Acts 8:1-25 – Faithful Ones

Read Acts 8:1-25

They killed one of the faithful ones, Stephen. The persecution of Jesus’ followers, the early church, was just beginning. It sounds like a horrible time to be a believer. Yet we can marvel with gratitude that those faithful ones stood strong, trusted God, and followed Jesus’ command to make disciples. Despite being scattered, these believers “preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.” Are we that bold? When was the last time you told someone about Jesus and the promise of salvation?

We meet one of the faithful ones, Philip, in this reading. Since I wondered if this Philip was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, I did some digging. Biblical scholars seem to agree that this Philip was not the disciple, but one of the seven chosen, like Stephen, to be faithful witnesses running the food program (Acts 6). Because of the persecution, Philip moved on to Samaria. Continue reading “Acts 8:1-25 – Faithful Ones”

Dana’s Latest Book Launches June 26th >>see Zoom below

You can attend the LIVESTREAM of the Book Launch Event being held in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico, where Dana resides.

>> Here are all the details for FRIDAY, JUNE 26.<<

Eastern time:   5-7 p.m.
Central time:  4-6 p.m.
Mountain time: 3-5 p.m.
Pacific time: 2-4 p.m.

If you are outside the United States, you’ll need to determine your time zone here.

ZOOM LINK (you’ll start in a waiting room, up to 10 minutes before)

https://zoom.us/j/98348165449

    or CLICK the QR Code for Zoom Room access.

As this day culminates a project Dana has been working on for almost a year, Dana has been reflecting on Galatians 1:10. The spiritual warfare that has plagued Dana in 2026 is jaw-dropping. Suffice it to say that she is confident that seeking to please God with this project, after listening to his prompting to “Help Them!”, will help many draw closer to a relationship with Jesus.

How do the words from Galatians 1:10 speak to you today?

“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” (NLT)

Acts 7:37-60 – Happy Ending

Read Acts 7:37-60

Were you expecting a happy ending for Stephen in the second part of chapter 7? He had been doing such a masterful job of telling the story, connecting his fellow Jews. Surely, Stephen would have found favor with them. That is, until his tone changed and he began accusing his audience.

You may be wondering how I could say, “happy.” Think of it. Seeing Jesus and being in his presence is always a happy ending. It’s the ending I pray for all my loved ones, minus the stoning part. We are all going to die one day, and knowing Jesus makes death the beginning of our happy ending. Stephen saw Jesus in all his glory, and I imagine he was able to look past what the world was doing to him. Continue reading “Acts 7:37-60 – Happy Ending”

Acts 7:1-36 – What a Story!

Read Acts 7:1-36

Stephen brilliantly builds rapport with his audience. I can only imagine how nervous he would have been, and how easily it would be to go on the defensive after being arrested. The history Stephen shares here is a common bond, as these men all share a common ancestral heritage. These hero stories have been passed down for generations. Hearing them never gets old.

Did you notice Stephen had evaded the question? Or did he? The false accusations brought against Stephen included, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.” Stephen’s answer more than covered Moses’ life. It was clear that Stephen was not trying to change or abuse anything. Stephen told the story just right. Continue reading “Acts 7:1-36 – What a Story!”

Acts 6:1-15 – People Will Be People

Read Acts 6:1-15

What we see in this reading is people acting in ways you might expect. If feeling attacked, one might lash out, placing blame on others. If threatened or misinformed, one might be prone to acting out of revenge or seeking control. Perhaps even lying to get their way becomes an option.

In any event, we see how human nature can wreak havoc on a growing ministry. We also see how the leadership handled grumbling in a way that made sense for a growing membership of believers. You’ve probably seen it in your own ministry groups. Leaders are often over-utilized to handle more than they should. Continue reading “Acts 6:1-15 – People Will Be People”

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