Send us a text

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Acts 16

Paul embarks on his second journey, taking Silas along with him. In Lystra, they meet Timothy, who joins them after being circumcised to satisfy others. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they are directed to Macedonia following Paul’s vision of a man pleading for help. In Philippi, they encounter Lydia, a seller of purple, who converts to Christianity. Later, Paul and Silas liberate a slave girl from an evil spirit, angering her owners, who have them beaten and imprisoned. Around midnight, while they are singing and praying, an earthquake occurs, and the prison doors swing open. The jailer fears for his life, but Paul shares the message of Jesus with him. The jailer and his household are baptized that very hour. The next day, Paul and Silas are officially released.

Paul’s missionary journey is led by the Holy Spirit. God actively guides him to those whose hearts are prepared for salvation. God continues to reach people today, and we are His vessels to carry the message of Christ, even though our effort may require personal sacrifice. This chapter highlights at least three conversions, each involving a commitment from the new believers as well. Timothy was circumcised, not for salvation, but to gain influence among the Jews. Lydia and her household were likely the first converts in all of Europe. The jailer risked his life by aligning himself and his household with imprisoned men. The gospel demands submission, sacrifice, and courage from all believers in the name of Jesus Christ. 

Gracious God, thank You for the powerful stories of faith found in Acts 16. Like Timothy, we pray for a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the sake of others. Like Lydia, we seek to have a heart that is always open to obey You. Like Paul and Silas, we pray for the courage to praise Your name, even in life’s most challenging trials. And like the jailer, we ask You to help us build the urgency to do what is right in the very hour that we learn the truth. Open our hearts to respond to Your glorious will.

Thought Questions:

-       Why was Timothy circumcised? Are you willing to do something painful or hard simply for the sake of someone else's conscience?

-       The Lord opened Lydia’s heart. What does this mean? How does the Lord open your heart, and what should be the results of such an event?

-       Paul and Barnabas rejoiced in trial, and God used the occasion to convert a family to Christ. Is God working similar plans in your times of trial?

Send us a text

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Acts 15

“Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” These words from Jewish believers create significant dissension among the brethren. Paul and Barnabas travel to Jerusalem to discuss the issue with the apostles and elders there. Peter announces that salvation comes through faith and recounts how God bestowed the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius. Paul and Barnabas contribute by sharing stories of the salvation of Gentiles during their recent journey. In no case was circumcision required for salvation. James quotes the Old Testament to indicate God’s plan to include Gentiles. Everyone involved agrees that no such burden should be placed upon new believers. A letter is written and sent to the church in Antioch. Afterward, Paul and Barnabas have a disagreement and embark upon missionary journeys separately.   

Even among believers, conflicts can arise. Often, people impose their beliefs on others, leading to division. The key to resolution is communication and a willingness to seek the workings and word of God. With open hearts, the truth about salvation can be discovered and shared. God could have revealed that circumcision was unnecessary. Instead, He expected them to study, show patience and kindness, and learn together. God expects the same from us today. We can explore the liberties and restrictions of God in unity. The story at the end of the chapter involving Paul, Barnabas, and Mark illustrates how disagreements can lead to temporary separation. Yet, they continue their work as brothers and are united in the years that follow. 

Loving God, soften our hearts to love one another. So many Christians have been divided over issues that should not have come between them. Help us learn to listen closely, to speak thoughtfully, and to study scripture together with unbiased and inquisitive minds. It is a blessing to see the gathering in Jerusalem unify in acknowledging the liberties among them and coming up with needful restrictions. Grant us the wisdom to reach conclusions together that align with Your will. Father, we sometimes face disagreements and separate for periods of time. Please humble our hearts to come together in love quickly.

Thought Questions:

-       Should brethren be careful in declaring certain conditions for salvation? Why is it crucial to explain your convictions clearly from scripture?

-       Why is it valuable to gather with other students of the word when deciding issues related to salvation or the future of local churches?

-       Barnabas defends John Mark in much the same way as he did Paul in chapter 9. Are you an encourager who often defends

Send us a text

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Acts 14

Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary journey, preaching the gospel in Iconium, where many people believe. However, opposition arises, forcing them to flee to Lystra and Derbe. In Lystra, Paul heals a man who has been crippled from birth, leading the crowd to mistake them for the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes. Paul and Barnabas tear their clothes and urge the people to worship the living God rather than men. Jewish opponents arrive from Iconium and Antioch, resulting in Paul being stoned and left for dead; however, he survives and continues preaching. They travel back through previous cities, strengthening the disciples, encouraging believers to remain faithful, and reminding them that hardship is a part of entering God’s kingdom. They appoint elders in each church and entrust them to the Lord.

