The theme for day ten is “shake and bake” from Acts 28:1-10. God wants us to complete what we begin for him. What Good is it if we begin the race, and cannot finish the course? You can be sure of this one thing, as you begin to light revival fire by praying through the book of acts, the vipers of the enemy will come out to strike you and even stop you. Satan hates the supernatural works of Jesus in the church. He will lash out with lies, distractive gossip and opinions of men in order to poison minds and cause strife.
So how did the apostles handle these attacks of the enemy? Notice in
Acts 28:3–5 And when Paul had gathered a large number of sticks and was placing them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4 And when the local people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Doubtless this man is a murderer whom, although he was rescued from the sea, Justice has not permitted to live!” 5 He, in turn, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
The natives, recognizing the snake is poisonous, expected Paul to die. But to their surprise, Paul shook the Viper into the fire and was unharmed. As you pray through Acts 28, pray for steadfastness according to Paul’s example:
- He ignored the Viper. He did not talk about it or seek sympathy from others. He gave it no undo attention. If the devil cannot stop you, at least wants your attention and he will go to any extreme to get you to focus on the vipers. Instead of giving into his schemes, enter into a time of praise. Praise God for past victories, for his promises, and for the armor of God in Ephesians 6.
- Paul shook the Viper off. Do something to shake off your attack. Pray that the church as a whole will learn how to overcome the evil one together. Call a special prayer vigil, sow (giveaway) a book or video on spiritual warfare, enlist some to pray and fast for a season. Learn what others are doing to shake off attacks and copy their strategy.
- Since the fire represents the Holy Spirit after you shake, you need to “bake”. Put the Viper in the fire, submitting it under the authority of the name of Jesus. Pray for discernment about the spiritual nature of the onslaught and petition God for wisdom and strategy. The Holy Spirit is a good helper and counselor. When the enemy comes in like a flood, rise and seek the Spirit’s guidance. He has the answer to every scheme of the devil because he has seen them all. He will tell you what to do and what not to do. You instruct you and guide you. He will also tell you when to simply rest.
- Paul continued to minister right after the attack. He prayed for the publican’s father who was healed and this open the door for others to come and be cured. The enemy sent a snake to stop Paul, but he shook it off and ended up praying for the sick on the island. What began as an assignment of death was turned into an instrument of revival. Ask God for this kind of wisdom and maturity to enable you to divert the devil’s plans and use them to further the gospel. Imagine what kind of opportunities might be created if we could learn how to use the vipers as catalysts for revival instead of allowing them to make us retreat in the bunkers of self-preservation.
Paul knew about riots, mobs, false accusations, deceitful brothers, stoning’s, Lions, and other dangers. The enemy threw everything at Paul to stop him, but eventually, he would write in
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have completed the race, I have kept the faith.
Would that we could finish our course and not give up!
Watch in a discerning manner for any surprise assaults from the enemy. Trust God for the victory no matter what you may hear or feel. Remember the battle is the Lords and the victory is yours in him.
The Word Guiding Prayer for the Day
Meditate on Acts 28:1-10 and pray these scriptures for Victory and steadfastness in your churches mission:
Acts 28:5 He, in turn, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
Isaiah 54:17 Every weapon formed against you shall not succeed, and you shall declare guilty every tongue that rises against you for judgment. This is the inheritance of the servants of Yahweh, and their legal right from me,” declares Yahweh.
1 Corinthians 15:58 So then, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
The Needs
Resist
Resist in Jesus name attacks on your pastor and church leadership. Stand against power struggles.
Acts 20:28–31
Build
Build a hedge of protection around your churches finances
Job 2:10
Ephesians 6:10-20
Stand
Stand in prayer, girded in truth
Ephesians 6:14
Meditate
Meditate the merits of Jesus Christ
Ephesians 6:14
Receive
Receive the peace of Jesus on behalf of your men’s and women’s groups
Ephesians 6:15
Cover
Cover your teens and youth workers with the shield of faith, quenching darts of peer pressure
Ephesians 6:16
Take
Take the helmet of salvation to cancel effects of ungodly advertisement in music
Ephesians 6:17
Assert
Assert in prayer the power of the word against vain imaginations
Ephesians 6:17
Ephesians 6:18
Watch
Watch and pray for a discerning manner to guard the overall ministries of the church
Mark 13:33, 37
Amen
Amen as you pray in the light of Romans 8:28 so that in all things God is glorified in your church
Acts 28:7-10
Psalm 118:6
Answers
Notes and reflections.
Isaiah 54:17a Every weapon formed against you shall not succeed, and you shall declare guilty every tongue that rises against you for judgment.
Day 10 Reading
- Acts 28:1-10
References
- 1. Teykl, T. (Dr.). (1997), Acts 29: 50 Days to Invite the Holy Spirit. Prayer Point Pr. https://www.amazon.com/Acts-29-Days-Invite-Spirit/dp/1578920450/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref_=nav_signin&&linkCode=ll1&tag=prayny-20&linkId=f53533b082e7ab3aa9a206bf08fd85db&language=en_US
