Welcome to the BOOK OF ACTS (BE THE CHURCH). Each week we’re providing a series of questions for your personal devotional time or for your small group experience.You are always welcome to follow your own devotional format, but feel free to use this one to dig a bit deeper in th4e Book of Acts.
BE THE CHURCH Acts 15:1-6 Week 1 (Days 1-4)
Week One – Day 1
Praise (What is it about God’s character that I am grateful for?)
Read the text: 1 Corinthians 2:13-15 (introduction) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- As you see it, describe the difference between earthly and heavenly wisdom.
- Which have you found yourself relying on more?
- What evidence do you have that you are confident that the Holy Spirit is at work in you?
- In what ways is Galatians 5:22-23 a proof text for the Spirit being alive in your life?
- When have you made a godly decision that others frowned upon?
- What has been some results of weighing in on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in conjunction with other sources of healthy wisdom?
- How do you intend to live in accordance with this passage?
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Week One – Day 2
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 1 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 15:1-6 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What is your initial reaction when reading verse 1?
- How would you discern whether or not circumcision, in this case, was or is the right thing to do as it pertains to salvation?
- What do you know from Scripture that supports Paul and Barnabas’ dispute with the Jewish traditionalists? (v. 2)
- How do you discern whether or not to agree with Paul and Barnabas’ experiences of Gentiles coming to Christ?
- Again, circumcision and particularly the Law of Moses (10 Commandments for example) are not sinful. So how do you see discernment coming into play here as it pertains to your salvation? (v. 5)
- How do you intend to live in accordance with this passage?
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Week One – Day 3
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 2 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 15:7-11 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Read to draw conclusions about coming to faith in Christ from Cornelius’ conversion story in Acts 10.
- How would you discern whether or not someone is truly saved?
- Discuss Ephesians 2:8-9 and 10:9-10 as it pertains to salvation in Christ.
- Discuss James 2:14-26 regarding works and salvation.
- How do you intend to live in accordance with this passage?
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Week One – Day 4
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 3 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 15:12-21 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Come to an understanding of God’s plan for the Gentiles in the O.T. from the following references: Amos 9:11-15; Isaiah 2:2, 45:20-23; Jeremiah 12:15-16; Hosea 3:4-5; Zechariah 2:11, 8:22.
- Then compare what you understand to the N.T. from Romans 15:8-13.
- How would you feel if one, if not all of the leaders of the Church supported your evangelistic mission as James did in these verses?
- In what way(s) do the following references to unity in the Church: Titus 3:9-11; Galatians 3:28-29; Ephesians 2:11-22.
- How do you intend to live in accordance with this passage?
BE THE CHURCH Acts 1:1-9 Week 2 (Days 5-9)
Week 2
Day 5
Praise (What are you thankful for from the weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 1:3 (The Cross…after His sufferings) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Examine the following non-exhaustive references to be reminded of a deeper purpose of the Cross: Romans 6:23, 5:9, 10; Colossians 1:14, 2:14-15; Isaiah 53:5; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 10:19-20.
- Come to an understanding of Jesus’ death for you by taking a closer look at Isaiah 53:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
- What does Galatians 2:20 mean to you personally?
- What does 1 Peter 2:24-25 mean to you personally?
- How do you intend to live in accordance with this passage?
PDF ON ACTS 1:3 (THE CROSS…AFTER HIS SUFFERINGS)
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Week 2
Day 6
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 5 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 1:3 (His Post Resurrection Appearances) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Examine the following non-exhaustive references to be reminded of proof of the Resurrection: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Acts 2:29, 13:36; Matthew 28: 1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24: 1-3; John 20:1-10.
- Come to an understanding of the power of the resurrection by taking a closer look at John 8:36; Philippians 3:10; Romans 8:11; Revelation 1:18
- What do you think your reaction would be if Jesus appeared to you in person?
- How do you intend to live knowing that He is alive and will appear to you in person one day?
