Daily Devo | It Is Better to Give Than to Get (Flashback Friday, Acts 20:28-38)

Daily Devo | It Is Better to Give Than to Get (Flashback Friday, Acts 20:28-38)

In this flashback to July 20, 2021, we listen in as Paul meets with the Ephesian leaders for the final time. He reminds them of the example and words of Jesus, that "It is better to give than to receive." After Paul left, people would come who would seek to fleece the flock but Paul reminds them of how a true shepherd lays his life down for the sheep, just like Jesus, and just like Paul had done for them. When we look at the world, do we notice the opportunities to give, or the opportunities to take? The choice matters more than we can imagine! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/]

Daily Devo | Faithful to Midnight and Beyond! (New Testament in a Year, Acts 20:1-16)

After the unrest in Ephesus subsides, Paul continues his missionary journey, traveling through Macedonia and Greece to encourage and strengthen believers. In Troas, Paul teaches late into the night, and a young man named Eutychus falls asleep, falls from a window, and is presumed dead. Paul embraces him, and God restores his life, and Paul resumes teaching until dawn! Despite the demands and dangers of ministry, Paul remains focused on encouraging others and faithfully carrying out the mission God has given him, especially as he senses that he has little time and few opportunities left. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - Why do you think Paul was so intentional about visiting and strengthening the churches? - How does Paul's sense of purpose challenge the way you think about your own calling and priorities? - In what ways can you encourage and strengthen other believers in your church or community? - Are there areas where God is calling you to greater faithfulness or perseverance? - Prayer: Lord, help me to encourage others and to remain faithful to the work you have called me to do.

Daily Devo | "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" (New Testament in a Year, Acts 19:21-41)

As the gospel continues to spread throughout Ephesus, its impact begins to affect the city's economy and identity. Demetrius, a silversmith who profits from making shrines of the goddess Artemis, stirs up opposition against Paul, fearing that the growth of the church will undermine both their trade and their identity as the city of Artemis. Eventually, the city magistrate calms the crowd and the disturbance ends. Jesus' gospel often challenges deep cultural values and personal interests, requiring both wisdom and faith to navigate. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - Why did Demetrius and the other craftsmen feel threatened by the spread of the gospel? - How is the gospel a threat to prosperity or other cultural values today? How have you experienced this tension? - How might we remember to respond wisely rather than impulsively in tense or hostile situations? - Are there things in your life that compete with your devotion to God for your trust, identity, or security? - Prayer: Lord, help me value you above wealth, status, or approval, and give me wisdom when facing opposition.

Daily Devo | I Know Jesus... But I Don't Know You! (New Testament in a Year, Acts 19:1-20)

When Paul arrives in Ephesus, he meets a group of disciples who know only the baptism of John. After explaining the full message about Jesus, Paul baptizes them in the name of the Lord Jesus, and they receive the Holy Spirit. Given the significance of the earlier events with the Spirit, what might this group signify? Later, others come who try to use the name of Jesus to perform similar miracles but one evil spirit rebuffs their effort, saying, "I know Jesus and I know Paul, but I don't know you!" Jesus is not a good luck charm. Rather, true faith is to be in a real relationship with God through Jesus. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - Why were the sons of Sceva unable to use Jesus' name effectively? How does genuine faith differ from merely knowing religious information or using spiritual language? - What can we learn from the believers who openly confessed their sins and abandoned former practices? - Are there habits, influences, or attachments in your life that may be hindering your connection to God? - Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me walk in genuine faith, and willingly turn away from anything that competes with wholehearted devotion to you.

Daily Devo | The Importance of Serving in Community (New Testament in a Year, Acts 18:1-25)

When Paul arrives in Corinth, he meets Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers who become his close partners in ministry. Paul works alongside them while continuing to share the gospel in the synagogue each week. As opposition from some Jewish leaders increases, Paul focuses his efforts on the Gentiles, and many people in Corinth come to faith in Jesus, including Crispus, the leader of the synagogue. In the midst of challenges, the Lord encourages Paul in a vision, telling him not to be afraid but to keep speaking because God is with him and has many people in the city. Paul remains in Corinth for an extended time, teaching God's word. Later, when opponents bring charges against him before Gallio, the Roman governor refuses to intervene in what he sees as a religious dispute. Through it all, God protects and sustains Paul's ministry, allowing the gospel to continue spreading. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - What does Paul's partnership with Aquila & Priscilla teach about serving in community? Who has God has given you as partners in the past and in the present? - What do you learn from Paul's perseverance in the face of opposition? - In what ways might you need courage or community to keep speaking and acting faithfully? - Prayer: Lord, help me trust your presence, remain faithful in the face of opposition, and courageously follow the opportunities you place before me.