All glory belongs to God for every good work done in His name. Paul and Barnabas performed miracles that changed lives, drawing praise from the people. However, they emphatically redirected that praise to God, proclaiming that He created all things and that every blessing comes entirely from His graciousness. We too must share God's gifts, bless others, and ensure everyone knows that all good things come from above. The goal is to build local churches with full allegiance to God and His will. This includes praising Him and honoring His design for churches, such as establishing elders in every church. 

Great Protector, we praise You for the blessings You bestow upon Your people. We believe You equip us to do good work in any environment, even when opponents of Christ are present. Please grant us wisdom to know how to serve You and others. When people respond positively, instill in us the humility to give all credit and praise to You. We ask for the maturity to not only stand firm but also to become active encouragers of others to do so as well. Use us in Your local churches, establishing them according to Your will and for Your glorification.  

Thought Questions:

-       The time came when apostles had to move on to teach others. How do you know when it is time to do that with someone in your life?

-       Paul went from being called a god to being stoned almost immediately. What does that tell you about the life of a sharer of the gospel?

-       Teaching people is more than initial submission to Christ. Why is it important to continue to strengthen and encourage disciples?

Send us a text

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Acts 13

The church in Antioch commissions Paul (formerly Saul) and Barnabas to embark on their first missionary journey, following the Holy Spirit’s guidance. They travel to Cyprus, where they preach in synagogues and face opposition from Elymas, a sorcerer who attempts to prevent the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, from believing. Paul, filled with the Spirit, rebukes Elymas and temporarily blinds him. Witnessing this, the proconsul believes. Paul and Barnabas then continue to Pisidian Antioch, where Paul delivers a powerful message recounting Israel’s history and proclaiming the glory of the resurrected Christ, which fulfills God’s promises to Israel. Many Gentiles believe and rejoice, but Jewish leaders grow jealous, forcing Paul and Barnabas to leave the district. Despite the opposition, the truth spreads, and the disciples are “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit guides Paul and Barnabas on a journey to share the truth about Jesus. Their commission serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is still alive and active today, with work prepared for us to do as well. Paul’s courage in confronting Elymas demonstrates how God supports us when we stand against those who reject Jesus. His sermon in Pisidian Antioch highlights that God has been working to prepare redemption in Jesus Christ for generations. God’s plan to raise Jesus from the dead and offer forgiveness to believers is greater, deeper, and more magnificent than we can imagine. We must share this message of grace and reconciliation, hopeful that there are many hearts longing for eternal hope.  

Benevolent Father, thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit. He moves today in ways that differ from the supernatural urgings and miracles of the first century, but this does not diminish His presence in our lives. Grant us the wisdom to hear the teachings of scripture and to be attuned to the guidance You provide for us. Even among non-believers, give us the faith to remain vigilant for Christ. We thank You for Jesus’ plan from the beginning. We exalt You for raising Him from the dead and promising us redemption now and future resurrection to eternal life.    

Thought Questions:

-       Is the Holy Spirit alive and active in encouraging you to take extreme action for Christ? If so, how does He accomplish this today?

-       Why was Paul so direct with Elymas? And why is it important to directly address people if they are negatively influencing others?

-       The resurrection of Jesus changed lives among the tenderhearted. Who will you tell about the power of His resurrection today?

Send us a text

Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)

Sponsors: 
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com   
Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

Here is a link to this week's referenced article by Joe Carter:

7 Secular Sermons You Might Have Heard This Week

1) The Instagram Lifestyle Gospel

2) The Corporate Brand Purpose Statement

3) The Algorithm's Personalization Homily

4) The Celebrty Interview Confession

5) The Superhero Film's Redemptive Violence

6) The Health and Wellness Scripture

7) The Political Talk Show Liturgy

ADVICE:

a) Know what's going on

b) question your conclusions 

c) make some deep daily cuts

Send us a text

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Acts 12

King Herod persecutes the church, killing the apostle James, the first apostle martyred for the cause of Christ. He also arrests Peter, planning to execute him after Passover. The church prays fervently to God for Peter's deliverance. An angel miraculously frees him from prison, guiding him past the guards. Initially thinking this is a vision, Peter soon realizes he is free and heads to a home where the disciples are gathered in prayer. Overjoyed yet astonished, they welcome him in. Furious over Peter’s escape and unable to recapture him, Herod executes the guards. Later, Herod permits the people of the region to call him a god, and immediately an angel of the Lord strikes him dead! Yet “the word of the Lord continues to grow and to be multiplied.”

