June 28 — "Scattered But Not Silenced"

Today's Reading: Acts 8:1-25

Picture yourself stomping out a campfire, expecting to smother the flames. But instead of snuffing them out, you send embers flying in all directions—igniting new fires! That’s exactly what happened in Acts 8. Persecution scattered the early believers, but instead of silencing the Gospel, it shot sparks flying and spread like wildfire. What seemed like a setback became a divine setup—God’s Word reached new hearts and transformed lives.

The early believers, driven from their homes, didn’t retreat in fear—they boldly proclaimed Christ wherever they went. Acts 8:4 says, “those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” This scattering wasn’t random—it was God expanding His kingdom. What looked like chaos was actually His divine strategy.

How did this explosive growth happen? By the scattered believers “preaching” the word. What is remarkable is that “preaching” here doesn’t mean formal sermons—it means everyday conversations. These believers shared Jesus in streets, homes, and marketplaces, turning every moment into a chance to spread hope through the truth of Jesus Christ.

After Acts 8, Christianity expanded beyond Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria, and Gentile regions. Through missionaries like Paul, the Gospel spread across the Roman Empire despite opposition. The early Church developed leadership, foundational doctrines, and resilience against critics and heresies. This growth laid the groundwork for Christianity’s prominence in centuries to come. Historians generally agree that by around AD 200, the Christian population in the Roman Empire had grown from a few dozen disciples to roughly between 1 and 2 million believers!

You may not face physical persecution, but life has a way of scattering us. Maybe it’s a career shift, a strained relationship, or unexpected hardship. The real question is: How will you respond? Will you shrink back, discouraged, or will you let God use your situation for His glory? He never wastes our trials—He repurposes them for His kingdom.

So, what about you? Where has God placed you? Who needs to hear His truth through your life, right here, right now? Don’t let hardship silence you—step boldly into the opportunities God has put before you. Like the believers in Acts, let your everyday conversations be a testimony of grace and truth, no matter where you’ve been scattered.

May the Lord grant you courage to share His Word, no matter where life takes you. May He open your eyes to see challenges as divine opportunities, and may His peace and purpose guide your steps! 

June 27 — "A Glimpse of Heaven That Changes Everything"

Today's Reading: Acts 7:30-60

Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early church, stood before an angry mob, falsely accused, moments away from death. The chaos swirled around him, yet Heaven itself opened before his eyes. And what did he see? Jesus—not seated as He is often described—but standing, ready to receive him. That glimpse of glory didn’t erase his suffering, but oh, how it transformed the way he endured it! When we catch sight of Heaven’s reality, the trials of this life shrink in comparison to the joy set before us.

Have you ever had a moment where God felt overwhelmingly near—so close, so real, that His presence left you speechless? These sacred glimpses aren’t reserved for Biblical heroes like Stephen; they happen to ordinary believers just like us! Whether in worship, in prayer, in Scripture, or even in life’s toughest moments, God reveals His glory, shifting our vision beyond earthly struggles.

Stephen’s story is astonishing, but it’s not just history—it’s a truth for us today. Christ followers still experience moments where Heaven kisses earth—where God’s presence becomes undeniable, lifting our eyes above the weight of this world. These glimpses of glory remind us that Jesus is near, His kingdom is unshakable, and our hope is eternally secure.

We may not witness Heaven splitting open as Stephen did, but we encounter God’s glory in profound ways. Maybe you've been in worship and felt His presence so deeply it brought you to your knees. Or perhaps a verse leapt off the page, speaking straight to your heart as if God Himself whispered it to you. Maybe you've known a peace that defied logic in the middle of a storm, or looked at creation and felt an unexplainable longing for Home. These moments awaken something within us—joy, awe, peace, and a hunger for more of Jesus. They remind us that this world is not our final destination.

Don’t overlook the glimpses of glory God places before you! Chase after His presence—immerse yourself in His Word, worship without hesitation, pray with bold expectation, and open your heart to see Him moving in the ordinary. When trials come, seek His perspective, just as Stephen did. Fix your gaze on Jesus, and let the glimpses He gives you strengthen your faith until that glorious day when you finally see Him face to face.

May the Lord open your eyes to His glory, flood your heart with His presence, and fill you with the joy of knowing He is near. And may every glimpse of Heaven fuel your faith until the day you stand before Him in glorious eternity. 

June 26 — "Seeing God’s Work Before It’s Too Late"

Today's Reading: Acts 7:1-29

Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin wasn’t just a history lesson—it was a bold, unfiltered reminder that God’s people have a long-standing habit of resisting His plan. From Abraham’s calling to Moses’ rejection by his own people, Stephen traced a troubling pattern: history keeps repeating itself. Time and again, when God raises up a leader, people fail to recognize it.

Take Moses, for example. He was chosen to rescue Israel, yet his first attempt was met with rejection. Instead of rallying behind him, his own people pushed him away. Fast forward to Jesus—the ultimate Deliverer—sent by God Himself, yet He, too, was rejected.

Stephen drives this point home in Acts 7:25: “Moses supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand.” Moses stepped in to defend an Israelite who was being mistreated, but instead of gratitude, he was met with rejection. That rejection sent him into the wilderness, delaying Israel’s deliverance.

Stephen’s argument builds to a powerful climax: Just as their ancestors resisted Moses, the people of his day had resisted—and crucified—Jesus, the very Messiah they had been waiting for. He was exposing their hardened hearts, urging them to see that they were standing on the wrong side of God’s plan—just like their forefathers.

