DAY 3
BIGGER AND BEYOND

The great news is that we don’t go out to share the gospel on our own or in our own strength. Rather, we have the all-powerful partner, the Holy Spirit, who goes with us, so…

Let’s Expect Miracle-Working GRACE

We cannot understand the viral spread of the gospel in the book of Acts without acknowledging that God confirmed His Word with a supernatural empowerment to perform miracles in Jesus’ name. Acts 19 is no exception. In confirmation of the Word being preached we read how, ‘God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.’ Acts 19:11-12

After a further confrontation with the demonic powers, the unchurched multitudes were seized with fear and, ‘…the name of the Lord was held in high honour.’ Acts 19:17

As we go out to reach our region with the gospel in a new way, let’s believe that we can expect to see a greater demonstration of extraordinary miracles, pointing people to Jesus, the Miracle-Maker, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will take up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mark 16:17-19

Also, as we pray for miracles, let’s remember that,“What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27

Let’s stir up the gifts within us and believe for more! Also, vital to any true revival, is a call for the followers of Jesus to surrender their whole lives, including their finances, so…

Let’s Grow in Christ-Centered GENEROSITY

The first indicator of true repentance by those newly converted from their pagan background was that ‘A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.’ Acts 19:19This was an obvious sign of total surrender to the Lord and His Kingdom, which had a huge gospel impact: ‘In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.’ Acts 19:20

However, there was also a backlash from the pagan world. As a direct result of Paul’s preaching, the trade in idols linked to the demonic power of Diana began to dry up, which caused a huge riot! 

What we do with our money plays a key part in putting God first, getting free financially, and allowing Him to move in greater power in our lives, our church, our cities, and region. We read in Acts that the early church lived a life of generosity. Paul, when talking about his own example of living and serving the gospel, points them to the words of Jesus Himself, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 This was a challenge to the first disciples and applies as much to us today as it did to them. Knowing this, let’s seek God as to how we can grow in generosity in this season. Remember that ‘The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.’ Proverbs 11:24 (The Message) Let’s please the heart of God and rise to that challenge!

So, as we conclude this time of prayer and fasting, let’s reflect and remind ourselves that we can play our part to Think Bigger and Beyond, and to act accordingly. But we’re never going to do this without the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. He is the key to the remarkable awakening that we read about in the book of Acts. So, we need Him, the mighty third person of the Trinity to fill us, empower us, and embolden us to grow and go in ways we’ve never seen before.

Let’s remind ourselves again of this scripture, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” Acts 1:8

DEVOTIONAL

by Euphemia Manyanga

Prayer points

• As we continue to pray for more of the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives, let faith arise to go out and see the miracle working power of God at work, in us and through us.
• Pray for a release of the gifts of the Spirit among us, especially faith, knowledge, healing and miracles (see 1 Corinthians 12).
• Pray for divine opportunities to lay hands on the sick and see them recover (see Mark 16).
• As we are challenged to live lives of generosity, pray for an ‘open heaven’ over us and that the work of our hands will be blessed (see Deuteronomy 28).
• Pray for a season of miraculous financial reaping for those who have sown faithfully and sacrificially.
• Pray that as we approach our Bigger and Beyond Special Offering on Sunday 2 March, our hearts will be attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and that we will cheerfully give, knowing that our giving can help transform lives for eternity.