June 23 — "Real Truth with a Real God"

Today's Reading: Acts 5:1-21

God knows everything, including our thoughts and motives. Trying to deceive Him? Impossible. Worse, it damages our relationship with Him. Lying to God isn’t just a mistake—it’s a heart issue that exposes a deeper spiritual problem. Scripture makes it clear: God desires truthfulness from His people. Psalm 51:6 declares, “Behold, You delight in truth in the inward being.” That’s more than just words—it’s authenticity at the core. Instead of hiding, He calls us to approach Him with bold sincerity and unwavering truth.

In Acts 5, Peter confronts Ananias and Sapphira—not for keeping money, but for lying about it. Their sin? Hypocrisy. They wanted to seem generous in the eyes of others without truly sacrificing. When they presented their offering, Peter—through the Spirit’s discernment—exposed their deception. They weren’t just deceiving people; they tried to fool the Holy Spirit Himself. That’s dangerous. They treated God as if He could be tricked like men. The result? Immediate judgment. Their rebellion carried serious consequences.

Before we judge them, let’s reflect on our own hearts. We may not blatantly lie to God, but we struggle with dishonesty—through self-deception, hypocrisy, or pretending to trust Him while relying on ourselves. We claim surrender but refuse to let go of control. We confess sin without true repentance. We worship half-heartedly, pray selfishly, and make empty promises. But here’s the hope: God isn’t demanding perfection—He’s inviting honesty. He already knows the truth, so why pretend? When we come clean, we step into His grace, freedom, and deeper intimacy.

What should we do?

✔️ Be honest with God in prayer—He knows everything anyway, so stop hiding!
✔️ Confess sins genuinely, trusting His mercy and grace.
✔️ Yield to the Holy Spirit, letting Him shape you into a person of integrity.
✔️ Reject hypocrisy and embrace authentic living before God and others.

May the Lord fill your heart with truth and free you from the burden of pretense. May He grant you joy in honest fellowship with Him. And may you rest in the peace that comes from walking openly before the One who knows and loves you completely.

June 22 — "Prayer, Power, and Holy Disruption"

 

Today's Reading: Acts 4:23-37

Prayer. It’s where everything begins.

When the early church faced opposition and threats, they didn’t rely on their own strength or strategy. No backup plan. No retreat. Instead, they prayed—fervently, desperately—asking God for courage, power, and boldness to press on. Prayer, at its core, is a surrendering of our own limitations, a recognition that God alone equips us for what He calls us to do. They didn’t ask for safety or an easier road. They asked for boldness—an unwavering determination to proclaim the Gospel, no matter the cost.

And when they prayed? God shook the very ground beneath them. Their comfort zones shattered, their routine disrupted, their hearts awakened. The Holy Spirit rushed in, filling them—not just with peace or guidance—but with supernatural courage. Jesus promised the Spirit as our Helper, our Counselor, our source of power (John 14:26, Acts 1:8). He’s the one who emboldens us, making even the most timid voice ring with conviction and clarity in the face of opposition.

The pattern is clear: Prayer opens the door. The Spirit fills the room. Boldness steps forward.

So when doubt creeps in, when hesitation silences your witness, when fear whispers that you’re not enough—stop. Pray. Ask the Spirit to fill you. Boldness will come. It’s what He does.

Now, imagine praying in the quiet when suddenly, everything around you begins to tremble. The shaking—the holy disruption—is no accident. Just like the early church, God still shakes His people awake. Not always with literal earthquakes, but with divine disruptions that awaken hearts and call believers to deeper faith. He rattles comfort to reignite calling. He stirs hearts to remind us: I am with you. I am empowering you. You are not alone. Just like in the early church, God’s shaking isn’t meant to destroy—it’s meant to awaken, refine, and empower. When life trembles, it’s often a sign that He’s moving!

May the Lord shake your spirit with the fire of His purpose. May His peace flood your soul. And may you go forth, fearless and full, proclaiming His name with boldness!

June 21 — "One Name—One Salvation"

 

Today's Reading: Acts 4:1-22

History is packed with names that command respect—powerful rulers, brilliant thinkers, daring heroes. But when it comes to salvation, only one name reigns supreme: Jesus. Acts 4:12 leaves no room for debate: “And there is salvation in no one else!” This is the bedrock of our faith—Jesus is the one and only way!

The Apostle Peter boldly declared this truth while standing before the very council that had condemned Jesus to death. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he didn’t flinch—he told them outright that their verdict was dead wrong. Salvation is found exclusively in Christ. The very One they rejected has risen and is now the cornerstone of God’s redemptive plan. Peter’s declaration wasn’t a mere opinion; it was divine decree—final and binding.

And when Peter said “under heaven,” he made something crystal clear: every single human being—Jew or Gentile, slave or free, rich or poor—falls under the authority of Christ’s salvation. No exceptions. No loopholes.

