“Holy Spirit, interrupt my life…” she said.
Well… all I can say now is be careful what you pray for! There were many interruptions since this prayer and I touched on that briefly in my previous post: Hope in the Light.
I’m continuing my study of the book of Acts using IF Camp Acts. I’ve been so blessed by this study! The devotional content is very timely and encouraging. I’m also really enjoying this simpler, note-taking approach these summer days.
Here are a few lessons I’m taking away from the early church in Acts.
1. They were faithful to the mission
Following the persecution of Stephen – “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” – they were scattered throughout the region. They grieved his death but continued to move. They continuing preaching and spreading the gospel as enabled and led by the Holy Spirit. Though they had reasons to be fearful and discouraged, they also had plenty of reasons to be hopeful as they saw the handiwork of God amongst and through them.
“Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.” ~ Acts 8:4-8
2. They were yielded to the Holy Spirit
They were surrendered to Jesus and because of that they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They went where they were led and they did as instructed. They healed and performed signs and wonders. They preached the gospel to crowds and to a single person. And so God’s work was done.
“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went… Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him [the Ethiopian eunuch] the good news about Jesus.” ~ Acts 8:26, 35
3. They rejoiced in their suffering
They were focused on the joy set before them – to glorify God. Oh, I am still learning this!
“Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” ~ Acts 5:41-42
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.
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 Camps Acts posts here: Acts.
Be encouraged
🎶 Walk With You ~ TAYA
However this life looks on any given day, whether it is easy or hard, surprising or like yesterday, we have what we need to live it fully. We have the prize of Jesus – the best road trip companion ever! What a joy it is to walk with Him.
