Acts 16; 18 Paul's Second Mission

The spirit is an influence in the Lord's work. Since it is the Lord's work it is important to keep his spirit involved. In Acts 16:6-10 it talks about how they were thinking on going to Bithynia but the spirit is told them that they shouldn't. Acts 18:9-11 when Paul received a vision from the Lord that directed him to be bold in is speech.

In  my missionary experience I have learned that the spirit is very essential. In lessons I found myself many times saying things that we hadn't planned but just happened to be what our investigator needed to hear. We are human and don't know everything but as we direct our lives to following the spirit we see that the Lord has a better plan for us than for us. I can do better in following the spirit because often I get so wrapped up in my life that I forget others and my spiritual growth. This week I am going to make a effort in focusing on being prepared to follow the spirit and not being scared to follow the promptings.
 Acts 16: 9-33
-In what ways did Paul turn his experiences into missionary opportunities?

It is incredible to see that Paul was always ready to share the gospel. His love for sharing the gospel reminds me of children when they have a prized possession... they want to show everyone! They went out to find people to share the wonderful news the gospel brought. In their efforts they found Lydia, who the Lord had prepared, and cast an evil spirit from her. This caused them to be put into prison but they managed to turn that in to a teaching opportunity as they taught the guard about the saving powers of the gospel.

-How can you learn from Paul's missionary experience?

I think it is important that we stand true at all times ready to share our most prized possession, the knowledge of the fullness of the gospel. It helps me understand why daily scripture study is so important because that is our spiritual strength that is needed to be prepared. We learn line upon line so it takes time, which is why daily efforts are the key to this dedication.

-How is the Jailer an example of a true convert?

He comes to Paul with a CHANGE OF HEART. A greater desire to be part of the Lord's chosen. He was worried for his life and was dropped into humility. We can all be truly converted. We can be converted in many aspects of our life.

-How does Mosiah 4:9-10 expand your understanding of Acts 17:30-31?

God wants us all to repent and become clean of our sins/misdeeds because He wants us to return with him. It is only through our humility and repentance that this can happen. I thought that it was interesting that in Acts 17:30 it said "...the times of ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent." There was a time when we were ignorant and God 'overlooked' that but now he has made it possible for more to learn of him and his gospel and he is calling us to repentance.

-What can you do to better prepare yourself to share the gospel, whether as a full-time missionary or as a member?

I have served a full-time mission and have realized that the biggest part of missionary work is within the members. It is so important that we love, support, and help those in our ward family. Also, super important is the example you are to those around you. I want to live in such a way that the Savior can be seen in my actions. I need to jump out of my comfort zone to be more friendly.... to get rid of that shell and love like Christ does.