As the apostle Paul began his second missionary journey, he was accompanied by a believer named Silas. Eventually the two of them were “stripped and beaten with rods,” and then “thrown into prison” (Acts 16:22-23 NIV). Yet God used the horrible situation as an opportunity to transform a family. That night Paul shared his faith and the gospel message with the jailer (Acts 16:31-32). In response to Paul’s message, the jailer and his family believed and were baptized (Acts 16:33-34). God can use what others intend for harm to accomplish the good things he wants done within the world.

What would happen if we trusted in the Lord even when life doesn’t go as we hoped or planned? What would happen if we saw the setbacks of life as “set ups” for sharing our faith and the gospel message about Jesus? For Paul and Silas a family was transformed because the two of them were imprisoned. God can use you to transform the lives of others as well!

 

 

Monday (7/19)

Read Psalm 119:1-8 to point your heart and mind towards the Lord.

 

Pray for God to reveal a word, phrase, or verse that is for you for today as you read Acts 16:1-5.

 

Pray in response to the Lord and what you read.

 

 

Tuesday (7/20)

Read a portion of the apostle Paul’s letter to Christians in Galatia from Galatians 1:3-5 to begin your devotional time.

 

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a word, phrase or verses that is specifically for you for today, then read Acts 16:6-10.

 

Pray to the God who listens, sharing what is on your heart and mind.

 

 

Wednesday (7/21)

Read Psalm 119:17-24 and part of the apostle Paul’s message to Christian in Philippi from Philippians 4:8 to point your thoughts and desires toward God.

 

Ask the Lord to reveal a message to you as you read Acts 16:11-15.

 

Pray in response to the Lord and what you read.

 

 

Thursday (7/22)

Read a portion of the apostle Paul’s letter to Christians in Thessalonica from

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to begin your devotional time.

 

Pray for God to reveal a word, phrase, or verse that is for you for today as you read Acts 16:16-40.

 

Pray to the One who can answer your prayers.

 

 

Friday (7/23)

Read Psalm 119:33-40 to turn your heart and mind towards the Lord.

 

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a word, phrase or verses that is specifically for you for today from scripture, then read Acts 17:1-9.

 

Pray in response to the Lord and what you read.

 

 

Saturday (7/24)

Read Psalm 119:41-48 to point your thoughts and desires towards God.

 

Seek the Lord and to discover his message to you as you read Acts 17:10-15.

 

Pray in response to God and how he worked in your life, the life of those you know, or within the world, this past week.

 

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.