A Fresh Start
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Rev Charles Oppong-Poku | September 3 2025 | Acts 161-5
KEY VERSE: “Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.” Acts 16:1 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Life is full of beginnings and restarts. In Acts 16, Paul embarks on a fresh missionary journey after parting ways with Barnabas. On Paul's first missionary journey, John Mark accompanied Barnabas and Paul, probably at Barnabas' suggestion since Mark and Barnabas were related (Col. 4:10). At this new stage, he meets Timothy, a young disciple who would become his trusted partner and son in the gospel. This encounter teaches us that every fresh start God gives is filled with fresh opportunities, fresh people, and fresh grace for the journey.
A fresh start brings fresh people (v. 1). Paul’s new journey begins with meeting Timothy. God often brings new people into our lives at new stages to help us fulfil His mission. These divine connections are not accidental; they are part of God’s plan for fresh beginnings. Although Paul’s journey began with a split from Barnabas, God used it to expand the scope of missionary work. Fresh starts may come through disappointments, but God uses them to open greater doors. Paul’s connection with Timothy would ensure the continuity of gospel work for generations. Paul did not let past disagreements or setbacks keep him from moving forward. Instead, he pressed on with renewed zeal. Fresh starts are sustained by a fresh commitment to God’s mission, not by clinging to past hurts.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Who has God placed in your life at this stage for His purposes? What fresh commitment do you need to make today to move forward with God? Every fresh start is God’s way of writing a new chapter in your journey. When you trust His leading, He brings the right people, opportunities, and grace to fulfil His purpose in your life.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for fresh starts in my life. Help me to embrace the new people, opportunities, and challenges You bring my way. Strengthen me with fresh commitment to walk in Your will and fulfil Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 246: Esther 8–10 — A Great Victory and Joyful Celebration
DAILY word study: DISCIPLE
The word disciple comes from the Greek mathētēs, which means “learner” or “student.” In the New Testament, it refers to someone who not only learns but follows closely, shaping life after the teacher.
Timothy is referred to as a disciple in Acts 16:1. This indicates that he was more than just a believer—he was a committed follower of Jesus. Being a disciple meant Timothy was ready to learn, grow, and be sent.
Reflect on this:
A fresh start in Christ is not just about believing but about becoming a disciple—someone who learns, follows, and lives out the teachings of Jesus daily.
Comments