The Next Steps, Day 14 Two verses, such change. When we read Acts 14, we see such an incredible change in the people from one verse to the next. As we read through the story, we see how Paul and Barnabas dealt with some of the issues they encountered while they were on their missionary trip spreading the gospel of Christ. In one place, the people thought they were gods and treated them as such, that is until one verse later and people told them they weren’t and then they wanted to kill them. When we have a relationship with Christ and are seeking to follow him, the way people…

The Next Steps, Day 13 Spread. When we talk about the message of Jesus, we must understand how it spreads. Read Acts 13. As we see people going out and sharing, we understand just exactly how important it is that we share the message of Christ. The gospel does not spread on its own. God uses each of us to share his message with others. Why? People need to see physical examples of what God is doing and can do, and we are those messengers. As we are experiencing God in our lives, we can show others exactly what God is doing and how God works. We are God’s messengers.…

The Next Steps, Day 12 Judgment. God is a jealous God and he will not allow anyone to share in His glory. He makes that exceptionally clear in Acts 12. Herod was basking in glory. He loved it when other praised him and when they applauded him. He wanted to be honored as a god. And then it happened… the people began praising him and calling him a god. Well, God had enough of that and killed him. Are we giving God the glory and praise He deserves in our lives? Do we realize that everything we do is evidence of His grace and mercy? God loves us and he…

The Next Steps, Day 11 Searching for people. As we continue and read through Acts 11, we come to this amazing verse. Barnabas seeks out Paul. When we think about the other people that we know and have contact with, God sometimes gives us insight into their gifts and how God can use them. Barnabas knew that Paul had the calling of God on his life and it was time to go get him and encourage him to come back and get busy. Paul had a calling on his life and Barnabas knew it, he just needed some encouragement. Who do we know who needs some encouragement? Who has a…

The Next Steps, Day 9 Transformation. As we continue to follow the journey of the early church, we see the transformations that were taking place. Read Acts 9. The disciples were getting adjusted to the new disciple Saul. He used to persecute the church, but now he is preaching. But, he causes quite a commotion everywhere he goes. Finally, the disciples send him off to Tarsus and as a result, they experience a time of peace. The Christian life is often one of transformation and restoration. There are times when God is transforming us and using us to create change and do amazing things, and there are other times that…

The Next Steps, Day 8 Follow Jesus. As we have an opportunity to see Jesus clearly in our lives, then we will follow him and obey. Read Acts 8. As the disciples were experiencing difficulty, they continue to follow Jesus because they had truly seen him and wanted to live their life in obedience to him, even in the midst of persecution. As we truly see Jesus, only response can be to glorify him and desire to follow him in every way. As we think about the last several days of devotions, are we focusing on Jesus? Are we seeing Jesus? Are we obeying Jesus? All of these lead from…

The Next Steps, Day 7 Do we see Jesus? Stephen gives an amazing sermon in Acts 7. As we read through this message, we see such a great drive and passion as Stephen shares his message. Over 50 verses of history is focused in this chapter and yes, it made leaders mad. But it wasn’t until Stephen mentioned that he could see Jesus that the leaders became so enraged that they killed him. As we have talked about placing Christ first and then on being focused on him, if we do those two things, we will see Jesus. While that is an amazing experience, not everyone will be happy about…

The Next Steps, Day 6 Focus. Once we have decided that we are going to value what God values above anyone else (yesterday’s lesson), now it becomes important to keep that focus. Read Acts 6. The disciples had a difficult decision to make. There was much ministry that needed to be done, but there was also studying and preaching and sharing that needed to happen. How could they do it all? The answer is that they couldn’t. The disciples needed to stay focused on what God had given them to do and allow God to raise up other individuals who would be able to focus on other responsibilities. We cannot…

The Next Steps, Day 5 Obey God, not men. Chapter 5 of Acts can be summarized in this verse, 5:29. Too many of these people were busy trying to obey others or please others. Instead, we must please God. When we think about the way that we are seeking to please God, are desiring that first of all? Do we understand how to obey God first in our lives? Whether we’re talking about Ananias and Sapphira who were more interested in what others thought of them than God. Or if it’s the leaders who were more focused on their traditions than on God. Or even Gamaliel who is more interested…