Miracles | Midyear Prayer, Fasting, and Consecration (Family Devotional)Sample

CONNECT

Prepare:

• One or two appliances that need batteries to work (e.g., flashlight, cell phone, laptop, radio)
• Batteries (both functioning and dead batteries)

What to do:

Place the batteries in the appliances and turn them on. Ask the kids, “Do they work? Why?” Then, take out the batteries and put the dead batteries in their place. Let the kids check to see if they are working. Ask them, “Why are they not working?”

You see, while appliances can do many things, they are nothing without the batteries. The batteries supply power and with them, the appliances are able to function well.

Let’s see how this is similar to our Bible story.

READ THE WORD

At this time, Jesus had already resurrected. He was with His disciples and was giving them instructions before He went up to heaven.

Theophilus, I wrote about Jesus in my earlier book. I wrote about all he did and taught until the day he was taken up to heaven. Before Jesus left, he gave orders to the apostles he had chosen. He did this through the Holy Spirit. After his suffering and death, he appeared to them. In many ways he proved that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of 40 days. During that time he spoke about God’s kingdom. One day Jesus was eating with them. He gave them a command. “Do not leave Jerusalem,” he said. “Wait for the gift my Father promised. You have heard me talk about it. John baptized with water. But in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then the apostles gathered around Jesus and asked him a question. “Lord,” they said, “are you going to give the kingdom back to Israel now?” He said to them, “You should not be concerned about times or dates. The Father has set them by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will tell people about me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria. And you will even tell other people about me from one end of the earth to the other.” Acts 1:1–8

Jesus’ final words to His followers was a promise of the power they would receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. But, this power is very different from the power from batteries. The power from the Holy Spirit is the kind that can do mighty works and miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons. It can produce signs and wonders and it can change lives. As you continue to read the rest of the book, you will see that the disciples used this power to perform miraculous acts that showed people who God is and how much He loves them.

HUDDLE

Parents to Kids

2–6 years old

• What would you do if you had the power to heal sick people? Who can give us the ability to do this?

7–12 years old

• Do you want to receive the Holy Spirit and the power God can give you? How does a person receive the Holy Spirit?

Kids to Parents

• Have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit? How did you become sure that you have the Holy Spirit within you?

The Holy Spirit that was given to the apostles is available to us today. God gave the gift of the Holy Spirit for a purpose. He is empowering us because He has a mission for us, and that is to tell others about Him.

PRAY

Dear God, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for giving us the power to be witnesses of Your love. Give us the courage to tell others about You. Give us the heart and compassion to share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name, amen!

DISCOVER

As we continue studying the book of Acts, here are some interesting facts about this book:

The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke. They were both written by the same author and many believe they were halves of one work, as both books were addressed to Theophilus.

In Acts, Luke himself was present in the book. He was part of Paul’s journey to Macedonia (Acts 16:10–12); he was present in the trip from Macedonia to Jerusalem (Acts 20–21); and he was also part of the journey to Rome (Acts 27–28). Luke himself was an active participant!