Devotionals for August 7, 2023
Our next Newcomers' Dinner will be on Sunday, August 27th at 5:30pm. Make plans to join us!
READ
Acts 1:8, Acts 28:17-20
8 ”But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
17 Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. 18 The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. 19 But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. 20 I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”
8 ”But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
17 Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. 18 The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. 19 But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. 20 I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”
REFLECT
In chapter 1 of Acts, it tells us we need to be witnesses to everyone. We know now that the gospel made it to Jerusalem, and it made it to Judea, and it made it to Samaria. Did it make it to the end of the earth? Chapter 28 gives us a hint. Acts ends with Paul’s ministry in the city of Rome, the capital of the Empire at the time. For those living back then, Rome was the ends of the earth. What’s more important here is that the witness to Jesus is NOT shut down by power. Paul wanted to preach the good news in Rome, and he eventually got there despite many trials. God worked out all things for Paul’s good and can do the same for you.
APPLY
Q: Why is Paul bound with chains? (see verse 20)
Q: What has God worked out for your good? Did you experience any trials while this was happening?
Q: Who can you share your life experiences with and teach them how God was there working things out for your good?
Q: What has God worked out for your good? Did you experience any trials while this was happening?
Q: Who can you share your life experiences with and teach them how God was there working things out for your good?
SING
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Gracious Father, You are always working things out for my good. Help me to see that and remember Your faithfulness in my life. Teach me to be a witness for You and bring opportunities my way. I’m ready for whatever You want me to do. Thank you for always being with me Lord!
Gracious Father, You are always working things out for my good. Help me to see that and remember Your faithfulness in my life. Teach me to be a witness for You and bring opportunities my way. I’m ready for whatever You want me to do. Thank you for always being with me Lord!