God's Holy Fire: 'They Prospered Wonderfully'

Monday, May 30, 2022

When [Paul's] friends learned of the plot [to kill him], they got him out of [Jerusalem], took him to Caesarea, and then shipped him off to Tarsus. Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country — Judea, Samaria, Galilee — the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully.
— Acts 9:30-31 MESSAGE

Key Thought

I love the sentence, "They prospered wonderfully." This statement does not mean they were all healthy, wealthy, and wise. In the Holy Spirit sense, "prosper" means calm, smooth sailing, unity, strength, deep reverence, spiritual growth, and numerical growth. I don't know many places that actually demonstrate the Spirit in this way, but I do know that this possibility gives me hope.

Today's Prayer

O Father, please help us prosper in the ways you want us to prosper. May our prospering bring you honor and glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, May 30, 2022

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Song of Solomon 2:15
"A little thorn may cause much suffering. A little cloud may hide the sun. Little foxes spoil the vines; and little sins do mischief to the tender..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Many Put Their Faith in Him' (Jn. 7:30-31)
"Then the leaders tried to arrest [Jesus]; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. Many among the crowds at the Temple..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Weight of Glory' (2 Co. 4:16-5:21)
"Dear Father, invisible but absolutely real, Let me not lose heart. I know from your word that my light and momentary troubles are working for me an....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Phillips Brooks:
"We never become truly spiritual by sitting down and wishing to become so. You must undertake something so great that you cannot accomplish it unaided."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:30-31 MESSAGE — They prospered wonderfully.

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations