Devo Acts 8:27-35

Chapter 8
27……… an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury
of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship,
28and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the
prophet. 29The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” 30Then
Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do
you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31”How can I,” he said,
“unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with
him. 32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer
is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33In his humiliation he was
deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was
taken from the earth.”
34The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about,
himself or someone else?” 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture
and told him the good news about Jesus.

Meditation:
1. After Stephen was martyred, persecution of the Church increased and
Christians scattered. Philip went to Samaria to speak of Jesus Christ, people
believed quickly and many were baptized. Later, the Spirit led Philip to
the chariot of the Ethiopian eunuch. The eunuch too believed quickly and
wanted to be baptized. In both instances, they didn’t know Jesus and did not
understand what it meant to become a disciple of Jesus. They simply wanted
to meet God and Philip told them of Christ
2. Philip’s life reminds us of what it really means to proclaim Christ. We come
in the love of the Holy Spirit to those who honestly seek God, trusting that
the Spirit began the work before we did and will carry it on after us. We can
all be like Philip, speaking Jesus to those who seek God, trusting that the
Spirit can draw souls to salvation.
3. Who, among my closely acquainted, can I begin to pray for his/her salvation?
Is there anyone around me who has been asking “spiritual” questions—
questions about life’s meaning, belief, purpose, etc.? Write the name down
and pray regularly, taking note of the Holy Spirit’s work and asking for
wisdom to share the gospel with him/her.

Personal Note:
Living in this postmodern generation, there are people who are seeking spiritually for the answers to life.  People are looking beyond reasons and logic to find meaning in life.  People are looking for the true God who is the creator of the universe and yet He desires an intimate relationship with Him.  My role is to share the good news of Jesus Christ to those who are seeking.

God, your Spirit is at work in me.  I trust that you are working ahead and with me always.  I desire to pray for their heart in knowing you and we ask for your wisdom in sharing the gospel with him/her.

Devo Acts 7:51-60

Chapter 7
51”You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like
your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your
fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of
the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who
have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”
54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But
Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God,
and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56”Look,” he said, “I see heaven open
and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57At this they covered
their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged
him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their
clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning him,
Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then he fell on his knees and
cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he
fell asleep.

Meditation:
1. Don’t think Stephen’s boldness was a mistake that cost his life. In fact, just
like the crucifixion of Jesus, Stephen’s martyrdom was part of God’s plan for
saving His people. God has a habit of turning “bad” things into unexpected
good outcome.
2. Have I had any experience that was terrible, disappointing, unfair…, but
in the end, there was an unexpected good result? How does this help me
understand God’s will?
3. Am I willing to be like Stephen and, as Paul says in Philippians 1, have the
attitude that “to live is Christ and to die is gain”?

Personal Note:
God, you can turn all things for good outcomes and for your glory.  God, I can find strength in you through my weaknesses.  I have experienced your love through some terrible, disappointing events in the pass.  I trust that you will continue to lead us to your glory in the midst of trouble and darkness.  Your will is for your name to be glorified.  Am I willing to sacrifice for the glory of God?  I pray that God will help and strengthen me to love his enemies like how he was willing to ask God to forgive them of their sins.