Daily Devo | All for One (Flashback Friday, 1 Corinthians 12:21-26)

Daily Devo | All for One (Flashback Friday, 1 Corinthians 12:21-26)

In this flashback to February 24, 2022, we see that when even a small part of our physical bodies is in pain, that small part becomes our biggest consideration! The apostle Paul says that it should be the same in the body of Christ. What parts of Christ's body are diminished or dismissed as not important? How do these considerations intersect with race, gender, disability, or other potential divisions? And what are we missing when we fail to give these eyes and voices more consideration? When a part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers. Note: Our hope for Flashback Fridays this summer is to replay devotionals from the relevant texts in Acts. However, we are currently having trouble locating that content from 2021. In the meantime, this passage from 1 Corinthians touches on a similar theme of unity in the Spirit that we see in Acts 4. 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 | Choosing the Good vs. Choosing the Easy (New Testament in a Year, Acts 4:1-22)

The religious leaders decide that they have to put a stop to the spread of Jesus' message by the apostles. They command Peter and John not to speak or teach in his name. Peter and John respectfully but firmly refuse, declaring that they must obey God rather than human authorities when the two are in conflict. The leaders relent, not because of what God thinks but because of what the people think, having witnessed a genuine miracle at the hands of the apostles. What might help us to know God's will when pressured by others, and what might give us the courage to pursue what God wants rather than what people might want, including ourselves? 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 do you think gave Peter and John the courage to continue speaking about Jesus despite the threats? - Can you recall a time when you felt pressured to disobey God by someone in authority, perhaps even someone who was a spiritual authority? What happened? - What might help you to have more of the courage of Peter and John? - Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to obey you faithfully, speak the truth with love, and remain steadfast when I face opposition.

Daily Devo | What We Have When We Have Nothing Else (New Testament in a Year, Acts 3:1-26)

As Peter and John go to the temple for prayer, they encounter a beggar who has been unable to walk since birth. When the man asks for help, Peter tells him that he has no silver or gold, but he can offer something far greater. In the name of Jesus Christ, Peter commands the man to walk, and immediately the man is healed. He leaps to his feet, walking, praising God, and entering the temple for the first time in his life. The people who recognize him are astonished and gather around Peter and John in amazement. We always have something to give when we are rich in Christ 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 Peter emphasized what he could give rather than what he did not have? - Do you believe that you have what you need to do the good things that God calls you to do? Where in your life are you struggling to believe that you are enough or that you have enough? - What people, places, and practices can help you to maintain a mindset of abundance? (cf. Philippians 4:19) - Prayer: Jesus, help me trust in your power and provision, inviting others to join me in looking to you!

Daily Devo | What Does Real Faith Look Like? (New Testament in a Year, Acts 2:14-47)

What do you expect to see in someone who is physically alive? What are the signs of life? Similarly, what do you expect to see in people who are spiritually alive? Here we see the signs of life in the Spirit. They care for one another generously and sacrificially. They gather regularly for worship, meals, and encouragement, praising God with sincere and joyful hearts. Outsiders take notice of these signs of life and the Lord draws more and more people in each day. What are the signs of life that you see in your fellowship and in yourself? 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: - Which characteristics of the early church stand out to you the most, and why? - Which of these signs of life do you see strongly in your church family? Which do you see that need strengthening? What about in yourself? - In what ways might God be inviting you to contribute to the health and unity of your faith community? - Prayer: Lord, grow my devotion to you, to your people, and to those who are drawn in by the evidence they see of your Spirit in us.

Daily Devo | The Breath of God (New Testament in a Year, Acts 2:1-13)

On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of God descends upon Jesus' followers as a mighty wind and tongues of fire. The Spirit empowers them to speak and be heard by every person in that person's own native language. This gift of the Spirit also serves a deeper, quieter purpose. The Spirit begins the undoing of an ancient curse that goes all the way to Genesis and it represents the giving of true life. Just as breathing gives life to our bodies, the Spirit (or "breath") of God fills us with spiritual, eternal life. May 3 Sermon on Pentecost: https://youtu.be/2b-uNpfhwf4 [https://youtu.be/2b-uNpfhwf4] June 14 Sermon on Pentecost: https://youtu.be/0wW05AOP7_0 [https://youtu.be/0wW05AOP7_0] 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 the giving of the Spirit of God reveal about God and about us? What purposes does the Spirit serve, and what needs in us does the Spirit address? - Have you ever seen some people respond to a "God moment" with faith, while others react with skepticism or mockery (like the accusation in v13 about being drunk)? Why do you imagine that people respond so differently to the same experience? - Prayer: God, breathe your life into us so we might live for you!