THE GIFT OF SALVATION

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Day 10

THE GIFT OF SALVATION

READ:

Acts 9.1-43

No sinner is beyond God’s long arm of love. Here, Saul is so obsessed with persecuting the Church that he wants to get rid of Christians in areas other than Jerusalem. Then, Jesus reveals himself to Saul as Saul travels on the road to Damascus. Saul responds with obedience and surrenders to Jesus Christ. It is an amazing transformation. In this narrative, we see God’s salvation plan at work. First, the person is dead in sin and blinded by disobedience. God then reveals himself, and the sinner has to either choose or reject the Lord’s invitation. Upon accepting God’s invitation, God removes the scales from the eyes of the formerly sinful person, and ushers him into a new life with Christ.


REFLECT:


How does your story relate to Saul’s? Have you allowed God to work in your life as he did in Saul’s?

PRAY:

God, thank you for your gift of salvation. May I always treasure it and be mindful of what it cost you.

A DOWN SOUTH READING LESSON

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Day 9

A DOWN SOUTH READING LESSON

READ:

Acts 8.1-40

In this Scripture text, an angel speaks to the apostle Philip, telling him to arise and go to the south. This is an interesting command in that the angel does not give him any word about what to do down south, or how to get there, just get up and go. When he does, Philip meets an Ethiopian who is struggling to understand the Scriptures he is reading. Philip explains the passage and eventually leads the man to accept the Lord Jesus as Savior, and be baptized.


Obedience is key to honoring God. Philip had no way of knowing that he would witness to the man in the chariot. Oftentimes in life, God calls us to “arise and go.” It could be a call to the mission field, a school, to witness to an unlikeable person, or even an enemy. Whenever God calls, we need to be obedient.


REFLECT:


In what ways do you sense God’s call in your life? How can you be open to God’s voice so that you know when he is speaking to you?

PRAY:

God Almighty, my heart yearns for more of you and your beautiful truth. Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things in your Word.

WHERE IS YOUR GAZE?

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Day 8

WHERE IS YOUR GAZE?

READ:

Acts 7.1-60

Stephen took his faith seriously. He was so convinced of Christ’s saving power that he was willing to die for what he believed. As he was being stoned to death, Stephen’s gaze was on heaven and Jesus. We know that a person’s worship is always towards the object of his or her affection. What was it about Jesus and the message that he preached that made Stephen willing to give it all up, even his life? Those stones were not small pebbles being thrown at Stephen; those stones were large rocks that were meant to maim and mutilate his body. The excruciating death Stephen suffered is a testimony of how worthy he considered Christ to be.


We sing, “Open the eyes of my heart” asking God to let us turn our gaze upon Jesus who died for our sins. Stephen’s witness and martyrdom demonstrate that Jesus was truly the object of his worship.


REFLECT:


Are you gazing on the Lord with the eyes of your heart? If not, how can you refocus your gaze in order to get back to worshiping the true and living, loving God?

PRAY:

Lord, as I come before you today, speak truth into my heart so that I may live to honor you.

PREACHERS, WAITERS, AND PRAYER WARRIORS

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Day 7

PREACHERS, WAITERS, AND PRAYER WARRIORS

READ:

Acts 6.1-15

As people who belong to God, we are all God’s servants. There is no difference in our rank as we give our service in the Lord’s kingdom. When we read about how the Lord’s followers worked in the Early Church, it is clear that they did not consider one position higher than another. Whether it’s an apostle teaching the Word, a man waiting on tables, or a woman praying, God does not bless us based on our rank. The true mark of a believer’s position is his or her faithfulness in serving God. The men chosen to wait on tables, a seemingly menial and meaningless task, were all people who were filled with the Holy Spirit. It should be a liberating concept to know that whatever you do to help build God’s kingdom, counts. Do it always with a servant’s heart and God will honor your efforts.


REFLECT:


Whatever your position in life may be, are you asking the Holy Spirit to fill you?

PRAY:

Heavenly Father, help me to stay devoted to you in prayer and by reading your Word. Give me understanding so that I may follow you in all that I do.

