Read: Acts 20
People are more important than things. Eventually, things fall apart, rust, break, and are thrown away, but people last forever. What are the best memories you have of this mission trip? Your most memorable times probably include people. You have made new friends, and you know your old friends better because you have worked hard together. Soon you’ll be saying goodbye to your friends and heading home. What do you want them to remember about you?
Jesus said that it is best when people remember us as “givers,” not “takers.” Paul was preparing to leave friends he had made on a short-term mission project. They had become so close that they hugged and cried when Paul had to leave them. While he was with his friends, Paul reminded them that he loved them dearly. He had worked hard to help those in need. Those he helped would remember Paul as a “giver,” not a “taker.”
Read Acts 20:13-35:
What methods of transportation did Paul use on this mission trip (vs 13-16)?
How did Paul serve the Lord when he was with the Ephesians (vs 19)? What do you think this means?
What was the message Paul gave to both Jews and Greeks (vs 20-21)?
In what ways would Ephesians remember Paul (vs 32-38)?
How did you want those you served this week to remember you? What about your friends? Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Here is a list of things you can give: encouragement, thanks, praise, physical help, a listening ear, prayers, gifts, friendship, and much more. List some things that you can give to people, both here and once you get home. Be specific. Now take action!
Day 6 of 7 from the 2010 Mission Discovery Devotional
