforted by the Word of God. In some of these countries, pastors only have parts of the Bible to read. They preach God’s Word by memorization. Imagine that! In America, we have the benefits of having multiple Bibles in our homes. We are truly blessed.
The word of God is always most precious to the man who most lives upon it.
~Charles Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
