In the name of “Divine Steering,” this article focuses on a recent message by Matt McCloghry from Colonial Church STA. The content centers around the reading of Acts chapter 16 and the importance of being guided by the Holy Spirit. There is also mention of a previous message by Pastor PJ that viewers are encouraged to watch or listen to on YouTube or a podcast. Throughout the passage in Acts 16, the emphasis is on divine steering, accepting the need for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and acting according to His leading. The example of Lydia, the first reported Christian in Europe, is given as a result of divine steering. The message ends with a prayer for direction, divine conversations, and healing. Additionally, the reader is offered a free gift of a new Bible, and they are invited to visit the church again next week. The sender expresses excitement for the recipient’s first step in their journey of faith and wishes them God’s blessings.
Divine Steering
Introduction
Welcome to Colonial Church STA! We are so excited to have you here and we hope that you find inspiration and encouragement in today’s message. We want to remind you to subscribe and share this message with someone in your life who could benefit from it. With Jesus at the center, we believe that the best is yet to come!
Today, we will be diving into the Book of Acts, specifically Acts chapter 16. This passage focuses on Paul’s missionary journey and his encounter with Timothy. We are currently in a series on the Holy Spirit, and the topic for today’s message is divine steering. The Holy Spirit’s guidance plays a crucial role in our lives, and it is important to recognize our need for His direction.
Before we begin, we want to offer you a free Bible. If you don’t have a Bible or know someone who would benefit from having one, please reach out to us. We believe that the Word of God is a powerful tool for navigating through life and finding guidance and peace.
Exploring Acts Chapter 16
Let’s start by taking an overview of Acts chapter 16. This chapter is part of the larger narrative of Paul’s missionary journeys. It follows the Council of Jerusalem, where the leaders of the early church debated and established guidelines for the Gentiles who had become believers.
In Acts chapter 16, Paul, Silas, and Timothy continue their ministry, traveling to different cities and regions to share the gospel. This chapter is significant because it highlights the Holy Spirit’s guidance in Paul’s journey, leading him to specific places and forbidding him from going to others.
Missionary Journey of Paul
Paul’s missionary journeys were instrumental in spreading the gospel and establishing churches in various regions. He traveled tirelessly, facing opposition and persecution, yet his faith and dedication to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ remained unwavering.
Paul understood the importance of sharing the gospel and believed that everyone deserved to hear the message of salvation. His travels took him to both Jewish and Gentile communities, breaking down cultural barriers and bringing people together under the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Encounter with Timothy
In Acts chapter 16, we see Paul encounter Timothy, a young disciple who would become one of his faithful companions in ministry. Timothy’s mother was Jewish, and his father was Greek, making him a unique figure in the early church.
Paul recognized Timothy’s potential and saw in him a valuable partner in his missionary work. The Holy Spirit guided Paul in this divine encounter, and Timothy’s life was forever changed as he joined Paul on his journeys, learning from his mentor and becoming a respected leader in the church.
The Holy Spirit’s Guidance
Throughout the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit’s guidance is evident in the lives of the early believers. The Holy Spirit empowered them, directed their steps, and revealed God’s will to them. The Holy Spirit’s role was vital in the expansion of the early church and the spread of the gospel.
In Acts chapter 16, we see clear examples of divine guidance. The Holy Spirit forbids Paul and his companions from speaking the word in certain regions and directs them to others. This shows the importance of being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and following His guidance, even if it might go against our own plans or desires.
Accepting our Need for Divine Steering
Recognizing our limited understanding is essential in accepting our need for divine steering. We may have our own plans and ideas of how our lives should unfold, but it is important to acknowledge that God’s plans are far greater and higher than our own.
Seeking God’s will in our lives requires humility and surrender. We must be willing to let go of our own desires and trust in God’s guidance. It can be challenging to relinquish control and place our faith in something greater than ourselves, but when we do, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and blessings.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to be in Control
Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is a powerful act of faith. It means letting go of our own agendas and allowing Him to lead and guide us. When we give the Holy Spirit control, we invite Him to work in and through us, shaping us into the people He has called us to be.
Letting go of our own plans can be scary and uncomfortable, but it is in that surrender that we find true peace and fulfillment. When we step aside and let the Holy Spirit take the wheel, we position ourselves to experience divine steering and witness His miraculous work in our lives.
Acting According to Divine Leading
Following the Holy Spirit’s promptings requires obedience and faith. It often means stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks. But when we act according to divine leading, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and open ourselves up to incredible opportunities and blessings.
In Acts chapter 16, we see the story of Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman who was the first reported Christian in Europe. Lydia’s encounter with Paul and her decision to follow Christ was a result of divine steering. The Holy Spirit led Paul to Philippi, where Lydia’s heart was opened to receive the gospel and she was baptized.
When we act according to divine leading, we become vessels for God to work through us. Our obedience and faithfulness pave the way for others to encounter Jesus and experience His life-transforming power.
Prayer for Direction and Healing
As we conclude this message on divine steering, we want to invite you to join us in a prayer for direction, divine conversations, and healing. Let’s take a moment to pause, reflect, and bring our hopes, dreams, and uncertainties before God.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your guidance and presence in our lives. We acknowledge our need for your divine steering and direction. Help us to let go of our own plans and desires and surrender to your will. Give us the courage to act according to your leading, even when it seems risky or uncertain.
We pray for divine conversations, that you would orchestrate encounters and opportunities for us to share your love and truth with others. Use us as vessels for your glory and let our lives be a reflection of your grace and mercy.
We also lift up those who are in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. We ask for your divine touch and restoration in their lives. Fill them with your peace, comfort, and strength.
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and guidance. May we continue to seek your will and follow your leading in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Conclusion
We hope that today’s message on divine steering has been an encouragement and a challenge to you. The Holy Spirit’s guidance is available to each and every one of us, and when we accept our need for His direction, incredible things can happen. We invite you to come back next week as we continue our series on the Holy Spirit. May God’s blessings be upon you as you embark on your journey of faith. Until then, take care and have a wonderful week!
WELCOME TO CHURCH!
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Colonial Website – http://www.colonialchurch.life/
Colonial Instagram – https://instagram.colonialchurch.life
Colonial Podcast – https://podcast.colonialchurch.life
Ps. Matt McCloghry Instagram – / mattmccloghry
Ps. Jill McCloghry Instagram – / jillmccloghry
