Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Today we begin the book of Acts. If you recall, we spent the first part of this week being reminded of the power and authority of Jesus in the final chapters of John. The book of Acts, written by Luke, serves as a sequel to the gospel of Luke and is the connecting link between Christ's life and the life of the church. Acts is located between the gospels and the letters and is an accurate historical record of the early church. It is the Actions of the early church.

As we begin to read Acts, I want us to challenge ourselves to put ourselves in the place of the disciples, individually, and collectively as a church. Identify with them as they are filled with the Holy Spirit and experience the thrill of thousands responding to the gospel message. Sense their commitment as they give every ounce of talent and treasure to Christ. As we read, look for their spirit-led boldness. These who were facing suffering and death took every opportunity to tell of their crucified and risen Lord.

The account of the movement of God and the Holy Spirit and the spread of His Church did not end when the book of Acts ends. The truth and reality that I often don’t connect with is that we are still a part of the same movement today!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8.

These words are in red in my Bible, because Jesus said this. So, His power - the same power that we read about in John- has been given to us when we give our life to Him. That power fuels the mission. What is the mission? Jesus told us in Matthew 28.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.

Power and Authority. We have been given the power and the authority to accomplish the mission. We read about this power and have seen it on display in our readings earlier this week. My prayer for us individually and collectively as a church is that we would walk in that power; I pray that we would recognize where he has placed us in his story and our role in this mission. What would it be like if we walked in the courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability, and authority that we receive from the Holy Spirit?

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection: 

• Consider that last sentence again. What would it be like if we walked in the courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability, and authority that we receive from the Holy Spirit? What would be different about your life?
• Pray for guidance to walk in the power and authority of the Spirit today.

Family Devo: Acts 1

By: Amanda Carpenter

What is the best gift you have ever received? Maybe it was your favorite stuffed animal or a Nintendo Switch? Before Jesus was taken to Heaven, He told the disciples they were going to receive a powerful gift- the gift of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes what we call the Holy Trinity can be difficult to understand. I like to think of it like this: I have eyes, a nose, ears, etc. All the parts of my body are part of me, but they have different jobs. My eyes help me see, my nose helps me smell, and my ears help me hear. In the same way, the Holy Trinity is made up of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. They are all part of God, but they have different jobs. God is our Creator, Jesus Christ walked on earth as a man to set an example for us, and the Holy Spirit is the power of God that lives within us. The Holy Spirit guides us to make the right decisions, comforts us, reminds us of Bible verses that encourage us, and helps us share God’s love and truth with others. Jesus told the disciples that they would “receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on [them]” (Acts 1: 8). The gift of the Holy Spirit truly is the best gift.

• What does receiving the gift (or power) of the Holy Spirit mean to you?
• What are some ways that the Holy Spirit works in your life? Think about this as you go throughout your week.
• Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to pay attention to how You work in my life every day. Amen.