Acts - Women's Bible Study Participant Workbook
Learn to awaken to God’s Spirit today and every day by studying the Book of Acts with Melissa Spoelstra. Whether it’s because of distractions,...
Melissa shares her answers to questions from the Acts Bible Study
Are there spiritual activities or practices that help you to hear from the Lord?
Writing in my journal, listening to worship (lately I’m loving Maverick City), reading Scripture, memorizing Scripture, and taking a walk in nature are at the top of my list!
What struggles have you encountered recently related to your ability to focus?
I’ve recently taken social media and even email off my phone because it distracts me so much. Who needs to check their email 77 times a day? I also plug my phone in to charge in another room at night so it isn’t he last thing I look at night, and the first thing when I wake up. I have a journal beside my bed so that I write gratitude and identity statements upon waking and going to bed. It has helped me focus so much!
Can you think of a time when a message, book, or friend provided information to give you a more complete view on a spiritual topic?
So …. many… times… Dr. Richard Swenson’s books on Margin and Contentment have provided history and context for the fast pace of culture and what failing to rest can do to our souls and bodies. Recently I’ve been reading Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud and it has helped me learn to say no (which I’ve been really bad at for decades!).
What does waiting on the Holy Spirit look like in your life right now?
My life often feel like a day at a theme park–a lot of waiting between rollercoasters of highs and lows. Though waiting seasons aren’t my favorite–they are the places where I grow in faith. Recently I’ve been waiting to see where my adult-ish children will settle after college, waiting for the Holy Spirit to reveal next steps for our family, and waiting for the kettle to heat so I can re-caffeinate. Whether I’m waiting for something major or minor–I can either trust God and savor the journey or I can worry and plan with impatience.
What enables ordinary people today to be used by God in extraordinary ways?
When we allow the Holy Spirit to control our minds and wills, God does incredible things. The hard part is getting out of the way, yielding our lives to Him, and slowing down enough to seek direction!
What has helped you to discern the difference between requirements and preferences in following Jesus?
Studying God’s Word in context, seeking wise counsel, and looking for God’s loving heart behind commands provide the framework for me in discernment, but the person of the Holy Spirit opening my heart and mind to His truth is the greatest Advocate in sorting out the difference.
