Paul and Silas were arrested and put in jail for sharing God’s love in Jesus. While they sat in a dark prison, their feet chained in shackles, they sang songs to the Lord. Their witness changed the lives of those around them. The Lord used them, even in the face of hardship, to help others. God can use you too, no matter the situation in which you find yourself.

The Holy Spirit led Paul to answer the call and share the gospel in a new city. We are often put in situations that we didn’t expect. We can trust that God will use us to share his love no matter where we are.

Disagreements are inevitable, but fights aren’t. The way we handle conflict shows our character and steers our relationships. When the early church disagreed, the Holy Spirit guided them to act in love. God’s love surpasses disagreements.

The crowd in the city of Lystra thought Paul and Barnabas were Greek gods. Paul and Barnabas made sure they knew the truth, even though it put their lives at risk. It is tempting to selfishly put ourselves first. Our Lord Jesus is the servant-king whose self-sacrifice made a way for our forgiveness.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, he didn’t say goodbye. He told his friends that he would always be with them. That promise is true for us as well. Jesus is always with you. Take courage, you don’t have to face life alone!

When the dead body of Jesus was put into a grave his disciples hid with fear and despair. God’s power doesn’t depend on the faithfulness of his followers, even death couldn’t hold Jesus!

Jesus spent his life teaching and healing. He noticed the forgotten and showed love to the shunned. He died in the same way in which he had lived; reaching out to those who didn’t deserve it. His death was painful and public...but that’s not the end of the story!

Out of fear, Peter lied about being Jesus’ friend. After Jesus forgave him, Peter went on to be a courageous leader in the early church. God’s power can enable us to be too brave to lie, and his forgiveness can empower us to serve without fear.