PDF FOR ACTS 1:3 (HIS POST RESURRECTION APPEARANCES)
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Week 2
Day 7
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 6 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 1:3 (The Kingdom of God) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What do the following references teach you about the Kingdom of God/Heaven? Matthew 3:2, 6:10; Mark 14:25; Luke 17:21.
- What does Matthew 6:10 mean to you personally?
- Draw out application to Matthew 6:33.
- Agree/Disagree. Why? The Kingdom is where Jesus is.
- How do you intend to live with the understanding that the Christ’s Kingdom is already and not yet at the same time?
PDF FOR ACTS 1:3 (THE KINGDOM OF GOD)
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Week 2
Day 8
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 7 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 1:4-5 (Baptism of the Holy Spirit) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Why do you suppose Jesus called the baptism of the Holy Spirit a gift?
- What have you always thought the Baptism of the Holy Spirit refers to?
- A definition of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit places a believer into permanent union with Christ and with other believers in the Body of Christ. Agree/Disagree. Why?
- Examine 1 Corinthians 12:13 and Romans 6:1-4 as it pertains baptism of the Holy Spirit.
- Knowing that, as a follower of Jesus, you’ve been washed by His blood and bathed by His Spirit, how do you intend to live out the remainder of your days? (Consider Ephesians 4:5; Romans 6:1-10; Colossians 2:12)
PDF FOR ACTS 1:4-5 (BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT)
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Week 2
Day 9
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 8 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 1:6-9 (Purpose: To be His Witness) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- How would you describe your purpose?
- What do the following references, out of Proverbs, tell you about being an influential follower of Jesus? (Proverbs 27: 9, 17; 10:17; 13:20; 15:1; 12:26; 29:12)
- Read Matthew 5:13-15. Describe how salt and light are agents of influence.
- Transfer the influence of salt and light to being your purpose.
- In what ways can you be a witness in your everyday life? (Think about your attitude, actions, intentionality and opportunities)
PDF FOR ACTS 1:6-9 (PURPOSE: TO BE HIS WITNESS)
BE THE CHURCH ACTS 2:1-13, 38, 44-47 WEEK 3 (DAYS 10-13)
Week 3
Day 10
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 2:1-4 (Filled with the Holy Spirit) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to be filled by the Spirit?
- Read Ephesians 5:18-21. These verses teach us that all followers of Jesus are to be filled and it’s a continuous action. What are your thoughts about that?
- What do you think is taking place when your relationship with God as He is filling you?
- In what way(s) does sin impact being filled by the Spirit?
- What sort of habit do you desire to form to remain filled with His Spirit?
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Week 3
Day 11
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 10 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 2:5-13 (Unity in the Spirit) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to experience unity in the Spirit?
- How can you contribute to unity when surrounded by others in the church who are different than you?
- How do the following references speak to you about unity: Philippians 2:1-4; I Corinthians 12:12-27; Galatians 3:28.
- Then, how can you contribute to unity with people who do not know Christ yet?
- How do you plan to live differently as a result of this devotional time on unity?
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Week 3
Day 12
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 11 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 2:38 (Loyalty in the Spirit) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to be loyal to someone?
- How do you think Acts 2:38 speaks about loyalty to Jesus?
- Why do you think Jesus needs to be the center of everyone’s life, including yours?
- In what way(s) does the following reference speak to you about loyalty (or following Jesus): Luke 9:56-62.
- How do you plan to live differently as a result of this devotional time on loyalty?
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Week 3
Day 13
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 12 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 2:44-46 (Hospitality) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to practice hospitality (a love for strangers)?
- In what circumstances or with whom do you find it difficult or challenging to be hospitable?
- In what way(s) does the following reference speak to you about hospitality: Leviticus 19:34; Hebrews 13:2; I Peter 4:8-10; Romans 5:8.
- How do you plan to live differently as a result of this devotional time on hospitality?
