A 5-Day Devotional Series Based on Acts 13:1-12
Only do one day at a time as you reflect on the past weeks sermon and blog. If you missed them Click Here
Day 1: The Holy Spirit’s Call
đź“– Scripture Reading: Acts 13:1-3
Devotional Thought:
The early church in Antioch was a thriving, faithful community. In the midst of their worship, fasting, and prayer, the Holy Spirit spoke, saying, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (v. 2). God called them out for a specific purpose: to take the gospel to new places.
God still calls people today. Sometimes, it’s a call to ministry, missions, or evangelism. Other times, it’s a call to serve in a smaller, faithful role—within our families, workplaces, or communities. The key is being in a posture of worship and readiness, just like the church in Antioch.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you making space in your life to hear the Holy Spirit’s call?
- What distractions might be keeping you from recognizing His direction?
- How might God be calling you to serve in your local church or community?
Application:
Dedicate time today to pray and ask God where He is calling you. If you’re unsure, commit to listening intentionally through fasting, prayer, or studying His Word. The Holy Spirit is always leading—are you ready to hear Him?
Prayer:
Lord, just as You spoke to the church in Antioch, I ask You to speak into my life. Show me where You are calling me to serve. Help me be sensitive to Your voice and obedient to Your leading. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 2: The Church’s Role in Affirming Gifts
đź“– Scripture Reading: Acts 13:4-5
Devotional Thought:
Once the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul, the church didn’t hesitate—they prayed, fasted, laid hands on them, and sent them out. The local church played an essential role in affirming and supporting the calling God had placed on their lives.
God often works through His church to confirm and encourage the gifts of believers. When we see someone who is called to serve, teach, or evangelize, we should affirm them. Likewise, when God gives us gifts, we should seek the church’s confirmation and accountability.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you affirmed or encouraged someone in their calling recently?
- Do you seek confirmation from the church when you feel God calling you?
- How can you use your gifts in your local church?
Application:
Encourage someone in your church today. Perhaps it’s a teacher, pastor, or ministry leader—let them know you see God at work in their life. Also, consider asking a trusted spiritual leader where they see your gifts fitting in God’s work.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the church as a place of growth, affirmation, and encouragement. Help me recognize and affirm the gifts in others, and guide me in using my own gifts for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 3: Facing Spiritual Opposition
đź“– Scripture Reading: Acts 13:6-8
Devotional Thought:
As soon as Barnabas and Saul set out on their mission, they encountered resistance. A sorcerer named Elymas opposed them, trying to turn a government official away from the faith. This is a reminder that whenever we step forward in obedience to God’s call, the enemy will try to hinder us.
Satan is always looking for ways to stop the spread of the gospel—through doubt, fear, opposition, or even distractions. But just because opposition comes doesn’t mean we are on the wrong path. In fact, it often confirms we are doing God’s work!
Reflection Questions:
- Have you faced opposition when trying to live out your faith?
- What are some ways the enemy has tried to discourage you?
- How can you stand firm in spiritual battles?
Application:
Identify an area where you are experiencing opposition in your walk with Christ. Pray for strength to stand firm and resist distractions or discouragement. Remember, the enemy wouldn’t be fighting you if you weren’t advancing in the Kingdom!
Prayer:
Lord, I know that following You means facing opposition. Help me to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. Strengthen my faith so that I do not waver, and remind me that You have already won the victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 4: Standing Firm in Righteousness
đź“– Scripture Reading: Acts 13:9-11
Devotional Thought:
Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly confronted Elymas. He called out his deceit and declared that he would be struck blind. This moment was powerful—not only did Paul stand for righteousness, but God also demonstrated His authority over evil.
In our own lives, we may not face literal sorcerers, but we do encounter lies, deception, and spiritual warfare. God calls us to stand for truth and righteousness, even when it’s uncomfortable. This might mean confronting falsehoods with Scripture, standing against sinful influences, or speaking out when we see injustice.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas in your life where you need to take a stand for righteousness?
- Have you been hesitant to speak the truth for fear of opposition?
- How can you grow in boldness like Paul?
Application:
Pray for discernment and courage to stand firm in righteousness. If there’s an area where you’ve been silent about truth, ask God to help you speak with wisdom and love.
Prayer:
Father, I want to be bold in standing for righteousness, just as Paul was. Give me wisdom to discern right from wrong and courage to speak Your truth in love. Let me be filled with Your Spirit so that I may stand against deception. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 5: The Power of Gospel Witness
đź“– Scripture Reading: Acts 13:12
Devotional Thought:
Despite the opposition, the mission was successful! Sergius Paulus, the Roman official, saw what happened and “believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.” The power of the gospel overcame the deception of the enemy, and a life was changed.
This is the ultimate goal of evangelism: to see people come to faith in Christ. But notice what convinced Sergius—it wasn’t just the miracle, but “the teaching of the Lord.” The gospel itself is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16).
When we share our faith, we don’t have to rely on our own abilities. The truth of God’s Word, combined with the power of the Holy Spirit, is enough to transform lives.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you trusting in the power of the gospel when you share your faith?
- Have you been discouraged in evangelism because of opposition?
- Who is someone you can pray for today that needs to hear the gospel?
Application:
Make a commitment to pray for one person who needs Jesus. Ask God for an opportunity to share the gospel with them. Trust that His Word has the power to change lives!
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that Your Word is powerful and that the gospel can transform hearts. Help me to trust in Your truth as I share my faith. Open doors for me to witness, and may Your Spirit move in the lives of those who hear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.