One sabbath day while the apostle Paul was at a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch he shared a message about Jesus, the Savior of the world (Acts 13). “The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord” (Acts 13:44 NIV). Paul and Barnabas explained that since some of the Jews in the city rejected their message, they were now turning “to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46 NIV). They reminded the Jews of the message shared by the prophet Isaiah about the people of Israel, “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6 ESV). The Good News about Christ was received joyfully by the gentiles in the city, but some of “the Jews…stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas,” and influenced the local leaders to have them “expelled…from their region” (Acts 13:49-50 NIV).

 

The Good News about Jesus is for everyone, but not everyone receives it with joy. We cannot control how others receive or react to the message of Christ, but we are called, equipped, and commissioned as believers to be lights shining for all to see. Jesus said, “you are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14 ESV). As believers, we are supposed to let our “light shine before others, so that they may see” our “good works and give glory to” God (Matthew 5:16 ESV). Our good works include sharing the message of salvation about Jesus with all the people of the world, while continuing Christ’s work here on earth until he returns. Someone needs to see the light of Christ shining through your deeds this week. Someone needs to hear the message of salvation about Jesus this week. We cannot control how others receive what God offers them. But we are accountable for our obedience and behavior. Go! Be a light! Go! Share the Good News!

 

 

Read Psalm 107 and give thanks to the Lord.

 

Read Acts Acts 11:19-30.

What do the verses reveal about God?

What do the verses reveal about humanity?

What do the verses reveal about the earliest Christians?

What message is God speaking to you through the verses?

 

 

Pray using the following guide:

Adoration for God (praise the Lord)

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication (lift up the needs of others & yourself)

 

 

Read part of the lyrics of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (UM Hymnal #496) by William Walford:

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!

The joys I feel, the bliss I share

of those whose anxious spirits burn

with strong desires for thy return!

With such I hasten to the place

where God my Savior shows his face,

and gladly take my station there,

and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

 

Read Acts 12:1-17.

 

Pray for…

– those who are closest to you, including family members and friends

– people who point us towards God

– leaders

– the vulnerable and those in need

– yourself

 

 

Read Psalm 107 and give thanks to the Lord.

 

Read Acts 12:18-25.

What do the verses reveal about God?

What do the verses reveal about humanity?

What do the verses reveal about the earliest Christians?

What message is God speaking to you through the verses?

 

Pray using the following guide:

Adoration for God (praise the Lord)

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication (lift up the needs of others & yourself)

 

 

Read part of the lyrics of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (UM Hymnal #496) by William

Walford:

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!

The joys I feel, the bliss I share

of those whose anxious spirits burn

with strong desires for thy return!

With such I hasten to the place

where God my Savior shows his face,

and gladly take my station there,

and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

 

Read Acts 13:1-12.

 

Pray for…

– those who are closest to you, including family members and friends

– people who point us towards God

– leaders

– the vulnerable and those in need

– yourself

 

 

Read Psalm 107 and give thanks to the Lord.

 

Read Acts 13:13-43.

What do the verses reveal about God?

What do the verses reveal about humanity?

What do the verses reveal about the earliest Christians?

What message is God speaking to you through the verses?

 

Pray using the following guide:

Adoration for God (praise the Lord)

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication (lift up the needs of others & yourself)

 

 

Read part of the lyrics of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (UM Hymnal #496) by William Walford:

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!

The joys I feel, the bliss I share

of those whose anxious spirits burn

with strong desires for thy return!

With such I hasten to the place

where God my Savior shows his face,

and gladly take my station there,

and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

 

Read Acts 13:44-52.

 

Pray in response to God and the verses your read.

 

Consider observing the sabbath either today or tomorrow as a time to rest, reflect, and enjoy recreation. The questions below can be used to help with reflecting:

How did I see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

Who needs to hear about my experience sometime in the coming days?

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online on a computer.