BE THE CHURCH ACTS 3 WEEK 4 (DAYS 14-16)
Week 4
Day 14
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Matthew 17:20, Luke 17:5-6 and Romans 10:17(Faith being stretched) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- In what circumstances have you experienced your faith to be strong enough to “move mountains”? (Mt. 17:20; Lk. 17:6)
- Why do you suppose faith is something followers of Jesus are so up and down on?
- Agree/Disagree and Why? Jesus wanted His followers to recognize that in order to increase their faith, they didn’t need to acquire something they lacked; they simply had to use what they already possessed. (Jimmy Larche – Increasing our Faith, Abiding In Him Devotional)
- Why do you think being in the Word and in prayer increases your faith? (Romans 10:17)
- How do you suppose being generous, blessings others, giving your faith away also increases, even stretches your faith?
- How is God stretching you right now? And, how do you desire to have your faith stretched?
PDF FOR MATTHEW 17:20, LUKE 17:5-6 AND ROMANS 10:17
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Week 4
Day 15
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 14 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 3:1-11 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Why do you think prayer is key to God’s empowerment?
- What has been your experience with experiencing the power of God out of prayer?
- Why do you suppose Peter made a distinction between having no money and having a vital relationship with the Lord?
- What does Peter’s faith in the Lord look like to you at this time?
- When have you been surprised by God?
- How do you want to live your life as a result of reflecting on these verses?
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Week 4
Day 16
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 15 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 3:12-26 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What is it that you been amazed by what someone has done?
- Thankfully in this case, Peter didn’t take the credit for this miracle of healing, but has your ego got the best of you and you did take credit for something that God really did through you?
- What do you think is it that causes people to deny who Jesus is and what He has done for us?
- What caused you to listen to the truth about Jesus and believe?
- What kind of legacy to you desire to leave for your family and friends?
- What are some next steps toward fulfilling you legacy?
BE THE CHURCH ACTs 4 WEEK 5 (DAYS 17-20)
Week 5
Day 17
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 4:1-22 [Persecution] (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What comes to your mind when you think of persecution?
- What kinds of persecution are you aware of in this country?
- What did you observe about Peter and John while they were being victims of persecution?
- When have you found yourself being prejudice (pre-judging)?
- What do the following references tell you about prejudice/discrimination: Galatians 3:28; 1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 7:1-5; James 2:1-26; Colossians 3:11; Romans 12:18.
- What attitude or action toward another do you need to pray about?
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Week 5
Day 18
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 4:23-39 [Prayer] (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What do you think of Mark Forman’s perspective on prayer? “Prayer is the voice of a child crying for her parent.”
- What are your thoughts about prayer?
- When have you found yourself praying the most?
- Examine Psalm 86 and answer the following about prayer: Why? Who? How?
- How can your prayer life improve?
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Week 5
Day 19
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 4:31 [Filling of the Spirit] (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to be filled with the Spirit? (See note below)
- How do you suppose the Spirit, not only provides power, but also purpose?
- Peter & John spoke boldly after being filled (empowered) with the Spirit. In what way(s) has the Lord filled you for His purposes building up the body of Christ and blessing others?
- What do you discover about being filled with the Spirit from the following references: Micah 3:8; Proverbs 1:23; Luke 4:1; Acts 7:55; 11:24; 13:52; Romans 12:2.
- What kind of habit would you like to develop towards practicing the presence of God, being filled by His Spirit, moment by moment?
Think on This:
- The verb used for filled is plural, which is a truth for all followers of Jesus.
- This verb is in the present tense referring to a repeated action.
- This verb is passive, which means it’s something God does for the follower of Jesus.
- This verb is a command to follow regularly and often.
Taken from Jim Doyle’s Study from Ephesians 5:18.
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Week 5
Day 20
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 19 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 4:32 [Unity in the Spirit] (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Verse 32 says that the believers were one in heart and mind. What do you think that looked like in their day?