We live in a world drowning in spiritual confusion, promoting countless paths to God. But today’s verse cuts through the noise with divine certainty. Salvation isn’t found in good deeds, religious rituals, social activism, escapism, self-effort, science and technology, or moral effort—it’s found in Jesus alone. His name embodies everything He is: Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and King.

So, what does this mean for us? First, it calls us to confidence. If you are in Christ, you have absolute assurance of your salvation! You don’t need to wonder if you’ve done enough—Jesus has done everything. Second, it calls us to urgency. If salvation is only found in Jesus, then those who don’t yet know Him are lost. That truth should stir us to share the Gospel with boldness—just like Peter did.

Don’t stay silent about the greatest Name in heaven and on earth! The world needs to hear the truth, and God has entrusted it to us. Whether through words, actions, or a life reflecting His love, let’s proclaim Jesus as the only way. Stand firm in faith, live boldly, and never, ever be ashamed of the Name above all names.

May the Lord fill you with unwavering confidence in Jesus, the only Savior. May He ignite a holy boldness in your heart to share the gospel without fear. And may His name be ever on your lips, bringing light to those still in darkness.

June 20 — "Expect More: Faith That Leaps "

 

 Today's Reading: Acts 3

Oh, the things we would have seen! Imagine standing in the temple courts that day—you’ve walked past the lame beggar at the Beautiful Gate countless times. His outstretched hand is a familiar sight, a fixture of daily life. But today? Something is different.

A commotion stirs. You turn—and there he is. Not sitting. Not begging. But walking! No—leaping—laughing, praising God with uncontainable joy! Acts 3:9-10 tells us the crowd was filled with wonder and amazement. They had seen this man crippled from birth, reliant on the kindness of strangers. But now? In an instant, his entire life had changed. This was no illusion. It was the undeniable power of Jesus at work!

The beggar had expected coins, but Peter and John had something far greater to give. “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6). Immediately, his feet and ankles were strengthened. He didn’t shuffle. He didn’t stumble. He leapt! His healing was complete, instant, and unmistakably public. This miracle declared one absolute truth—Jesus was alive, and His power was still transforming lives!

But how often do we settle for less than what God wants to give? The beggar sought temporary relief, yet Jesus gave him a permanent transformation. And don’t we do the same? We ask God to fix a problem when He wants to change our whole lives. We pray for financial provision, but He wants to teach us wise stewardship and unshakable trust. We ask for deliverance from trials, but He wants to refine our faith and grow is more into Christ-likeness.

What if, instead of viewing challenges as barriers, we saw them as divine setups—holy ground for God’s power to be revealed? Too often, we see life’s difficulties as roadblocks, setbacks, or evidence that something has gone wrong. We pray for them to be removed, wishing for smoother paths and easier days. But throughout Scripture, God’s greatest demonstrations of power happened because of obstacles, not in spite of them.

So, where in your life are you settling for “silver and gold” when God wants to give you something greater? Are your prayers small when He’s calling you to expect full transformation? It’s time to start asking boldly! Trust that God is still in the business of restoration. Like the lame man, don’t just walk—leap! Praise Him openly for what He’s done, and let others see His power alive in you. Jesus is alive, and His power is still transforming lives!

May the Lord awaken your faith to expect more than you’ve ever imagined. May He lift you from where you’ve been and set your feet on solid ground. May you walk, leap, and rejoice in His power, knowing He is still working miracles today.

June 19 — "Cut to the Heart: The Only Right Response"

Today's Reading: Acts 2:22-47

The crowd stood frozen—cut to the heart. Peter had just declared the unshakable truth: Jesus, the very One they crucified, was both Lord and Christ. To call Him “Lord” (Master, Ruler) was to recognize His divine authority. To call Him “Christ” (Messiah, Savior) was to acknowledge He was the long-awaited Redeemer—the fulfillment of God’s promise, anointed to rescue and reign.

Conviction gripped them. “What shall we do?” they cried. Through Peter’s words, the Holy Spirit had convicted their hearts. They were so shaken that they knew they must do something. But what?! The answer was crystal clear: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” This wasn’t a suggestion—it was a command. A call to leave sin behind and turn wholeheartedly to Christ.

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost was Spirit-powered truth, cutting through religious pride and self-righteousness. He laid it all out—the prophecies, the fulfillment, the undeniable fact that Jesus’ death and resurrection were part of God’s divine rescue plan. And when the people recognized their guilt, they weren’t looking for rituals or self-help tips. They needed salvation. Peter offered nothing less: repentance, baptism, and a transformed life. That was the doorway to forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

It’s important to see that repentance and baptism work together—but they’re not interchangeable. Repentance is the inward response to the Gospel. It’s not just emotion—it’s action. A total change of heart. A turning from sin and a surrender to Christ. Without repentance, salvation isn’t genuine.

Baptism follows repentance as the outward sign of inward transformation. It doesn’t save, but it proclaims—the believer has died to their old life and risen to new life in Christ. And to Peter’s Jewish audience, baptism wasn’t a casual step—it was a radical, public allegiance to Jesus.

