June 28 devotional

Scripture

Acts 19: 9-12 “But some rejected his message and publicly spoke against the Way, so Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he began preaching daily at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia- both Jews and Greeks- heard the Lord’s message. God gave Paul the power to do unusual miracles, so that even when handkerchiefs or cloths that had touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and any evil spirits within them came out.”

Observation

This is one of the greatest revivals recorded in scripture. It lasted two years and the entire region was reached for Christ. The revival cut across racial lines as both Jews and Greeks heard the message of Jesus. What were some of the characteristics of the revival?

1) It was born out of persecution. People rejected Paul’s preaching and spoke against believers.

2) Paul persisted. He moved to another location and held services

3) The Word was preached. Paul preached daily for two years!

4) There were unusual miracles. I love the word unusual. That means that there are normal miracles and unusual miracles. I want to experience that! These miracles included healing and deliverance.

Notice the phrase that “God gave Paul the power to do unusual miracles.” Paul did not earn the power. He did not earn it through fasting and prayer. He did not purchase it by giving a large offering. God gave it to him. The anointing is not a thing that can be earned or purchased. It is given by God to a person who is doing the work of God. What was Paul doing? He was preaching daily. As Paul preached the word of God, God gave Paul power to do unusual miracles. If we want to see God’s power today, we must be about doing God’s work here.

Application

This great revival was born out of persecution. Paul was persistent. He didn’t quit when he faced opposition. Paul preached the Word of God. The Bible was central to the revival. God confirmed the word through healings, miracles, signs, and wonders. This is how revival can come today.

Prayer

Father I ask that you send a fresh outpouring of your Spirit upon First A/G and Henderson, KY today. Send a revival to every church and a spiritual awakening to our community. May it lead to a total transformation. I believe as it was in the Book of Acts, so should it be today. God let it happen today. I know I cannot earn it or purchase it but I ask for it. Give it to us today. Send your Holy Spirit upon us. Revive us. May the message of Jesus be spread throughout our region. In Jesus name.