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY!

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Day 6

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY!

READ:

Acts 5.1-42

This chapter of the book of Acts clearly displays the awesome power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. In this narrative of Ananias and Sapphira, we see that the Holy Spirit’s power is far greater than that of Satan’s. Satan’s tactics are divisive and contradictory to the Word of God. By tempting the husband and wife to lie and cheat, Satan sowed seeds of corruption in the Church. But, the Holy Spirit, who knows all things and knows our hearts, permanently removes Satan’s instruments, Ananias and Sapphira, from the Church.


While this judgment may seem cruel, it is meant as a warning and a learning experience to the Early Church. The death of these two had an impact on the others. “The church members were afraid, and so was everyone else who heard what had happened” (v 11). We see that when something is held back from God, he is grieved. God did not need Ananias and Sapphira’s funds; he wanted their undivided, sincere faith in God’s providence. As a Father, the Lord wants his children to completely rely on him, so that we are not tempted to hold anything back from him.


REFLECT:


What are you holding back from God? Is it money, like Ananias or Sapphira? Are you lying, cheating, or gossiping to get ahead? The Lord yearns for his children to have complete trust in him. God wants our faith to be undivided and sincere. Is your faith resting completely in the Lord’s providential power?

PRAY:

Lord, speak to me through your Word. Reveal to me the idols and sins that may be hindering my walk with you.

GIVE IT UP FOR THE GOSPEL…SHAKE UP THE HOUSE

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Day 5

GIVE IT UP FOR THE GOSPEL…SHAKE UP THE HOUSE

READ:

Acts 4.1-37

At this point in time, many miracles and unbelievable things were taking place. It was all being done in the name of Jesus, through the preaching of the apostles. The religious teachers of the Law and some rulers were not happy because these miracles were bringing people to Jesus. They were angry and refused to believe even though the signs and wonders could not be denied. They chose to forbid the gospel of Jesus from being shared in Jerusalem, but because Peter and John were bold, that did nothing to stop them. In fact, when the two were arrested and later set free, they and the rest of the Lord’s followers met to pray. They asked God to give them courage to face all their haters, and to continue to show God’s power through miracles and healings as they called on the name of Jesus. As soon as they finished praying, the whole house began to shake, and everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit.


Words cannot describe how God feels when we are not ashamed to acknowledge God’s power before unbelievers and follow him in all circumstances. When we become bold believers, we will tell the world of God’s love that is available to all people.


REFLECT:


Is it hard for you to share the message of Jesus with your friends and family? Do you feel like you are missing out on living life to the fullest when you maintain a godly lifestyle? In what areas of your life do you lack courage?

PRAY:

God, help us to be bold and unashamed of the message of salvation.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS! – A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE

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Day 4

IN THE NAME OF JESUS! – A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE

READ:

Acts 3.1-26

While Peter and John were making their way to the temple to get their church on, a lame man, sitting in front of the gate, begs them money. The two men tell him to look at them, and the lame guy thinks he’s getting money. But then, Peter tells the guy that he doesn’t have any money but he has power to heal in the name of Jesus! Peter orders him to start walking and the guy stand up and starts leaping for joy. He then goes and gets his church on with Peter and John. People who witness the miracle are amazed. Others who missed the actual event sees the man walking, jumping, and praising God in the temple. The people are blown away. Peter tells the people, “You see this man, and you know him. He put his faith in the name of Jesus and was made strong. Faith in Jesus made this man completely well while everyone was watching” (v 16).


Throughout the Gospels, we see healings and miracles that take place when believers call on the name of Jesus. But, we can also use Jesus’ name to declare things over our own lives. When Jesus took our place on the cross, he gave us access to power beyond our finite imagination. We, too, have the same power and authority that Peter and John had. It’s by God’s grace and mercy that we can use this beautiful and almighty name of Jesus that breaks every chain of sin. When we use it, it shows we are dependent on Jesus!


