Posts with the tag “obedience”

We like to plan our lives, especially our spiritual growth, but Scripture reminds us that God rarely follows our script. Acts 16 shows how faithful obedience can lead not to comfort, but to opposition, and how worship in the darkest moments becomes a powerful witness. What looks like interruption or failure may actually be God advancing His mission in unseen ways. When we stop trying to write the story ourselves and trust Jesus instead, God begins to redeem our suffering and transform lives for His glory.  Read More

What do you do when God closes doors that make perfect sense? In Acts 16, Paul discovers that faithfulness does not guarantee open paths, even when the mission is good and the intentions are right. The same Spirit who sends also restrains, guiding God’s people not by blueprints, but by discernment. Closed doors are not signs of failure, but often evidence of God’s leadership, narrowing our path toward purposes we cannot yet see.  Read More

The final chapter of Jonah's story confronts us with one of the most uncomfortable truths in all of Scripture: God's mercy extends far beyond our comfort zones, and our response to that reality determines whether we experience blessing or discipline. Imagine being the most successful evangelist in history. Five words. An entire city saved. Thousands upon thousands of lives spared from destruction....  Read More

In Acts 13, we witness a powerful rhythm of gospel movement through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. Their journey into Asia Minor was marked by intentionality and purpose, leaving familiar comforts behind to bring the light of Christ to challenging places. As they ventured into synagogues, they modeled humility by listening before speaking, earning the trust and attention of their audience. Despite facing opposition and rejection, their boldness was anchored in the victory of the gospel, not personal confidence. This same gospel frees us from the fear of rejection, reminding us that outcomes are in God's hands. Paul and Barnabas' journey encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, listen deeply, speak boldly, and trust God with the results. As we carry this message into our own communities, let’s embrace the rhythms of gospel movement—outward, listening, boldness, and trust—allowing the Spirit to guide our steps and open hearts. Where is the Spirit sending you today? Let the gospel move you forward with courage and compassion.  Read More

Acts 10 reminds us that God’s heart is bigger than our boundaries. Peter’s vision wasn’t about food, it was about people, showing that no one is beyond God’s reach. Like Peter, we’re being prepared: sometimes in quiet faithfulness, sometimes through a change in our thinking, and sometimes through bold obedience. The gospel of Jesus tears down barriers and invites everyone into God’s family by grace, not tradition.  Read More

In a world that often glorifies grand gestures and monumental achievements, it's easy to overlook the profound impact of small, seemingly insignificant actions. Yet, history and scripture alike remind us that even the tiniest spark can ignite a blazing fire of change. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Peter's journey through Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa, as recounted in Acts 9:32-4...  Read More