Daily Devo | God on the Move in Africa (Flashback Friday, Acts 8:26-40)

Daily Devo | God on the Move in Africa (Flashback Friday, Acts 8:26-40)

In this flashback to May 25, 2021, we see Philip encounter a high official of the extensive and powerful kingdom of Ethiopia. This official just so happened to be reading from Isaiah, a passage we know as Isaiah 53 — a passage that predicts the suffering and sacrifice of the Messiah. This miraculous encounter ends with the baptism of the first Gentile into this new community, acting as a preview of what is to come — that God was about to extend the invitation into God's family to the ends of the earth and to all people. Will we, like Philip, be ready to respond to the opportunities that God provides? 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 | The Gift That Can Never Be Bought (New Testament in a Year, Acts 8:1-25)

After hearing that many people in Samaria have received the gospel, the apostles send Peter and John to visit the new believers. When Peter and John pray for them and lay hands upon them, they receive the Spirit in the same way as the Jewish believers had during Pentecost. When Simon the sorcerer sees the Spirit being given through the apostles' ministry, he offers them money in an attempt to purchase this spiritual power. Peter rejects his offer and warns him that God's gifts cannot be bought or controlled for personal gain. God cannot be bought or controlled but when we surrender to God, God may choose to do seemingly impossible things in and through us, such as transforming historical enemies into sisters and brothers. 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 it is important to recognize that God's gifts cannot be earned or purchased? - How have you seen people, perhaps even yourself, pursue Jesus for personal advantage rather than for a relationship with him? - How might the Spirit be inviting you to examine your own motives for serving God? (see Psalm 139:23-24) - Prayer: Lord, give me a sincere heart that seeks you for who you are, and help me receive your gifts with humility, gratitude, and faith.

Daily Devo | The Danger of Divided Loyalties (New Testament in a Year, Acts 7:44-60)

Stephen concludes his defense by reminding the council that God's presence has never been confined to a building, even one as important as the Temple. Additionally, he reminds them of their long history of rejecting all of God's messengers, the prophets. In other words, it is something other than a loyalty to God that motivates Stephen's persecutors. Hearing these words, the religious leaders become enraged. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, sees a vision of heaven opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. As they stone him to death, Stephen follows the example of Jesus by praying for God to forgive those who murder him. Unlike his persecutors, Stephen's identity is truly rooted in God to the very end. 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 believe gave Stephen the courage to speak the truth despite the danger he faced? - Which is more challenging for you: standing for truth when facing opposition, or showing grace and forgiveness towards those same people when they hurt you? - In light of the previous question, how might God be inviting you to grow in either courage, grace, or both? - Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the courage to remain faithful to you, the grace to forgive others, and the confidence to trust you in every circumstance.

Daily Devo | God Works Through the Rejected, Again (New Testament in a Year, Acts 7:20-43)

Stephen's answer to the authorities moves from the patriarchs to Moses. Though Moses was chosen by God and raised up to deliver Israel, he was rejected at every turn by his people. When Moses promised God would send a prophet like Moses, perhaps he was speaking of this persistent rejection! The patriarchs and Moses highlight two key stories of their national identity, and both have clear patterns of the people rejecting God's chosen savior. We can see already how this pattern leads to Jesus, God's ultimate chosen, but rejected, savior. 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 these rejected saviors reveal about God, about us, and about Jesus? - Who are the key people in your spiritual story? What are the key events? Do you see any themes? - "Comfort kills" - do you see this maxim at work in your life, and if so, how might your life be leaning too much into comfort right now? - Prayer: Lord, help me to trust your guidance rather than rejecting it as has so often happened in the past and so often in my own life.

Daily Devo | God Works Through the Rejected (New Testament in a Year, Acts 7:1-19)

Standing before the Jewish council, Stephen begins his defense by recounting Israel's history. Stephen reminds his listeners of the covenant God made with Abraham and then turns to the story of Joseph. Though Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery by his brothers, God was with him. Joseph later was in a position to save his family. Stephen is not telling random stories; he is laying out the patterns of how God moves in the world, especially through rejected saviors like Joseph, and Jesus — a theme on which Stephen will continue to build. 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: - How well do you know God's story? Would you be prepared to explain Jesus' message to someone else? - How well do you know your own story? Would you be able to share your own story to someone who was curious about the hope within you (1 Peter 3:15)? - What would help you to be better prepared to share those stories? - Prayer: Lord, thank you for your faithfulness throughout every generation — help me trust that you are at work even when I cannot see the full picture.