This chapter begins and ends with King Herod. He strikes a blow against the church by killing James but is ultimately killed by God and rendered irrelevant. Explaining why God allowed James's death is difficult. However, it is humbling and important to recognize that God permitted this to fulfill His greater purpose of spreading the gospel. Furthermore, God placed limits on what Herod could do, freeing Peter before he could be killed. We must always trust that God is in control, even when evil men plan terrible acts. In the end, God spared Peter to continue His work and eliminated Herod. If God spares us today, we must use our lives to overcome evil with good and uplift God’s people. 

All-powerful God, teach us to trust in Your power over all things and all people. Help us understand that You allow circumstances we do not comprehend because Your ways are higher than ours. Moreover, open our hearts to recognize the significant provisions, blessings, and deliverance You often provide. We pray for humble, grateful hearts that use the gift of life to serve You. Encourage us to see that we are alive for the central purpose of spreading the message of Jesus and uplifting believers on their journey of faith. Please deliver us from evil people if it aligns with Your will.  

Thought Questions:

-       What helps you trust in God when bad things happen to good people? What are things you need to remember in such times?

-       Peter immediately gathered with believers after his deliverance. Is it your natural inclination to do the same when God blesses you?

-       Evil will not prevail, as seen in Herod’s death. How does knowing that the war is won in Christ help you cope with evil in this world?

Send us a text

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Acts 11

Peter returns to Jerusalem, where Jewish believers take issue with him for associating with Gentiles. He recounts his vision of unclean animals and God’s command not to call impure what He has made clean. Peter reveals how the Holy Spirit descended on the Gentiles, confirming that God has granted them the repentance that leads to life. Meanwhile, some scattered Jewish believers begin preaching to Greeks in Antioch, and many turn to the Lord. The church in Jerusalem sends Barnabas to Antioch to encourage the new saints, and he ultimately recruits Saul, working with the church there for a year. Disciples of Jesus are first called Christians in Antioch. These disciples hear of a famine in Judea and send funds for the relief of the brethren, which Barnabas and Saul deliver. 

Peter introduced something new to the saints in Jerusalem, and they were not initially receptive. However, they were willing to listen as he shared how God brought salvation to the Gentiles. Change is always challenging, especially when it means acceptance of others, but humble hearts will keep open ears and learn to embrace what honors the will of God. Fortunately, this paved the way for more Jews to share the gospel with Gentiles, allowing the church to thrive and expand. Perhaps changing attitudes toward others and a willingness to broaden outreach can benefit local churches today. Ironically, Gentile Christians in Antioch sent funds to assist needy Jewish saints. A thriving fellowship emerges when brethren step beyond their comfort zones. 

Compassionate God, thank You for granting us repentance that leads to life. We are unworthy of Your grace, yet we live in the peace and joy of reconciliation with You through Jesus Christ. Please open our hearts to the way You are working to reach others and prepare us to have open arms. Help us to be like Barnabas, a man full of the Holy Spirit and faith and therefore ready to work for Your cause. And like the Christians who sent funds to help their brothers, teach us how to be more generous and involved in supporting fellow believers. 

Thought Questions:

-       How do you remain open to God’s will, even when it challenges your expectations and traditions, like when Peter accepted Gentiles? 

-       If God sent you to go and encourage new saints for a year, would you be willing to do it? How can you do such work where you live now?

-       New Christians sent funds to help believers they did not even know. How should you emulate that in the way you support needy Christians?

Send us a text

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Acts 10

Cornelius, a devout Gentile centurion, receives a vision from God telling him to send for Peter. Meanwhile, Peter has a vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals and hears a voice telling him to eat. When Peter refuses, God responds, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” As Cornelius’s men arrive, Peter realizes the vision signifies God’s acceptance of all who fear and obey Him. Peter goes to Cornelius’s house, where Cornelius recalls his vision. Peter preaches about Jesus, emphasizing that God shows no favoritism and offers salvation to all who believe. As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles, enabling them to speak in tongues, astonishing the Jewish believers. Peter baptizes them, declaring that they must not be refused baptism and the forgiveness of sins. 

God's salvation through Jesus Christ is available to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, culture, or background. We must not allow personal bias to hinder us from sharing God's universal message with all people. Peter’s example teaches the church to remove all limitations and boundaries from the gospel’s reach. Cornelius illustrates that good, caring people remain lost until they hear and obey the gospel call. People must learn about Jesus and the forgiveness of sins that come through Him. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked a unique event, forever uniting different groups as equals in the church. Our responsibility is to demonstrate this in whom we teach and baptize, as well as whom we fellowship and serve in the kingdom.

Benevolent Father, You went to great lengths to bring salvation in Jesus to Cornelius. Humble us to understand that we are Cornelius. We are Gentiles who would have no hope, regardless of our good deeds, except for the saving grace of Jesus Christ and His cleansing power. Thank You for showing no partiality and for Your willingness to welcome all who fear You and do what is right. Teach us how to be fueled by gratitude for the resurrected Christ and His grace. And please show us someone today who needs to hear that Jesus also wants to save them. 