Here’s the key: repentance is required of all of us. It’s not just regret—it’s surrender. It is turning around and changing course. And baptism? It’s a bold declaration that Jesus has changed you from the inside out. Peter’s words still echo today. Have you truly repented and surrendered to Christ? If the Holy Spirit is stirring your heart, don’t wait. Turn to Jesus. Hand Him everything. Be baptized in obedience.

May the Lord open your heart, grant you the courage to turn fully to Him, and fill you afresh with His Spirit. 

June 18 — "Life. Interrupted."

 

Today's Reading: Acts 2:1-21

Some moments shatter the ordinary and mundane, interrupting life as we know it. For the disciples, the Day of Pentecost was exactly that—an earthshaking, status-quo-breaking encounter that changed everything. Gathered in obedience, waiting just as Jesus instructed, their hearts wrestled with faith and uncertainty. How long, Lord? Would today be the day? Then—suddenly—it happened.

A sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the room, not from the outside—but within! An unseen presence surged upon them. Fire—yes, fire!—appeared, separating and resting on each of them. But this wasn’t destruction; it was divine ignition. Power surged. Joy overflowed. Voices erupted in languages never before spoken—praises pouring out to the Most High!

Fear fled. Hesitation shattered. The Spirit had come—just as Jesus promised in Acts 1:8—“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” No longer followers hiding behind locked doors, they became bold witnesses set ablaze for His mission. The fire kindled within them spilled into the streets, sparking a movement that would set the world aflame.

But here’s the thing—before the Spirit moves, there’s often a hunger. An ache. A yearning for something more. We believe in Jesus, we love Him—but sometimes, we feel incomplete. We read of power in Scripture but feel weak. We sing of joy but wrestle with dryness. We pray, yet our words seem empty. We wait. We wonder. Lord, when will You move in me?

Then—suddenly—He comes. Not always in wind and fire, but unmistakably real. Sometimes, it’s a flood of love, drowning doubt and fear. Other times, it’s a breaking—tears streaming, pride melting, chains falling. Peace rushes in, washing away anxiety. Joy erupts like a fountain in the soul. Sometimes, words spill out in praises we don’t understand. Other times, boldness rises—a fresh confidence where timidity once ruled.

God is calling you to seek and embrace the Spirit’s movement in your life. Just like the disciples waited with anticipation, posture your heart to receive. Then surrender completely – The Spirit comes when hearts are open and yielded. Expect Jesus to interrupt the ordinary in your life!

And from that moment—you will never be the same. Hesitation bows to courage. Dryness is exchanged for abundance. The Word ignites. Prayer becomes power. Worship transforms into wonder. Fear dissolves, making way for love. The Spirit moves through us, not just around us. We step out. We speak up. We live transformed. And the fire spreads.

June 17 — "Encountering The Spirit— With. In. Upon."

Today's Reading: Acts 1

Jesus made a powerful promise in Acts 1:8 a promise that flipped everything upside down in the best way possible: the promise of supernatural power! When Jesus made this promise, His disciples had already received the Spirit within them when He breathed on them in John 20:22. But this? This was something more. A divine empowerment from above that would transform them into bold, unstoppable witnesses.

And here’s the Good News—that same promise is for you and me today! There are three ways the Holy Spirit works in a person’s life. First, He is WITH you—before you were saved, convicting you and drawing you to Jesus. Second, He comes INTO you at salvation, giving a spiritual rebirth, making you a new creation, and sealing you as His own child. But third and don’t miss this He comes UPON you, to empower you for ministry. A few days earlier, in Luke 24:49, Jesus had told His believing disciples to wait for this experience.

When the Spirit was about to come upon them at Pentecost, everything would change. They would go from timid to bold, from hiding to heralding the Gospel, from living in human energy to living with supernatural empowerment!

Picture a sailboat on a still lake. The boat is built, the mast is raised, and the sail is set but with no wind, it doesn’t move. Then a breeze fills the sail, and suddenly it surges forward. Thats the difference between the Spirit dwelling in you and the Spirit coming upon you. Salvation equips you; the Spirits power propels you!

Sadly, many believers stop short. There forgiven but not empowered, saved but not bold, followers but not witnesses. God wants more for you! The Spirit’s power is for every believer to live victoriously and shine brightly in a dark world. So how do you receive it? Jesus made it simple in Luke 11:13: How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! Thats it! Ask! Ask in faith, surrender fully, and seek His filling.

If you ask for the Holy Spirit to come upon you, here’s what you can expect: You’ll experience boldness like never before; you’ll sense a deeper love for Jesus, for people, and even for your enemies; you’ll receive spiritual gifts; you’ll live with greater purpose and clarity; and you may be overwhelmed with joy, tears, worship, and peace.

Today, may the Lord pour out His Spirit upon you in a fresh and powerful way, filling your sails with boldness, love, and power—so you can shine for His glory in a world desperate for truth.