June 30 — "The Ultimate Plot Twist: Grace Wins"

Today's Reading: Acts 9:1-19

God loves a good plot twist—and He’s not afraid to cast the unlikeliest characters. In Acts 9, God says to Ananias that Saul “is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” Hold up—He’s talking about Saul. The very same Saul who made it his personal mission to crush the church! Not just forgiven, not just tolerated—but chosen, handpicked by God for a world-shaking assignment.

Let’s not breeze past that. Saul wasn’t looking for Jesus. Jesus came crashing into Saul’s journey, full force and blazing glory—knocking him off his feet (literally), blinding him, and then raising him up again through the healing hands of grace. One divine interruption later, the persecutor became a preacher. That’s vintage God.

Of course, Ananias was hesitant—who wouldn’t be? From a human angle, this looked reckless. Saul wasn’t just a skeptic; he was dangerous. Acts 9:1 says he was “breathing threats and murder” against the believers. Not exactly Sunday school material! He raided homes, dragged off disciples, and set fear in the hearts of the faithful. By all accounts, he was the early church’s “Public Enemy Number One.”

But God doesn’t recruit based on résumés or reputations or “rap sheets.” He looks beyond the wreckage and sees redemption. He wasn’t alarmed by Saul’s rage—He was ready to redeem it. Saul’s zeal wasn’t wasted; it was repurposed for something holy. That same boldness, that same fire? God aimed it straight into the heart of the mission field.

So here’s the twist for us: If God can use Saul, He can use you.  Your past doesn’t intimidate Him. Your baggage isn’t a dealbreaker—it might be the backdrop for His brightest spotlight. Maybe you feel unworthy, unqualified, or unlikely. Perfect! You’re exactly the kind of person God loves to partner with. He’s in the business of flipping scripts and rewriting futures.

Truth is, if you’re following Jesus, you are living proof of this truth. Your salvation—whether loud and dramatic or quiet and steady—is a miracle of grace. You were dead… but now? You live (Ephesians 2:4–5). That’s the ultimate divine reversal.

May the God who rewrites stories with mercy and power awaken fresh courage in your heart today.
And may your life, like Paul’s, become living proof that no one is too far for God’s love to reach, redeem, and send. 

June 29 — "Divine Dispatch: God’s Perfect Timing"

Today's Reading: Acts 8:26-40

God is the ultimate Dispatcher, setting the stage for life-changing encounters in the most unexpected places. In Acts 8, an Ethiopian official is poring over the words of Isaiah, reading about the “Lamb of God.” But there’s a problem—he doesn’t understand. Who is this “sheep” being led to slaughter? Why didn’t he fight back or even speak up? Confused, the official suddenly hears footsteps approaching his chariot. Enter Philip—dispatched by the Spirit, guided down a lonely desert road—for one purpose: to introduce a seeking heart to Jesus.

Philip doesn’t hesitate. He jumps right in, bridging the gap between Scripture and Savior, making sense of Isaiah 53:7—where Jesus, the sinless Lamb, willingly endured suffering and injustice to bring us peace with God.

This official had just returned from worshiping in Jerusalem, yet his heart remained restless. He was searching for more, longing for truth. He had the right Scripture but needed the right explainer. So, God sent Philip—pulling him from a thriving revival in Samaria—to meet one man in the desert. Why? Because God saw a heart that was ready! And let’s not miss the reminder here: God knows exactly where we are—geographically, emotionally, spiritually—and He moves Heaven and Earth to meet us in our searching.

Ever felt like Scripture just wasn’t clicking? Or like you were stuck in a “desert road” season, unsure why you’re there? Friend, don’t overlook the possibility of a divine setup! This story proves God goes out of His way to reach the forgotten, the outsider, the overlooked. No heart is too far, no desert too dry—He pursues with relentless grace.

If you’re searching, ask Jesus to reveal Himself through His Word. He will! And if you’re following Him, be ready for divine interruptions. That “random” conversation or unexpected detour might be your Philip moment—someone else’s eternity might hinge on your obedience. So keep your heart soft and your feet ready.

May the Lord open your eyes to the Lamb of God in a fresh, personal way. May His Word ignite a fire within you. And may you be willing to go wherever He leads—because every step could be a step toward someone’s salvation. 

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.