Thought Questions:

-       Do you know anyone like Cornelius, who is kind and God-fearing but has not surrendered to Jesus? If so, how can you help?

-       Peter was an apostle of Jesus but still had things to learn about God. What are things you are still learning about God’s will for your life?

-       Why was the Holy Spirit falling on Cornelius a unique event? What was the purpose, and how does that explain why this does not happen today? 

Send us a text

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Acts 9

Saul, later known as Paul, continues to pursue Christians to imprison them. On his way to Damascus, a light from heaven stops him. He hears Jesus speaking, asking why Saul is persecuting Him. Blinded, Saul is led into the city to wait for instructions. Meanwhile, God instructs Ananias to visit Saul and restore his sight. Despite his fear, Ananias obeys. Saul learns that he will become an apostle to the Gentiles. After regaining his sight, he is immediately baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. Saul begins to preach boldly, prompting the Jews to seek to kill him. He escapes to Jerusalem, where Barnabas vouches for him. The chapter also recounts Peter healing Aeneas and raising Tabitha from the dead, demonstrating God’s power and inspiring many new believers in Jesus. 

Saul’s story highlights the transformative power of Jesus Christ. His conversion shows that no one is beyond the call of the gospel. God often uses individuals like Ananias to fulfill His mission. We must confront our fears and seize opportunities to share God’s hope with others. It is also inspiring to see Saul immediately active in sharing his faith. Some of the greatest passion for evangelism comes from new converts. We can learn a great deal from them. Like Barnabas, we should defend and support new believers to help God’s people embrace them. Lastly, Tabitha was deeply missed and cherished for her charitable spirit. We should seek to be cherished servants among God’s people, known for “deeds of kindness and charity.” 

Glorious Father, we praise Your patience and relentless pursuit of sinners. You humbled and restored Saul, as You have done with us. We are living testaments to Your grace and love. Teach us to live with gratitude and to obey Your call to share Jesus with others, even when it feels risky or uncertain. Give us the spirit of vigor and the voice of joy to express our faith like those who are new in Christ. Please create an opportunity today to tell someone that You are the Healer, the Forgiver, and You have the power even to raise the dead!

Thought Questions:

-       What does Saul’s conversion tell you about God’s love? Saul committed to God out of gratitude. How powerful is gratitude in driving your faith?

-       Barnabas defends Saul when others are fearful. How should you be like Barnabas when someone with a troubled past comes to Christ?

-       Tabitha was treasured for her charitable deeds. When you pass from this life, how do you want to be remembered by the family of God?

Send us a text

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Acts 8

Saul is introduced as an aggressive persecutor of the church, dragging people from their homes to imprison them. Meanwhile, Christians flee and carry the gospel with them, and the church continues to grow. Philip, a devoted teacher, brings the teachings of the kingdom to Samaria, where many believe in Jesus and are baptized. One such man, Simon, soon forfeits his salvation by trying to purchase his right to the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Peter urges him to repent immediately so that he may be forgiven and restored. Later, Philip is sent to an Ethiopian eunuch who is reading the book of Isaiah alone. Philip uses the scripture to teach Jesus to the eunuch, and he is promptly baptized after believing in Jesus, which leads to much rejoicing.  

Comparing the characters in this chapter will help us determine who we want to become. Believing he was right, Saul opposed the disciples and sought to hinder them. In contrast, Philip was committed to openly sharing the gospel with everyone to expand the kingdom. Aim to emulate Philip in daily purpose and joy and strive to be far less like Saul, whose misguided views of godliness led him to cruel and sinful behavior. Simon believed but then chose a path of self-interest and greed, ultimately leading to bondage once again. The eunuch sought to know the truth and was baptized, rejoicing in the salvation he found in Jesus. We must rejoice and be content, blessed and saved in Christ! 

Blessed Lord, thank You for showing us how the gospel touches hearts, regardless of any attempts to hinder it. Help us to be like Philip, serving as vessels to spread the good news to those around us. Protect our hearts from selfish motives and greed so that we can demonstrate Jesus to others through our actions as much as through our message. Reveal our sins to us, and we will repent and refocus on the mission with humility. We pray to be continual seekers like the eunuch while also being ready to teach other seekers we encounter along the way.  

Thought Questions:

-       How can you be more attentive to how God and His Spirit want to use you to share Jesus with others, like how God used Philip?

-       Is self-focus and greed ever a problem for you, like it was for Simon? How do you find joy and contentment in your life in Christ?

-       Philip “preached Jesus” to the eunuch, and the eunuch sought baptism. Why did he make that connection and only rejoice afterward?