Adventure continues with boldness giving great blessing

I remember going to share the gospel message door to door when I came back to Malaysia for a holiday in 1981. It was an interesting first experience. It was a learning experience. I remember getting into a lengthy discussion with an Indian man. Since then I have been doing this from time to time in various neighborhoods. It has been gratifying to see people open to invitations, especially prayer in some instances. People were ready to hear my personal experience with God and what He has done in my life. One thing I realize is that I need to walk with the Holy Spirit so that He guides me in the conversations and prepares the heart of the people. Paul and Barnabas were doing the same and were bolder.

Paul and Barnabas went to the synagogues of each city they visited. It would be like me going to the Hindu and Buddhist temples, and the mosque. They were chased from Antioch of Psidia and arrived in Iconium where they had a similar reception.

Acts 14:4-5
But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.

In Lystra while speaking to the people, Paul decides to command a lame man to walk. He walked and the people started to label Paul and Barnabas as a representation of their gods. Paul spoke strongly against this and with the people coming from Psidia and Iconium, there was a great uproar. They had to leave. There were a series of challenges but the two missionaries went back to all the cities they had been to encourage the new disciples before returning to Antioch, the city of their sending church. What an adventure! The message of the kingdom is hard to receive but it is nevertheless important to share.

Father, give me the faith and the power of the Holy Spirit to do this well. Share the blessing.

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