In the post, The Courage to Walk against the Enemy, the photo I used was of this small cat walking in front of a line of dogs. It made me remember when a small kitten showed up at our house a couple of years ago. We have a big dog but the cat was not afraid of anything.
Later, we found out that our neighbors had gotten a new kitten and it was their kitten. After thinking about this experience, it hit me that the kitten was not afraid because it had a home. It had a home with food, shelter, and love just like we should not be afraid because Jesus has provided a home for each of us.
We can face our fears with boldness because the power of the Holy Spirit is with us. We can walk down a dark and painful road because of this power and the security of God’s promise of a home in paradise for each of us. Join in the praise today with today’s video: Same Power – Jeremy Camp.
The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1
Saul, Barnabas, and John Mark set out to spread the Gospel message to the island of Cyprus. In Acts 13:4-12, they proclaimed God’s Word in the Jewish synagogues and traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos (v. 6). They met the proconsul or governor there who was interested in hearing about God’s Word but Elymas the sorcerer opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith (v. 8).
Then Saul who was filled with the Holy Spirit was given insight into the motives of the fortune-teller named Elymas who was trying to keep the gospel message from the governor. Saul boldly stood up against Elymas with the Holy Spirit actively working in him to bring blindness on the fortune-teller.
From this point on Saul was called Paul. This same power that Paul demonstrated gives us the courage to stand out in a dark world that is very troubling at times. We can be courageous in dark times to shine the light because we are protected and cradled as a cherished child of God.
This day with You Lord, we are confident that You are active in our world and are working with us to spread the light in a sometimes dark world. There are those against us but the Holy Spirit is actively working in us. We are filled with faith and this faith powerfully radiates a glowing light so that others will believe and join with us. We are very thankful that You have given us this same power that Paul demonstrated in today’s lesson. Amen.
When the people gathered together at the church of Antioch as described in the post Guided by the Holy Spirit, they would worship, fast, and pray. Then they would listen to the Holy Spirit for instructions on how to take action on this guidance.
As you watch and listen to today’s video Here I Am Lord, accept the vision of the good you can do for a group, good cause, or other ministry. Pray about this vision and for decisions on ways to take action.
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. – James 2:17
The first twelve chapters of Acts recorded the spread of Christianity in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Now as recorded in Acts 13:1-3, the Gospel message is beginning to spread much further as the power of the Holy Spirit described at the church at Antioch advances the ministry to the ends of the earth.
Up until this moment, Peter had the main leadership role within the Church but now we come to the point in time when Paul becomes the key leader. The Church was being guided by the Holy Spirit to do what God wanted them to do. Has the Holy Spirit been nudging you to lead a group, good cause, or other ministry?
As we pray this day with You Lord, let us accept the vision You are giving; a vision of doing some great work for You. Let us believe that amazing things are going to happen and let us focus our attention on this nudging of the Holy Spirit; filling our heart today with inspiration which will turn this guidance into action. In the name of Jesus we pray today. Amen.
As we head into summer, I thought it would be a good time to get back into the Study of the Book of Acts. In previous posts, I have shared some thoughts from the study of the first 12 chapters. Here is a link that list all previous studies: link. During the first 12 chapter of Acts, I learned that the Holy Spirit is a divine resource God has provided for us. A resource of instruction and empowerment to help us live a reinvigorated life of firm witness of Christ.
A while back, I made this video poem: This Day with God to inspire us toward the thought that God has a great plan for each of us. It all starts with receiving that plan through faithful, consistent, and powerful prayer.
The objective of any Bible study should be to not only learn the main principles of the Word but to keep the Word in our thoughts in order to apply them in our life. I will continue this objective with a study over the next few weeks of Acts 13-15. The aim is to plant the seeds of faith, hope, and love in order to yield fruit that nourishes others.
I invite you to join me over the next few weeks as I step ahead using the questions below to inspire thoughts and ideas. God will give us the upper hand by producing in us the heart of a champion.
Acts 13:1-3
Describe the church at Antioch. How similar to this church is your Christian group? Has the Lord called you to be a leader of a group, good cause, or other ministry? Do you feel you are being guided from the Holy Spirit or is this ministry one you have thought up?
Acts 13:4-12
How do Paul and his company make their initial contacts in each town? How can you have the courage to stand up against those that oppose everything that is right? Do you think that Satan is still trying to stop the gospel from being preached? What can be done about it?
Acts 13:13-41
Visualize this situation. To whom is Paul speaking? What is the main point of Paul’s sermon? Is your message to those about you good news to them?
Acts 13:42-52
What are the initial results of Paul’s witness in the synagogue at Antioch? How do Paul and Barnabas answer those who are opposing them? Am I willing to present Christ to others even though it could incite anger?
Acts 14:1-7
How is Paul and Barnabas received at Iconium and is it similar to their reception at Antioch? What is the source of the opposition? What specific help does God give Paul and Barnabas at Iconium?
Acts 14:8-28
What do the people of Lystra believe? What do they learn about the ONE true God? How important is follow-up to Paul?
Acts 15:1-21
What is the issue that occasions this conference? To whom and what should we appeal to when we cannot resolve controversies? What do you consider essential to being a Christian?
Acts 15:22-35
How do the apostles and elders carry out their solution to the problem confronting Gentile believers (See verse 5)? What are some burdens you lay on yourself and other Christians? The Devil tries to disrupt unity but can you think of ways to build unity among believers?
The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link:God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. Last week, we celebrated the birthday of Jesus and now we will continue the celebration throughout upcoming year because of the gift God has given us.
With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day with God.
Saul, Barnabas, and John Mark set out to spread the Gospel message to the island of Cyprus. In 
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 