BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
JULY 18, 2026
READ: Acts 16 (Focus vs 6-10)
MEMORY VERSE
“They tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” Acts 16:7
BACKGROUND
After a lengthy journey, my wife and I finally neared our street, but a large road “closed to thru traffic sign” blocked our path. I felt the urge to drive around it because home was just ahead, and I didn’t like being rerouted.
But then I saw why the road was closed: A downed power line lay across the road. Had I ignored the warning, I could have driven into danger.
In Acts 16:6-10, Paul and his companions were eager to preach the gospel in the province of Asia, but the Holy Spirit closed that door. Detours aren’t always rejection, however. They can be divine redirections.
Like the roadblock on our street, God rerouted Paul from entering the province of Bithynia. It must have been frustrating to be blocked, especially while Paul was striving to do his best. But then he received a vision in which a man said, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” (v. 9).
God said “no” to something good because He was preparing them for something else—taking the gospel to the people of another continent (v. 10).
Rather than seeing “no” as punishment and rejection, we can see it as His Spirit-led redirection. His detours are often pathways to divine appointments. Let’s not simply trust His direction when the roads are open; let’s follow when He closes them too.
Marvin Williams
INSIGHT
In Acts 16:6-7, it’s unclear how the Holy Spirit stopped Paul from moving forward with his plans. It may have been through a vision, a word of prophecy, or some other circumstance.
When God prompted him to go to Macedonia so the gospel could be heard there, we’re told He spoke to him through a vision (vv. 9-10).
Scripture doesn’t reveal the identity of the “man of Macedonia” (v. 9), but some scholars believe it may have been Luke, who wrote the book of Acts and joined the group at this point.
As believers in Jesus, when God seems to close a door, it may be that the Holy Spirit is redirecting our plans to better align with His.
The Spirit of God lives inside us to guide us. Christ said of the Spirit, “He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears” (John 16:13; see 14:26).
Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
When has God placed a “road closed” sign in front of you as you were striving to do something good? How are you listening for the Spirit’s guidance as you work out your plans?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“As believers in Jesus, when God seems to close a door, it may be that the Holy Spirit is redirecting our plans to better align with His.”
PR’s TAKE
“God’s detours (for us) are often pathways to divine appointments. Let’s not simply trust His direction when the roads are open; let’s follow when He closes them too.” Adapted – Today’s Post
“When Jesus says YES, nobody can say NO (and when Jesus says NO, nobody can say YES.” Adapted
PRAYER
“Dear God, please help me to trust Your closed doors as much as I trust Your open ones.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“SAY YES” Michelle Williams
Wait a minute, bring it back
Wait a minute, bring it back
Wait a minute, bring it back
When Jesus say yes, nobody can say no
When Jesus say yes, nobody can say no
When Jesus say yes, nobody can say no
When Jesus say yes, nobody can say no
I’m not worried ‘bout a thing
Cause I know you are guiding me
Where you lead me, Lord I will go
I have no fear cause I know who’s in control
There’s no limit to what you can do
Cause it all belongs to you, yes it all belongs to you (The world should know)
You’re almighty and all powerful
And it all belongs to you, yes it all belongs to you
When Jesus say yes, nobody can say no
When Jesus say yes, nobody can say no
When Jesus say yes, nobody can say no
When Jesus say yes, nobody can say no
I’m not worried ‘bout a thing
Cause I know you are guiding me
Where you lead me, Lord I will go
I have no fear cause I know who’s in control
There’s no limit to what you can do
Cause it all belongs to you, yes it all belongs to you (The world should know)
You’re almighty and all powerful
And it all belongs to you, yes it all belongs to you…