REFLECT:


Do you believe there is power in the name of Jesus? Think of instances where you have seen or experienced the healing power of the name of Jesus. Praise God for them.

PRAY:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the power that your name carries.

CALLED TO BE OUT FRONT!

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Day 3

CALLED TO BE OUT FRONT!

READ:

Acts 2.1-47

On the day of Pentecost, the room was filled with the presence of God. Just as Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit came on Jesus’ followers like a bolt of fire. When it fell on each person, they began speaking different languages. Imagine that! A bunch of believers from different nations who had gathered in Jerusalem to seek God’s face, were surprised to hear these followers speaking languages they did not know. Soon a crowd gathered around and they mocked the people who were praying and speaking these new languages because they looked drunk and weird. But Peter, who not too long before had acted grimy by denying he knew Jesus, was now the front man for the group. He explained that the people were not weird or drunk. What the crowd was seeing, up close and personal, was really a prophecy, told by the prophet Joel, coming true. God had promised to send his Spirit to his people and it was happening, just as God had said!


Many times you will be mocked by the world for following Jesus, but don’t worry about it because Jesus himself was mocked, yet he overcame everything evil in the world.


REFLECT:


Are you willing to be a leader for God and not a follower after the things the world offers? Do you find your worth in what others think or say about you?

PRAY:

God, thank you that I am the head and not the tail, I am above and not beneath. I’ve been called to lead others to you, and I am honored.

RELAX, GOD IS IN CONTROL

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Day 2

RELAX, GOD IS IN CONTROL

READ:

Acts 1.1-26

After Jesus’ resurrection, his followers seemed anxious about the future. But Jesus promised them it would be alright. Before he ascended to heaven, Jesus told them that the Father would give them the Holy Spirit as a helper. It is the Holy Spirit that guides and directs our lives. We just need to stop worrying and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, there are things that we want too quickly. We have dreams and goals and in our haste we tell God “I want it now!” It seems we forget that God has chosen us and that he will use our gifts and talents for his glory, in his own time. As the story of the book of Acts opens, Jesus’ followers learn that God is above us, around us, and in us. He never leaves us or forsakes us. That’s great news—we can chill, God is in control!

REFLECT:


Sometimes life can get overwhelming and hard to manage, but our best friend, Jesus, tells us to lean on him. Are you willing to break old habits? Are you willing to replace them with new ones that honor God? The angels told Jesus’ followers that Jesus will come back again. Think about it. How does it make you feel?

PRAY:

Lord, help me to depend on you and be confident that you always keep your promises.

WHAT IN THE “WORD” IS GOING ON?

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Day 1

WHAT IN THE “WORD” IS GOING ON? 

READ: 

Acts 1.1—2.47 

The book of Acts tells of the dramatic accounts of what the apostles and the Early Church accomplished and endured, and it literally takes one’s breath away. The birth pains are harsh, but the joy that comes from the work of the Holy Spirit makes them worthwhile. There are conflicts within the Church, and outside of it. There are issues of prejudice and race; miraculous healings and martyrdom, riots and revivals, but all in all, God’s message finds its way into the hearts and lives of God’s people. 

The writers of these Journeys did so from the heart, pulling out from their very being what the Spirit was saying to them. Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, records Peter’s speech to those who stood in amazement when the Holy Spirit rested on those gathered in “one place” at the time of Pentecost. They wondered what in the world was going on, and Peter explained: “When the last days come, I will give my Sprit to everyone. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions…” (Acts 2.17). It is fitting then, that these youth should share the Word, in their own voice, as the Spirit of God gives them utterance. 

REFLECT: 

How are you encouraging those around you to share God’s Word?  Are you empowering them?  Do you know that every believer, no matter how old or young, has a story to share? 

PRAY: 

Lord Jesus, your Word takes a place of honor in my life.  Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Let your power radiate in my life that I may, like the members of the Early Church, lead others to you, no matter what it costs. 

our sin and uses us despite it, our life is a witness to Jesus’ love and power.

Have you committed a sin you feel has made you useless to God? Are you willing to risk people’s opinion of you to find help when you need it?