“The evil spirit answered them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul- but who are you?”  (Acts 19:15)
 
Teachers lecture students on formulas that they use in class. Formulas such as the mass energy equivalence formula or the mass energy equivalence equation commonly referred by E=mc2, there are several equations that we learn while attending primary school. Some equations are useful to learn while others are in the back of minds forgotten.

The formula used shows that mass can be converted into energy and vice-versa. Mass moves mass and it can be calculated to find how much energy it takes. In Acts 19 certain men were trying to use the name of Jesus as a formula to expel evil spirits. They did not realize that a major piece of the equation is having a true relationship with Jesus. They try and use the name of Jesus but, had no relationship with Jesus, so they had no power or authority. Faith cannot be faked.

​Faith cannot be imitated either we cannot copy another person’s faith. Faith must be genuine and our own this comes from spending time with Jesus. Building a relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior this happens through reading the Bible, spending time with Jesus in prayer, and worship.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to develop a true authentic relationship with your son Jesus.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins

“The Lord said to Paul in a night vision, “Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to hurt you, because I have many people in this city.”
(Acts 18:9-10)
 
A slogan sometimes seen on t-shirts is DON’T QUIT with parts of the words crossed out DON’T QUIT  emphasizing instead of reading don’t quit the shirt now reads as do it. There are moments in our lives when we feel like quitting and shifting our focus. We might have applied to several different jobs and have not heard back from any companies or been hired after months. We might have started a community group, and no one shows up. We can even wonder “why are we even trying?” It can feel defeating and discouraging but keep going. It can become easy to stop applying after several no’s. No matter the circumstance do not give up.
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It is easy to throw in the towel in these moments and shift our focus to do something else. When we are ready to give up remember that God is with you even, when it is not working out. Continue to be faithful even when results are not visible. God has gone before you and at the right time the opportunity will come. God is with you even when it feels like he is not. God continues to prepare our hearts for exactly what we need at the right time. Just keep going.
 
Heavenly Father, may you give us courage to continue and be faithful even when we feel discouraged.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

Today there are books, podcasts, and YouTube clips on anything you could possibly think about learning more about. Want to learn to make the perfect coffee art there are thousands of videos, want to develop your leadership skills there are hundreds of podcasts that you can delve into to get a deeper understanding. Want to learn on personal finances and go from broke to millionaire there are books that claim to help you. It is important to search and research the material to get a better understanding.

We must come with the right attitude with learning we must be eager to learn and willing to accept the new information. Often, when learning new skills there will be trial and error. We might not get it the first time but, with practice and patient we become even better with the skills.

When we search through material and stay open to what God is saying we protect ourselves from being misled. Far too often half-truth might seem like the truth but, there is only one truth, and it comes from God.
 
Heavenly Father, may we be eager to hear your word and be diligent to test everything by it.
 
Walking with you,        
Stacy Watkins

“Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.” (Acts 16:6-7)

Have you ever had a door of opportunity blocked? We might apply for a dream job- prepared, interviewed, and even prayed on it but not get hired. We were perfect for the job. It can be frustrating and confusing. Months later when another opportunity arises and we are perfect for it and it has even higher pay, but you still do not get the job. It can become discouraging when we do not get the job and tried our best for interviews.

We must continue to have faith and not give up when we hear a “no” since a “no” can feel completely defeating. A “no” might not be a complete “no” but a wait. Wait on the Lord and he will direct your steps. Sometimes we might be eager to go for something that is not beneficial for us in this case God says “no”. No is not a punishment either that he hates us and does not want us to succeed. For God cares for each one of his children and wants the best for them.

​A “no” can lead to an even greater “yes” an opportunity that he was holding out for us. A blocked opportunity might just be a wait. Wait on God because he has something better for you. Let him guide your steps to where you need to be to glorify him.
 
Heavenly Father, give us ears to listen to your Spirit.
 
Walking with you,        
Stacy Watkins