Scripture text for Tuesday, April 20th, 2010: Acts 13:1-14:28

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My NIV commentary sums up the Book of Acts as a drama construction that delays introduction of the hero until the stage is finally set. Beginning in chapter 13, the spotlight in Acts moves from Peter to Paul (Saul) and follows him throughout the rest of the book. The story unfolds with Paul’s response to the Holy Spirit’s prompting—he is called to teach in opposition to the Jewish dignitaries—and he does it. As a result of his obedience, thousands are led to Christ. The commentary explains it like this:

Scripture text for Monday, April 19th, 2010: Acts 9:1-9:31

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This passage is one of the most famous conversion stories over the centuries of christian faith. God speaking to Saul on the road to Damascus, blinding him, transforming his life and the lives of the millions (probably billions) of Christians that are his spiritual grandchildren throughout the centuries.

Scripture text for Friday, April 16th, 2010: Acts 10:1-11:18

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As I read the devotion from yesterday I shared my own lack of initiative at sharing God’s message when the opportunity presented itself. Today’s reading is similar to yesterday’s in that God has worked in the lives of two different men each seeking the knowledge of the truth, God’s message.

Acts 10:1 introduces a certain man named Cornelius who is not Jewish, a Roman soldier, seeking God, who leads his household and a fellow soldier in being reverent and generous. God noticed this and He saw that Cornelius was practicing the right attitudes to the one true God. Have you been practicing the right responses that would draw God’s attention? God sends a messenger to speak to Cornelius in the middle of the afternoon, a frightening moment, but he knew that this was God speaking to him and he followed God’s request to seek Simon Peter.

Scripture text for Thursday, April 15th, 2010: Acts 8:26-8:40

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The story of Phillip and the Ethiopian is probably my favorite story in the entire Bible. I think it speaks to me because of my lack of courage when it comes to sharing the Word of God. I can’t count the number of times I have skipped an opportunity to share my faith with people because of my own insecurities. I tell myself that I will not know what to say or that I do not know Scripture well enough. I ignore the urge and calling I feel and let my own thoughts talk me out of sharing.

This story serves as a wonderful blueprint for sharing our faith:

1) Listen to God. In verses 26-29, Phillip is specifically told where to go in order for this opportunity to present itself. He didn’t know what the opportunity was, but he was willing to listen and follow the instructions given. Do you feel prompted in your life?

Scripture text for Wednesday, April 14th, 2010: Acts 6:8-8:8

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“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria . . .Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:1 and 4

Chapters 6 and 7 of Acts describe Stephen, the first Christian martyr, to us. He was “a man full of God’s grace and power” and “did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people,” (Acts 6: 8). Men tried to argue with him, but “they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke,” (6:10). Stephen was a mighty Christian force empowered by the Holy Spirit!! One might wonder why God allowed this Spirit-filled man to be slandered and put in the hands of His enemies to die an early death.