Now let’s bring this closer to home: How often do we resist God’s work simply because it doesn’t fit our expectations? Maybe He’s calling us to step out in faith, but fear keeps us frozen. Maybe He’s speaking through someone in our life, but pride stops us from listening. The Israelites failed to recognize Moses as their deliverer, and many missed Jesus as the Messiah. Could we be missing what God is doing today because it doesn’t look the way we expect it to?

Ask God to open your eyes to His work around you. Be willing to listen, obey, and trust—even when it’s uncomfortable. Don’t follow the pattern of resistance that led to rejection. Instead, humble yourself before the Lord, asking Him to soften your heart so that when He speaks, you recognize His voice and follow Him.

May the Lord grant you eyes to see and a heart ready to receive His plans. May you walk in faith, not resisting His calling but embracing His leading. And may you never miss His voice when He speaks. 

June 25 — "Three Traits of a Kingdom Builder"

Today's Reading: Acts 6

In Acts 6, the early church was growing—thriving, expanding, and… running into logistical chaos. Some widows were being overlooked in the daily meal distribution, and the Apostles knew they needed a solution. But this wasn't about plugging gaps with “just anyone.” The Apostles knew the answer wasn’t just finding “any warm body” to fill the role. Service in God’s kingdom isn’t about plugging gaps with whoever happens to be available—it’s about calling and character. They needed men of integrity, Spirit-led strength, and wisdom because even serving tables was a sacred task.

They instructed the church to choose men of good repute, filled with the Holy Spirit, and full of wisdom—three qualities that define faithful, effective service in God’s kingdom. Let’s break them down.

Good Repute: This isn’t just a polished image; it’s about a life marked by integrity and trustworthiness. Reputation matters because it reflects the kind of heart behind the work. These men weren’t just handling food logistics—they were shaping the church’s witness! A solid reputation ensured their leadership would inspire, not undermine.

Filled with the Holy Spirit: Being Spirit-filled isn’t reserved for preaching or miracles—it’s vital for every act of service. The Holy Spirit empowers us to work not with obligation but with worship. Serving tables may have seemed menial, but done in the Spirit’s power, it became a sacred offering of humility, patience, and love.

Full of Wisdom: Wisdom isn’t just knowing things—it’s knowing how to apply them in ways that honor God. Ministry isn't without challenges. Conflicts arise, needs shift, obstacles come. Wisdom enables us to lead well, serve effectively, and handle situations in a way that builds rather than breaks.

Without these traits, ministry suffers. A weak reputation damages trust. Relying on human strength instead of the Spirit leads to burnout and failure. And lack of wisdom? That’s a recipe for self-centered, shortsighted decisions that derail God’s work.

Whether you’re serving in church, at work, or in your home, God calls you to be trustworthy, Spirit-led, and full of wisdom. So today, ask the Holy Spirit to empower you, seek opportunities to display integrity, and pray for wisdom to serve in ways that truly honor Him.

May the Lord fill you with His Spirit, strengthen your character, and grant you wisdom in every step. And may your life reflect His goodness, drawing others closer to Him. 

June 24 — "Are We Standing in God's Way?"

Today's Reading: Acts 5:22-42

Sometimes, the people most confident in their understanding of God are the ones who completely miss Him when He moves. Take Acts 5: the religious leaders—experts in Scripture, guardians of tradition—stood blind as God worked in their midst. Rather than embracing Jesus as the Messiah, they fought against Him. Their resistance prompted warning from one of their own and exposed a hard truth: resisting God only leads to failure.

The Sanhedrin, convinced they were God’s representatives, rejected Jesus at every turn. Even after His resurrection, as miracles unfolded and the Apostles preached with undeniable power, they dug in their heels. But Gamaliel, a well-respected Pharisee, urged caution: If this movement was purely human, it would collapse. But if it is from God? No force on earth can stop it.

History proved him right. The Apostles kept preaching. The Gospel spread like wildfire. And the very leaders who should have guided people to the Messiah found themselves fighting against His mission. It wasn’t the uneducated or the outcasts who missed God’s plan—it was the religious elite, the ones who allegedly “knew” Him best.

This same blindness surfaced again during the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. A generation of truth-seeking hippies—long-haired, barefoot, desperate for Jesus—flooded churches. Some churches embraced them with open arms. Others resisted, unwilling to set aside their traditions. What happened? A revival exploded. Thousands came to Christ, a fresh wave of worship was born, and churches that welcomed the movement thrived. Those who resisted? Many faded into irrelevance.

It’s easy to shake our heads at the Sanhedrin, but let’s be honest—could we be just as blind? Do we hold so tightly to our traditions or expectations that we fail to recognize God at work? When He moves in unexpected ways, do we embrace it—or resist it? The truth is, we can be deeply religious and completely out of step with Him. That’s a sobering thought.

Instead of assuming we always see clearly, let’s humbly seek the Lord and ask: Am I walking in step with You and Your work—or am I standing in the way? Lay down pride. Surrender expectations. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. When God moves, don’t resist—run with Him! Be a part of what He is doing. After all, if it is of God, you won’t be able to stop Him!

May the Lord open your eyes to His work, tune your ears to His voice, and soften your heart to His leading. May you never resist His movement, but always walk in step with His perfect will. 

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!