At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.

Paul and Barnabas spoke so effectively about the gospel to the Jews and Gentiles that a great number of them believed. The empowering work of the Holy Spirit that inspired the words of Paul and Barnabas is also available to Spirit-filled believers today. It’s the Spirit of God that empowers us to speak boldly and to believe that God will confirm our words with signs and wonders so that many will come to know the Lord Jesus as their Savior.

The destiny of men, women and children are at stake and it is so important for believers to be filled with God’s Spirit and rich in God’s Word so that the message of the good news of Jesus Christ will be communicated with boldness and the power of God’s Spirit.

I am challenged to carefully prepare the messages God wants me to speak each week to the people I pastor. I am reminded that the power of our words can have such an impact on the people we are speaking to. My heart is to speak effectively for God and to help God’s people to understand their great privilege and responsibility to share with their friends and family about the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus, thank You for your faithfulness to speak to me through your Word. I welcome your direction as I seek You for wisdom and direction in teaching your Word. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to discern the ways in which You would have me lead your people as I teach your Word.