I had a perfectly-timed journaling sesh in the book of Acts this morning and feel more empowered and strengthened for the season.
Here are a few more of my takeaways on how the early church moved.
1. by the Spirit’s leading
They were led into some places and barred from entering others. They were welcomed by some and persecuted by others. They experienced both joy and suffering. Still, they went.
We have to be people who are led by the Holy Spirit more so than our feelings or current understanding. This means being led into places and to people that we may not choose ourselves. But, we can go while trusting that He knows more than we do and He is sending us where He is working; both in and through us.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
Acts 13:2-4
2. with surrender
In him we live and move and have our being.
“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.
And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.
Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’ ” ~ Acts 17:24-28
Products used
I’m using the devotional kits by Illustrated Faith for June and July 2025 based on the book of Acts. The study is written by Taylor Rauschkolb who is @bravelittletaylor on Instagram. It looks at the lives of the early church to see what life surrendered to and empowered by the Holy Spirit looks like.
The kits are sold out but the digital version as well as related items can be found on the Illustrated Faith website. Check out the #IF_CampActs hashtag and @illustratedfaith feed on Instagram for more details.
I primarily used elements from the kits for my notes. The “hello, my name is” cards are a printable called Camp Acts Name Tags which is from Illustrated Faith’s Print Pray Shop .
As for the disc-bound journal pictured, I go over my approach to this study of Acts in this post: The promised Gift.
** Find all Camp Acts posts here: Acts.
Be encouraged
🎶 Breath of the Father ~ Sarah Kroger
Can you hear it
The sound of heaven
A mighty rushing wind
Can you feel it His holy presence
His spirit moving in
We breathe in your presence
Breathe out your praise
Whatever you want we’re ready for you
This is our invitation
Come have your way
Whatever you want we’re ready for you
