Acts 14 - 10.20.23
Scripture
Acts 14:1
At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.
Observation
Was it 50 people? 100? 1,000? We’re just told that “a great number” believed. Why? According to this verse, it’s because Paul and Barnabas spoke so effectively.
God uses effective communication to bring people to belief in Jesus.
I wonder in reading this, what made the their communication so effective?
Of course it had to be clear enough for people to understand the news about Jesus and to be persuaded. But we also know Paul’s approach was to come not only with words but power (1 Cor. 2:4). We also know that none can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them (John 6:44). The Holy Spirit accompanied them with signs and wonders, and bared witness to those who heard that the message was true.
Application
Pursue effective communication through prayer and practice.
I will set aside time to pray for the Holy Spirit to accompany the gospel message with signs and wonders, to bear witness to the truth and draw people to faith in Jesus.
And I will practice communicating the gospel, not just from the pulpit, but by sharing with someone this week.
Prayer
God, I long to be used by you to save people. Make me an effective evangelist. Please give me the words to clearly communicate the gospel. And Holy Spirit, please accompany the message with power. Draw people to yourself, and bring someone across my path even today who you’ve appointed for salvation who I could share the gospel with. May it be said of me, and all of us at Desert Streams Church, that we spoke so effectively that a great number of people believed. Amen.
- Levi Thompson
Acts 13 - 10.19.23
SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:1-3 NIV
“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul. 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.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
OBSERVATION:
Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire and was well-known as a center for pagan idolatry and licentious behavior. It was in this "cesspool" that God established His Church to be the base of missionary activity.
From Antioch, Paul and his helpers carried the Gospel throughout the then-known world. At least forty different cities are named in Acts.
APPLICATION:
Keys to a Powerful Ministry
As I’m reading about the church in Antioch a few key factors stand out to me today. This church is said to be in a well-known center for pagan idolatry and licentious behavior. In other words, it could be something very akin to Los Angeles-right where we live.
Yet, this was a Spiritually Strong and Effective Church-much like Desert Streams.
What were the components?
Prophets AND Teachers.
Worshiping and Fasting.
Praying.
We are getting ready to head into our 3-Day Prayer and Fasting -Ascent-10/25-10/27.
If you have never joined -this is a supernatural time to draw close to God in His word and prayer. We will have a kick-off service on Wednesday 10/25. Miracles breakout when People come before God to Worship, Seek His face and Pray.
I also learned a new phrase in my reading. “Aorist imperative”.
Barnabas and Paul Filled with the Spirit— Fulfilled Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 to “Make Disciples”.
This command from Jesus was spoken in an “aorist imperative” meaning it wasn’t just a command to GO.
It speaks of “an urgent need to Obey”.
“Then Jesus came to them and said,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore- GO and make disciples..”
(Matthew 28:18a NIV)
The implication also has the meaning to make learners-
but not JUST learners who knew more about Christ—
learners who OBEYED what they learned
and thereby grew to become MORE like Christ.
“and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
(Matthew 28:20a NIV)
PRAYER:
LORD Jesus,
FILL me With YOUR Heart-not-to be more knowledgeable-But to be More obedient. To be More like You Jesus. To reflect Your Love, Your mercy, Your Grace, and Your Truth. Teach me to Teach others to Obey You.
Give me great courage to speak out boldly today-
for whoever You send my way.
To urgently GO and make disciples.
In Jesus Name I pray.
Tina L Kudelka
Proverbs 22 - 10.18.23
Scripture
Proverbs 22:6 NIV- “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Observation
We are responsible for raising up our children in the Lord and training them up in righteousness, to fulfill their God given destinies. However, it starts with us as parents; pursuing righteousness and being obedient to the Lord; honoring and respecting Him by choosing to be set apart from the world; choosing to live lives of integrity and choosing to teach our kids to do the same.
Application
Pray for our kids daily.
One of the best parenting advice that I received from my mom was to pray for my kids daily. Whether we are a biological parent, adoptive parent or spiritual parent, let us pray for our kids daily and train them up in the way they should go. Our calling as parents is huge, but we need God’s help with this great responsibility.
Prayer
Dear Lord, You have blessed me with my children. They are truly gifts from You. I pray for Your constant help and wisdom as my husband and I raise them up in You. May our choices lead them to You and not away from You. We desire for them to fulfill Your calling for their life and with Your help, will commit to doing our part in it. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi