surge 21- January 2023

Bible Reading: Acts 28 Meditation Focus: Preserved for God’s Purpose Thoughts for Reflection: 1. (v1 – 31)  Notice that Paul, who had willingly devoted himself to God’s cause, could not be stopped in spite of every obstacle. Despite opposition, threats, intimidation, stormy seas, a snake bite, and so on, Paul enjoyed God’s constant presence helping him through it all. Is there any doubt in my heart regarding the outcome of my God processes? Do I ever directly or indirectly question…

Bible Reading: Acts 27 Meditation Focus: Safe Through The Storms Thoughts for Reflection: 1.  (v1 – 38) Do you notice that when all else feels hopeless and there is nothing else to believe, God remains ever present in our lives with a sound of hope, encouragement and His promise?As I navigate a crazy world and sometimes difficult times, what are some practical ways that I can be more inclined to God’s encouragement each new day, rather than being sucked into…

Bible Reading: Acts 26 Meditation Focus: Changed Life Thoughts for Reflection 1. (v1 – 23) Notice how that at every opportunity, be it with the high and mighty or the unassuming, Paul’s testimony was about his changed life and of a Saviour who loved, forgave and moved him from darkness into light. Do you believe that much in the power of your testimony? Are you generous with the story of what Jesus has done in your life? 2. (v24 –…

Bible Reading: Acts 25 Meditation Focus: Blameless  Thoughts for Reflection: (v1 – 27) Notice that in spite of all the conspiracies, false accusations and plots against him, Paul remained blameless and his message remained unchanged. If my haters were trying to bring accusation against me, would they have a basis to latch on to? Do I live at a high level of integrity that objectively speaking, cannot be flawed? In Prayer today: While [Paul] answered for himself, “Neither against the…

Bible Reading: Acts 24 Meditation Focus: Contending for Truth Thoughts for Reflection: 1. (v1 – 23) Notice how Paul calmly and confidently remains insistent on the truth of his faith even when he is falsely accused. Are there areas of life where my faith is being challenged or called into question? Do I resort to panicking and gimmicks or hold on to the integrity of my faith, while trusting in God? 2. (v24 – 27) Paul finds himself as a…

Bible Reading: Acts 23 Meditation Focus: Certain Promises 1. (v 1 – 10) Notice how Paul’s inspired wisdom words were used by God for his deliverance from a difficult situation. Do I place the right emphasis on my need for and sensitivity to God’s wisdom in my difficult moments, or do I live with the assumption that I have it all in myself? 2. (v 11 – 40) Quite unusual, but Paul found himself in a dark moment, where at…

Bible Reading: Acts 22 Meditation Focus: Navigating Difficulty By God’s Wisdom Thoughts for Reflection: 1. (v1 – 21) Notice how Paul’s message is strongly linked to his own personal experience of Jesus. Do you place enough value on the power of your own testimony? How willing are you to share what Jesus has done and your experience of Him as a message to the people and the world around you that desperately need to know the reality of Jesus? 2.…

Bible Reading: Acts 21 Meditation Focus: Resilience Against All Odds Thoughts for Reflection: 1. (v1 – 40) We see a Paul, who was formerly a persecutor of believers and the church, but who has now been transformed by the gospel, carrying a willingness, commitment and resilience for the Cause of Jesus, against all odds. Is there room in your heart for such deep persuasion and conviction in walking the right pathways and in all that God is calling you to…

Bible Reading: Acts 20 Meditation Focus: Firmly Focused Thoughts for Reflection: 1. (v1 – 24) The resilience of a Jesus follower is that whatever the journey brings, we are committed to finishing strong and seeing Jesus glorified. Am I in some way losing sight of this? Does the busyness of life and pressure of the immediate derail my big focus ? 2. (v 25 – 38) In his final thoughts, Paul leaves the believers with a few anchors that should matter…

Bible Reading: Acts 19 Meditation Focus: Full Life Expressions Thoughts for Reflection: 1. (v1 – 20) Notice how surrender and yieldedness to the the Holy Spirit is what it takes to enjoy His presence, influence, gifts, miraculous expressions and a remarkable reach for the Gospel. Is there a strong and growing desire in me to live in the gifts and empowerment that the Holy Spirit brings ? 2. (v21 – 41) Paul demonstrates a strong ’Pro-Jesus’ influence, ultimately setting in…

Bible Reading: Acts 18 Meditation Focus: The Power of Community and Discipleship Thoughts for Reflection: 1. (v1 – 17) Notice how Paul’s Corinth journey started out alone, but God orchestrated his journey to finding community that strengthened him on his assignment. How much connection do you place between being in right community and fulfilment in God’s assignment and purpose for your life? Does anything need detaching, strengthening or reinforcement in this season in your life? 2. (v18 – 28) Priscilla…

Bible Reading: Acts 17 Meditation Focus: Effective Believers Thoughts for Reflection: (v 1-34) From city to city and through different experiences, the message of the gospel preached by Paul stayed the same. Do you ever feel pressure to be a different person, or say different things in certain places or with certain people? What do you learn from Paul and his companions, and their boldness to stick to the truth?  (v 16-34) Notice Paul’s reasoning with the Athens started by…