Daily Devo | Using Your Privilege to Shield Those Without It (Flashback Friday, Acts 16:35-40)

Daily Devo | Using Your Privilege to Shield Those Without It (Flashback Friday, Acts 16:35-40)

In this flashback to July 1, 2021, Paul chooses to suffer in order to protect others. Romans citizens could not be beaten without first receiving a trial. Non-citizens received no such protections. Paul and Silas had not only been beaten, but stripped naked to humiliate them -- but Paul and Silas were Roman citizens! Why did they not bring up this fact BEFORE being stripped and bloodied?! Apparently, Paul had intended all along to use his privilege as a citizen to shield, not himself, but the fledgling church. Faced with such a scandal, these magistrates would not dare to bother the church in Philippi. Why would they make such a sacrifice? No doubt because Jesus had done the same for us, and calls us to do the same for others in his name. 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 | Seeking God's Direction and Redirection (New Testament in a Year, Acts 16:1-15)

As Paul begins a new missionary journey, he invites Timothy to join him in the work of spreading the gospel. Together with Silas, they travel through various regions, strengthening the churches and sharing the decisions made by the Jerusalem council. Along the way, the Holy Spirit prevents them from going to certain places, directing them instead toward Macedonia through a vision given to Paul. Recognizing God's guidance, they immediately set out for this new field of ministry. In Philippi, they meet Lydia, a merchant whose heart the Lord opens to respond to the message of Jesus. Not only are she and her household baptized, they become a key partner with Paul in God's work. 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 role do you see the Holy Spirit playing during this time? What about in your life? - People often want God's guidance when they need to make a decision. Fewer want guidance after a decision has been made. What might help you to be more open to God's direction and redirection? - What do you learn about Lydia? What might you learn from Lydia? - Prayer: Lord, help me to be open to your direction, and to respond to your work with the same eagerness as Lydia.

Daily Devo | Unity in a Divided Church? (New Testament in a Year, Acts 15:22-41)

After reaching a decision regarding Gentile believers, the apostles and elders send a letter to the churches along with trusted leaders to communicate their conclusions. Later, Paul suggests revisiting the churches they had previously planted, but a sharp disagreement arises between Paul and Barnabas over whether to take John Mark with them. Unable to agree, they separate and form two ministry teams: Barnabas takes Mark, while Paul travels with Silas. Unity through the Spirit is perhaps the central theme throughout Acts but it is not always a simplistic unity. Despite their differences, Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark are able to still remain united in purpose as they spread the good news about 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: - What can we learn from the way the early church addressed difficult issues together? - What questions and lessons do you draw from the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas? - Is there a relationship or disagreement in your life that requires wisdom, humility, or grace? - Prayer: Lord, help me pursue unity around the truth of the gospel, show grace in times of disagreement, and remain faithful to the work you have given me to do.

Daily Devo | Let's Not Make It Harder Than It Has To Be (New Testament in a Year, Acts 15:1-21)

As more Gentiles come to faith in Jesus, a serious disagreement arises in the church. Some believers insist that Gentiles must follow the Jewish law to be saved. After several apostles share their testimony about the Holy Spirit's acceptance of these Gentiles, the leaders conclude that Gentile believers should not be burdened with additional requirements. Salvation comes from Jesus, not our national or ethnic identities, and not from our own goodness. Jesus is our salvation! 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 was the issue of circumcision and the law so important to the early church? - How did the leaders seek God's wisdom and guidance when facing disagreement? - How can Christians pursue unity when they have different backgrounds or perspectives? - Are there ways you may be tempted to add requirements to God's gift of salvation? - Prayer: Lord, help me trust fully in your work, walk in unity with other believers, and extend that same grace to others.

Daily Devo | Hardships As the Pathway to Peace (New Testament in a Year, Acts 14:1-28)

While in Lystra, Paul heals a man who has been unable to walk since birth. The crowd is amazed and mistakenly concludes that Paul and Barnabas are gods who have come down in human form. Paul and Barnabas urgently reject this praise, directing the people instead to the living God who created all things and provides for their needs. Soon, however, opposition arrives from other cities, and the same crowd that once wanted to honor Paul turns against him and stones him, leaving him for dead. Yet Paul survives and remains just as dedicated to spreading the news about 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 did Paul and Barnabas refuse to accept the worship and praise of the crowd? - What are some ways that you see people taking credit that is not truly due to them? In what ways are you tempted to do the same? - How does Paul's response to persecution (v22) challenge or inspire you? - Prayer: Lord, help me give you all the glory, pointing others to your greatness rather than my own!