DAY ONE - Endowed with power
Acts 1:1-11
These verses record the last moments the apostles will ever see Jesus among them on earth. This is a crucial turning point in their lives. They are moving from listening, watching, learning, and following toward speaking, teaching, healing and leading. At this moment they are now given charge of building God's kingdom on earth.
Just like the church then was in its infancy, we begin our journey into motherhood in charge of tiny, helpless babies. We look ahead at the road of raising children and might wonder, like the apostles, how do we take that first step? The answer is found in verse 8.
What does it look like to live with the spirit of God in us? What does this power look like in a real life setting?
DAY TWO - Chosen
Acts 1:12-26
Underline key phrases that show the steps taken to choose an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot. (for example, verses 14-16, 21-22, 23-26)
The names of two men were put forward, but only one was chosen. What feelings might arise in you if you were chosen? What about if you were the one not chosen? What calling/role in your life have you been chosen to fulfill? What calling/role was denied you?
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) reads:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Although Joseph Barsabas was not chosen to be the twelfth apostle, God no doubt had plans for his life, good plans, great plans. Sometimes it is hard to want something and not get it. It can be equally hard to want something for your child and not see them get it.
Write something that either you want for your plans, or something you want for your child's plans. Take a moment to pray about that thing. Pray to let God know the desires of your heart, and then pray that God will tell you the desires of His heart regarding this matter. Pray for his peace to help you accept His plans.
DAY THREE - Speaking in their language
Acts 2:1-13
Write in the margin of your scriptures how many different languages the gospel were heard in (verses 9-11.) The apostles speaking were all Galilaeans (verse 7) and yet, through the power of the Holy Spirit, were able to speak so that people of all tongues could understand the message of the gospel.
There are many different "languages" that we use to communicate on a daily basis.
For example:
Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages:
(how we show and feel love)
1. Words of affirmation
2. Acts of service
3. Receiving gifts
4. Quality time
5. Physical touch
Gary Thomas' Sacred Pathways
(how we worship God)
1. Naturalists (loving God outdoors)
2. Sensates (loving God through sight, sound, smell, touch)
3. Traditionalists (ritual and symbols)
4. Ascetics (solitude and simplicity)
5. Activists (loving God through confrontation and defending Him)
6. Caregivers (loving God by loving others)
7. Enthusiasts (loving God with mystery and celebration)
8. Contemplatives (adoration)
9. Intellectuals (loving God with the mind)
Think about your children and the different languages each one speaks. Use the above list, or write your own ideas. Are they introverts or extroverts? Do they process events internally or externally? Are they academic or emotional? Write a list for each child of words that help define his or her own languages. Consider what ways you might need to communicate to each one so that they can hear your messages "in their own language."
DAY FOUR - Peter's Sermon
Acts 2:14-41
Peter stands up in front of thousands of people on the day of Pentecost and gives this brilliant sermon. He stands up, as a prophet, and quotes scriptures, interprets it, bears testimony of Jesus' life and mission, and teaches about God's eternal plan. As you read through it, highlight the awesome truths that leap off of the page for you.
Peter is not a man whose life was prettied up by historians. Recorded in scripture for all to read are his moments of trial and triumph. We see his rashness when he jumps into the sea after Jesus, his loose mouth when he proclaims Jesus the Messiah and then rebukes Jesus' plan of salvation, and his desperation at his denial of knowing Jesus. But now we have a man who boldly stands and proclaims the truth for all to hear. Peter was filled with the Spirit of God and was emboldened by it.
We do not need to have perfect backgrounds or histories in order to be great leaders, especially in our homes for our children. We just need to empty ourselves of our pride so that we can be filled with the Spirit. As you ponder on the weaknesses of Peter, make a list about your own areas of weakness. Take moment to pray over each one, asking God for strength to let it go and make room for his Spirit.
DAY FIVE - Day to day living
Acts 2:42-47
We read here about the goings on in the early church, the things they did, how they lived, how they passed their time. They would have been struggling to define what "church" looked like to them as a group, figuring out what worked and what didn't , all the while trying to stay close to the teachings of Jesus. Write down the different things the apostles and their followers did.
Today there are many, many ways we can learn and teach the gospel in our homes. Add to your list any other ideas we have been shown in modern days, like Family Home Evening or singing hymns together. Now look over your list, pray over it, and mark down the ones you want to continue doing in your family, do with more dedication, or start something new.
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