Daily Devo | Pride Goeth Before a Fall (Flashback Friday, Acts 12:20-25)

Daily Devo | Pride Goeth Before a Fall (Flashback Friday, Acts 12:20-25)

In this flashback to June 10, 2021, we see Herod Agrippa being treated like a god by those who sought his favor. Unlike a god, Herod was undeserving and quickly discovered just how mortal he was. Are we so different from Herod? While we might not seek worship, do we seek undue credit for what God does in and through us? Like Moses, do we conceal the diminishing glory that is sometimes visible in our lives? Herod should have served God and others but pursued glory for himself instead. So unlike Herod, Jesus deserved glory but came as a servant. The contrast between Herod and Jesus shows us that humility leads to life while pride leads to death. 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 | When God Loves People We Don't Like (New Testament in a Year, Acts 11:1-30)

After Cornelius and his household receive the Spirit, you might think it would be cause for celebration. Instead, Peter is criticized for not keeping his distance from such Gentile outsiders. Peter then explains God's miraculous involvement in the matter. Should Peter, or anyone, oppose God's own choice? Meanwhile, believers scattered by persecution continue sharing the gospel, and many people come to faith in Antioch. Many of these new believers know nothing of the books of Moses or the prophets so Barnabas enlists the help of Saul, the one who had formerly persecuted many of those same believers! Together they spend a year strengthening the believers, and it is in Antioch that the followers of Jesus are first called Christians. 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 lesson could we learn from the Jewish believers' reluctance to accept these newer Gentile believers? - Why do you imagine it important for the Jerusalem believers to recognize God's work among the Gentiles? - What qualities made Barnabas such an effective encourager and leader? - What qualities and gifts has God given you to similarly encourage the spiritual growth of other believers? - Prayer: Lord, help me recognize your work in others and faithfully participate in the mission of making disciples.

Daily Devo | All Are Welcome! (New Testament in a Year, Acts 10:25-48)

When Peter arrives at Cornelius' house, Peter shares the good news about Jesus — his life, death, and resurrection. The Jewish believers who accompanied Peter are amazed when these non-Jewish people receive the same Spirit they had received at Pentecost. Seeing this clear evidence of God's work, Peter orders that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. God's greatest gift is for all people and anyone who receives Jesus in faith is welcome in the family of God. 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 did Peter express as the foundational truths of our faith? Were any elements surprising to you? Would you have wanted to make any additions if you had been there? - Why do you think that the Jewish believers were amazed when Cornelius' household received the Holy Spirit? - How might you participate in God's mission of sharing the good news with all people? What barriers or divisions might have to be overcome? - Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving us all. Help me act without favoritism, and faithfully share the good news.

Daily Devo | Separated by Prejudice & Preference (New Testament in a Year, Acts 10:1-24)

The next step in God's plan involves bringing together two very different men: a Roman centurion named Cornelius and a Jewish apostle named Peter. Both receive visions from God that push them to cross many miles and the even more significant barriers of culture, ethnicity, status, and political divides. After all, the Jewish people were living under Roman occupation. The Holy Spirit leads and both men obey, leading to one of the most significant and powerful encounters in the entire story of the book of Acts. 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 might God have chosen Cornelius? - Why do you imagine that Peter said "no" at first? What barriers did God need to work on in Peter? - People can be separated by location, culture, gender, politics, social and economic status, even just different tastes or preferences. What barriers tend to impede your spiritual connections with others? - Prayer: Lord, help me recognize and follow your leading, setting aside any prejudices or preferences that stand in the way.

Daily Devo | Only Love Can Change an Enemy (New Testament in a Year, Acts 9:23-43)

After his dramatic encounter with Jesus, Saul grows increasingly bold in proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah. As opposition against him intensifies, some of his enemies plot to kill him, forcing him to escape the city with the help of fellow believers. When Saul arrives in Jerusalem, many disciples are understandably hesitant to trust him because of his former persecution of Christians. However, Barnabas steps forward to testify about Saul's genuine conversion and ministry. Anger and pride might help to destroy an enemy, but love can turn enemies into friends, and even family! 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 learn about God through Saul's journey? - What do you learn from Barnabas' intervention in Saul's situation? - Have you ever struggled to believe that God could truly change someone, including yourself? - In what ways might God want you to help encourage and strengthen other believers? - Prayer: Lord, thank you for your transforming grace! Help me believe in the Spirit's power to truly change lives, including my own.