- What does it mean to you to have unity in the Spirit today?
- How do you suppose the church can be diverse and still promote unity?
- What role can you play in that endeavor?
- What do you discover about being filled with the Spirit from the following references: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 3:11; Galatians 3:28; John 13:35; Philippians 2:2-3; Romans 14:19.
- What kind of habit would you like to develop towards practicing unity in His Spirit?
BE THE CHURCH ACTS 4-6 WEEK 6 (DAYS 21-24)
Week 6
Day 21
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 4:32-34; 6:1-4 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Describe a true follower of Jesus.
- What does it mean to you to be the church? (Consider 4:32)
- Pastor Mark Friestad pulled from Colossians 3:-13. How would you describe the “things above” you are to set your mind on?
- What can generosity look like to you personally as a follower of Jesus?
- How can you live differently in order to contribute to being more of the church?
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Week 6
Day 22
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 21 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 4:34-5:11 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What’s your take on the type of “fear” exhibited in 5:11?
- What does it mean to you walk in holy fear of the Lord?
- In what ways do the following reference speak to you about fearing the Lord? (Deuteronomy 6:24; Psalm 112:1; Proverbs 10:27, 22:4, 145:19, 147:11.
- Compare (or maybe contrast) your honesty and truth to Biblical Standards: Revelation 21:8; Hebrews 4:13; Ephesians 4:5; Matthew 5:16.
- How can you live differently in order to exhibit humility (fear) of the Lord and to walk in His truth?
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Week 6
Day 23
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 22 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 5:12-16 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What came to mind as you read these verses?
- What do you suppose followers of Jesus need the accountability of fellowship in the Church today?
- What makes or should make the church attractive to outsiders?
- Read Matthew 5:13-16 and decide how you can be personally attractive as salt and light.
- How can you live differently in order to contribute to be part of an “attractional community?”
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Week 6
Day 24
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 23 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 5:17-42 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- How do you balance obey God Himself and obey the government that God has allowed to be in place?
- Why do you think the content of Peter’s message was more important than where he gave it?
- What do the following references say to you about trusting God? (Psalm 28:7, 62:8, 20:7, 56:3, 32:10, 112:7; Romans 8:28; 1 John 5:14; Isaiah 26:4)
- What has been your experience in sharing the truth about God in loving ways?
- Who can you begin praying for to be open to hearing the Truth, bathed in love, of God and Christ’s Good News?
BE THE CHURCH ACTS 2 WEEK 7 (DAYS 25-27)
Week 7
Day 25
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 2:42-43 (Faithfulness to Jesus) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to be devoted to Scripture (the Apostles’ teaching)?
- What does it mean to you to be devoted to fellowship?
- Where do you find fellowship during this pandemic?
- What does devotion to prayer look like in your life?
- Reflect on the following references to being faithful: 1 Samuel 16:23; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 12:1; Proverbs 20:6; Matthew 25:21; Revelation 2:10.
- What changes need to take place or habits that need to be formed in your life to be more devoted?
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Week 7
Day 26
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 25 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 2:44-45 (Caring for Others) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to be a generous person?
- What can you do for others even if you don’t have the financial means to bless others?
- Note: These Jewish followers of Jesus became committed to meeting needs, not distributing wealth as what would take place in a socialistic society. What is your take on this?
- How has anyone sacrificed their time, talents or treasures to support you or lift you up?
- Reflect on the following references about caring for others and being generous: Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 25:40; Philippians 2:4; Ephesians 4:32; Galatians 6: 2,10; Hebrews 13:16; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
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Week 7
Day 27
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 26 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 2:46-47 (Fellowship) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What do you envision is involved when it comes to fellowship?
- How do you see various forms of worship being connected to fellowship?
- What does Paul’s phrase, and enjoying the favor of all the people, mean to you?
- Reflect on the following references regarding fellowship: I John 1: 3, 7; Galatians 2:9; I Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 5:19; James 5:16.
