INTRODUCTION

Psalm 1:1-4 says,

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

It’s normal — and good — for Christians to delight in reading the Bible. Not just to skim it, but to meditate on it: to turn it over in our minds, to seek what our heavenly Father is teaching us, and to let his word take root in every corner of our lives.

These notes and prayer suggestions are designed to help you do just that. Each study and prayer time should take about 15 minutes, depending on the length and complexity of the passage. This series includes 41 studies on Acts 13–28 and 1 Thessalonians, with some optional extra readings.

For this series of Ann Street Daily, we’re encouraging you to try something a little different in prayer. Each day:

· Thank God for one thing from the passage.

· Ask God for help with one thing you’ve been challenged by in the passage.

Alongside this, we’ll list one of our mission partners each day. As you reflect on God’s word, look for ways to pray for them in light of what the passage has stirred in you. For example, if the passage highlights perseverance, pray that they would persevere in gospel ministry. If it speaks of joy, ask that they would find joy in Christ even amid difficulties. In this way, your prayers for our partners will be shaped and enriched by Scripture itself.

And of course, keep praying for the people around you and the concerns that are on your heart each day.

As you begin, it’s good to ask for God’s help in understanding and living out his word. You could pray something like this:

Heavenly Father, please help me to understand your word by your Spirit.
Please help me to delight in what you say, to remember it, and to live by it.
Please grow me to become more like the Lord Jesus. Amen.

May God bless you richly as you read and meditate on his word.

SECTION 1: PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY WITH BARNABAS (ACTS 13:1 - 14:28)

Day 1: Acts 13:1-12 - Paul and Barnabas sent out by the Holy Spirit

Barnabas and Paul (Saul) went to Jerusalem to bring money to the church, who were suffering through a severe famine. Now they are sent off by the Holy Spirit to begin what has become known as Paul’s first missionary journey. John Mark (the probable writer of the gospel of Mark) goes with them. Their first stop is Barnabas’ home island of Cyprus (Acts 4:36).

How is the Holy Spirit involved in this mission?

Elymas and the Proconsul are each powerful figures, but how does this story show the power and authority of Jesus? (Remember Acts 1:8?)

Note: A proconsul was a governor of a province in the Roman Republic appointed for one year by the Senate.

Note: “Bar-Jesus” means “Son of Jesus” or “Son of Joshua”

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage.

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today.

3. Pray for QUT Christians