Week 9: Paul, Self-control
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:27) 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Just as perfecting a sport or a skill takes hard work and training, so does perfecting self-control. Self-control is one of […]
Week 8: Barnabas, Gentleness
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:27) Acts 9 Do you have anyone in your life with a calming presence? […]
Week 7: The Apostles and the High Council, Faithfulness
Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” Acts 5:29 Acts 5:17-42 Have you ever been criticized for doing the right thing? Have you ever had to stand up for someone else who could not defend themselves? Faithfulness, a Fruit of the Spirit, can be seen in many different […]
Week 6: Lydia, Goodness
After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. (Acts 16:40) Acts 16 During Paul’s travels with Silas to Philippi, he led many to Christ including a woman named Lydia. She was so grateful to Paul for bringing her the gospel […]
Week 5: Tabitha, Kindness
Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. (Acts 9:40) Acts 9 Each of the Fruits of the Spirit require some kind of action on our part. The Holy […]
Week 4: Paul, Patience
Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains. (Acts 26:29) Acts 24-26 Paul experienced the ultimate test of patience when he wrongfully sat in prison for years waiting for a trial. Paul had […]
Week 3: King Herod and Peter, Peace
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. (Acts 12:5) Acts 12:1-6 King Herod was a true bad guy of the Bible. He lived out his life hating Jesus and anyone who followed him. Herod knew that Peter was a follower of Jesus so he had Peter thrown […]
Week 2: Paul and Silas in Prison, Joy
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:35) Acts 16:23-25 Praising God and His goodness in the midst of a trial can seem nearly impossible. The light at the end of the tunnel seems miles away when we are going through a tough time and […]
Week 1: John, Love
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. (1 John 3:16) 1 John 3:16-20 When we invite Christ into our hearts and become Christians, the Holy Spirit begins to produce spiritual fruits inside of us: […]