Today’s Scripture

“So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, ‘Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?’ He replied, ‘The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.’”

—Acts 1:6-8 (NLT)

Additional Scripture

Acts 4:23-31 (NLT)

Reflect on the Word

When our confidence to speak about Jesus is challenged, we have a remedy to hesitation. Prayer creates immunity to intimidation and deeply connects us to God’s great mission. When tempted toward restraint, the power of the Spirit is expansive, opening our mouths to speak, moving our feet to go. The prayers of the early church pivoted them from uncertainty to unstoppable boldness. Scripture-informed prayer quiets confusion, provokes courage and initiates fresh infillings of God’s Spirit.

Prayer + Contemplation

1. Am I actively discerning what God is doing in this time and season (versus passively watching world events) and taking steps of faith to join Him in new kingdom endeavors?

2. Pause. (No, really—pause right now.) Open yourself up to a fresh infilling of living power from the Spirit to equip you with gifts and boldness for your next opportunity to be a living witness of the living Savior.

3. Since “everywhere” is a very big space, ask God for timely discernment for your specific assignment to be in the right place at the right time doing the right things for the advance of His kingdom.

Family Moment: In His strength

Read Acts 4:23-31. Just as the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, we followers of Jesus are filled with the Holy Spirit. God is powerful, and He gives us the strength to follow Jesus and tell others about Him. Share about a time you experienced God’s power. Next, gather a piece of paper and pen to create a

list of things you’ve been trying to do in your own strength. It could be tasks at work or school, trying to make a friend or even manual tasks. After sharing, surrender your list to God in prayer: “God, we’re tired of doing it on our own. Please help us give all these things to Your Spirit, and fill us with Your power.”