Acts 13-14 Embracing the Call to Go 5-Day Devotions
Ready to dig deeper into your faith? Our weekly 5-day devotionals are like a guided conversation with the sermon. We'll ask questions, share Bible verses, and help you uncover amazing things about God and yourself! There is a new set posted each Sunday after the service.
Monday: Sent by the Spirit
Have you ever felt a nudge from God, a sense of calling to step out in faith? In Acts 13, we see how the Holy Spirit specifically set apart Paul and Barnabas for a mission to the Gentiles. Are there areas in your life where you feel the Spirit leading you to step out and share the gospel?
Scripture: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" - Acts 13:2 NIV "As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” - Acts 13:2 NKJV
Questions for Reflection:
- How can you discern the Holy Spirit's voice in your life?
- What steps can you take to be more sensitive to His leading and direction?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, open our ears to hear your voice and our hearts to obey your call. Empower us to step out in faith and share the good news of Jesus with those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday: Facing Opposition with Courage
In Acts 13-14, Paul and Barnabas faced opposition from those who rejected their message. Yet, they persevered, trusting in God's strength and the truth of the gospel. When have you faced opposition or rejection for your faith? How can you find courage in the face of adversity, knowing that God is with you?
Scripture: "But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region." - Acts 13:50 NIV "But the Jewish leaders stirred up the devout and prominent women and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region." - Acts 13:50 NKJV
Questions for Reflection:
- How can you respond to opposition with grace and love, even when it's difficult?
- Where can you find strength and encouragement when facing rejection for your faith?
Prayer: Lord, give us the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when we face opposition. Help us to trust in your strength and to speak your truth with boldness and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday: Witnessing God's Power
Throughout their journey, Paul and Barnabas witnessed miraculous signs and wonders, confirming the truth of their message and drawing people to faith in Jesus. Have you ever witnessed God's power at work in your own life or in the lives of others? How can these experiences strengthen your faith and embolden you to share the gospel?
Scripture: "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them." - Acts 19:11-12 NIV "And God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them." - Acts 19:11-12 NKJV
Questions for Reflection:
- How can you be more expectant of God's miraculous power in your life and in the world around you?
- What are some ways you can share the stories of God's miracles with others?
Prayer: Lord, we marvel at your power and your ability to do the impossible. Open our eyes to see your miracles at work in our lives and in the world around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday: Planting Seeds of Faith
Paul and Barnabas' ministry resulted in the establishment of churches in key cities, laying the groundwork for the spread of the gospel throughout the region. How can we plant seeds of faith in our own communities? What are some practical ways we can share the love of Christ with those around us?
Scripture: "After Paul and Barnabas had appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust." - Acts 14:23 NIV "So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed." - Acts 14:23 NKJV
Questions for Reflection:
- Who are the people in your life that you can intentionally invest in and share the gospel with?
- What are some creative ways you can show God's love to your community?
Prayer: Lord, make us faithful sowers of your Word. Give us opportunities to share the gospel with those who need to hear it, and may the seeds we plant bear fruit for your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Friday: Following in Their Footsteps
Paul and Barnabas' journey serves as a model for our own walk of faith. They faced challenges, experienced victories, and ultimately remained faithful to God's call. How can we follow in their footsteps? What steps can we take today to live out our faith with boldness and conviction?
Scripture: "They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith." - Acts 14:21-22 NIV "And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch," - Acts 14:21 NKJV
Questions for Reflection:
- What are some specific ways you can follow Paul and Barnabas' example of boldness and perseverance in your own life?
- How can you encourage and strengthen other believers in their faith journey?
Prayer: Lord, give us the strength and courage to follow in the footsteps of your faithful servants. Help us to live a life of boldness and conviction, sharing the gospel with all who will listen. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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