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
BE THE CHURCH ACTS 6 WEEK 8 (DAYS 28-30)
Week 8
Day 28
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 6:8,15 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What do grace and power mean to you?
- Consider the following references on power: 2 Timothy 1:7; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:11.
- Next, consider these references on grace: 2 Corinthians 8:7, 12:9; Hebrews 4:16; James 4:6
- What do you want to be known for as a follower of Jesus? (Stephen exhibited grace and power)
- How do you desire to be perceived? (Stephen face was like that of an angel)
- In what way(s) has God called you to serve your community, church, workplace, etc.?
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
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Week 8
Day 29
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 28 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 6:9, 11-14 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What has happened if/when you ever offended someone?
- How have you reacted when someone has offended you?
- What do you think your world would like if you chose not to be offended when someone disagrees with you/your values?
- How do you suppose the Lord would want you to react to people or situations that come into conflict with what you believe to be true?
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
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Week 8
Day 30
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 29 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 6:10 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What do you envision about Stephen’s relationship with the Lord from this verse?
- Why do you suppose it was wisdom that the Lord knew Stephen needed from the Spirit?
- What hurdles are you facing that keep you from walking freely in the power of the Spirit?
- What do you need to pray about in order to be available for God to use you effectively in others’ lives?
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
BE THE CHURCH ACTS 8 WEEK 9 (DAYS 31-33)
Week 9
Day 31
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 8 (Commitment to God) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- How did you first encounter God?
- How do you practice the presence of God?
- What hurdles are you facing that keep you from intimacy with God?
- What do you need to pray about in order to have more of God daily, moment by moment?
- Reflect on the following references: 1 Kings 8:61; Acts 2:42; Deuteronomy 6:5; John 8:12
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF ON ACTS 8 (COMMITMENT TO GOD)
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Week 9
Day 32
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 31 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 8 (Commitment to Others) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- How have others expressed commitment to you?
- How is the Lord speaking to you regarding your loving care for other followers of Jesus?
- What keeps you from being devoted to a loving community
- Reflect on the following references: 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Philippians 2:1-7; Romans 12:15; Hebrews 10:24
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF FOR ACTS 8 (COMMITMENT TO OTHERS)
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Week 9
Day 33
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 32 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 8 (Commitment to Outreach) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to be a light in your world? (Matthew 5:14-16)
- During this pandemic, what does reaching out to your loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, who don’t know Jesus yet, look like?
- What keeps you from outreach?
- Reflect on the following references: Hebrews 6:10; Philippians 2:4; John 12:26; Romans 12:11
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF FOR ACTS 8 (COMMITMENT TO OUTREACH)
BE THE CHURCH ACTS 27-28 WEEK 10 (DAYS 34-36)
Week 10
Day 34
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 27:9-17 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- When have you heard sound advice and yet did not take it?
- What was the result?
- How do you go about listening to the voice of God in your life?
- Reflect on the following references: Proverbs 12:15, 19:20, 13:20; 19:11.
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
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Week 10
Day 35
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 34 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 27:18-26 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- How have you responded when someone was giving you advice based on a word from the Lord that they received?
- How hard is it for you to listen to the Lord in your mind and heart?
- What helps you to keep up your courage when life throws you curveballs?
- Reflect on the following references: 1 Chronicles 18:20; Deuteronomy 31:6-8; John 14:7; Psalm 56:3-4; 2 Timothy 1:7.
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF FOR ACTS 27:18-26
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Week 10
Day 36
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 35 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Acts 27:27-32 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- How do you think you would have handled a possible shipwreck, knowing that you possible could save yourself with a lifeboat?
- When or how have you either “jumped ship,” or felt like it, rather than relying on the Lord?
- What often keeps you on board, rather than jumping ship?
- Reflect on the following references: Psalm 119:1-8; Hebrews 12:1-2; Psalm 1:1-6; 1 Chronicles 16:11; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?