"Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days."
Today's lesson maps the travels of Paul and Timothy and demonstrates how they were guided by the Holy Spirit to go where they were needed most.
An important point that should to be taken from this lesson is that we should not simply take off looking to preach to whomever we find, but rather, we are to always seek the guidance to help us find those whom are willing to listen and truly hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We should remember the lesson Jesus taught in Matthew 10:14 concerning those who don't want to hear the message of God's grace; "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet."
With prayerful reliance on the Holy Spirit, we will always be sent to those who will gladly receive God's plan of eternal salvation, just as Paul and Timothy were.~
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