Today’s reflection from Ray Stedman brings us into the heartbeat of the early church as described in Acts 6. Faced with a growing congregation and practical needs, the apostles made a Spirit-led decision to delegate the work of serving tables to men full of wisdom and the Spirit. Far from dismissing that role as beneath them, the apostles were honoring the diverse gifts of the body, each expression necessary for the health and growth of the whole.

There is a secret known only to those who have learned to cease striving and let Christ dwell in them richly — a hidden manna that sustains, a white stone of quiet assurance (Rev 2:17). Today’s message from A.B. Simpson points us to the mystery that defines true victory in the Christian life: Christ in us. Not our effort, not our spiritual discipline, not even our theological precision — but Christ Himself, dwelling within, producing what we never could.

This morning’s reflection by Bob Hoekstra centers on those to whom we minister — the perishing, the blind, and the unbelieving. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:3–4 are sobering: the glorious gospel of Christ is veiled to those who are perishing because their minds have been blinded by the god of this age. The veil isn't over the gospel, but over the perception of those trapped in darkness.

Oswald Chambers calls us to behold the majestic and mysterious transition that began at Christ’s transfiguration and culminated in His ascension. Before that moment on the mountain, Jesus walked among us in ways we could grasp — touching, teaching, sleeping, eating — fully human, though sinless. But from the transfiguration onward, He stepped into realms that our earthly minds strain to comprehend: agony in Gethsemane, death on the cross, victorious resurrection, and finally, the triumphant return to glory.

The message of today’s devotional from Miles Stanford reframes the enemy not as an unconstrained adversary, but as a defeated foe who unknowingly furthers God’s purposes. Although Satan is active, he is bound by divine permission. Like a winnowing fork, his opposition serves not to destroy the believer, but to refine, sift, and remove what no longer belongs in a life rooted in Christ.

Today’s devotional by Witness Lee opens Matthew’s Gospel with a striking declaration: Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. With just two names, God’s Spirit connects Christ to a sweeping legacy of promise and fulfillment.

We’ve all said it at some point:
“Lord, I need more patience.”
“More love.”
“More peace.”

But Scripture says something far more astonishing—and freeing.
You don’t need more.
You already have Christ.
And in Him, you have everything.

Esther 8 presents the culmination of God’s unseen providence working through willing vessels. Though Haman’s initial edict to annihilate the Jews could not be reversed due to Persian law, the king—moved by Esther’s plea—authorized Mordecai to write a new decree. This counter-edict empowered the Jews to defend themselves across all 127 provinces of the Persian empire.

Daniel 3 captures the tension between earthly power and spiritual allegiance. Nebuchadnezzar, having previously dreamed of an image with a golden head, defies the divine message by constructing an image entirely of gold—an act of pride and rebellion. The king demands universal worship of the image, and those who refuse are sentenced to death in a furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego resist, knowing the God they serve is worthy of worship even if deliverance does not come.

Psalm 11 invites us into the tension of human fear and divine refuge. David is presented with two voices: one that urges flight when chaos threatens to collapse all moral foundations, and another that steadies him in the certainty of God’s sovereign presence. The foundations—those pillars of righteousness, truth, and justice—may be crumbling around him, but God is not absent or passive. He is enthroned in heaven, fully aware, just in judgment, and righteous in His love.

In today’s reflection, E. Stanley Jones points us to Paul’s declaration in 1 Corinthians 1:5: “that in every way you were enriched in him.” It’s a bold, sweeping statement—not confined to spiritual matters alone, but embracing every part of what makes us human. Jones asks the critical question: does religion enrich or impoverish a person’s humanity? He then considers various religious systems—Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Mysticism—and shows how each ultimately stifles or weakens the full expression of human life when followed to its end.

The early disciples were not disheartened by suffering. Instead, they rejoiced — not because the pain was pleasant, but because they were counted worthy to bear dishonor for the Name of Jesus. They didn’t retreat, didn’t stay quiet, and didn’t second-guess their calling. Day after day, from public places to private homes, they continued boldly proclaiming Christ.

Jeremiah’s words cut through the illusion of independence: “a man’s way is not his own.” That is not a judgment, but a gift—an invitation to relinquish the exhausting burden of self-direction and self-effort. In today’s devotional, A.B. Simpson points us back to the beauty of union with Christ, reminding us that Jesus is not merely our example, but our indwelling life. He didn’t come to leave us with a model to follow in our own strength; He came to be Himself in us.

Ministry grounded in grace demands integrity. In this devotional, Bob Hoekstra warns against manipulative or deceitful ministry practices—methods that often operate in secret and appeal to fleshly desires or pride. These may gain attention or applause, but they do not align with the heart of God.

Oswald Chambers pulls no punches in exposing one of the most subtly accepted lies among believers: the idea that we somehow live in spiritual poverty when, in fact, we have inherited all the riches of God through Christ. The phrase “I can’t afford it”—whether financially or spiritually—is not humility; it’s a denial of our divine inheritance. This devotional invites us to form the habit of recognizing God's provision—not only mentally but practically, as those who participate in His divine nature through His promises.

If we were asked to write the opening lines of the biography of the Son of God, most of us would have chosen to highlight the noble lineage, the spiritual champions, and the righteous ancestors. We would have combed through the genealogical record and polished the names that brought honor to the line of Christ. But the Holy Spirit, who authored Scripture, did just the opposite.

Today’s reflection from Miles Stanford invites us to see ministry not as a measure of public productivity, but as the quiet overflow of Christ’s life within us. In a world that equates influence with visibility, we’re reminded that the most Christ-honoring service often goes unnoticed. But it is not unseen.

Paul’s heart for the Thessalonian believers flows like a current beneath every word in this chapter. The exposition reveals a layered movement of love, concern, reassurance, and prayer. Though separated physically from the Thessalonians and grieved by their suffering, Paul doesn’t merely lament. He sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage them—to see whether their faith has held firm in the face of persecution. And it has. Timothy returns with a report not only of their steadfast faith and love, but also their deep affection for Paul. This news revives Paul’s spirit.

Luke’s second volume, the book of Acts, continues the story of Jesus—not as a closed chapter, but as an ongoing reality through His Spirit-empowered people. The Gospel of Luke captured what Jesus began to do; Acts captures what He continues to do.

Without the book of Acts, our understanding of the New Testament would be significantly impoverished. Acts serves as a vital bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles, giving us the context for Paul’s ministry, the expansion of the early church, and the inclusion of Gentiles in the body of Christ. Authored by Luke, the beloved physician and companion of Paul, this sequel to the Gospel of Luke lays out a detailed historical and theological account of how the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Rome. It's not merely history—it is theological history, showing God's plan unfolding through Spirit-led disciples who acted in obedience to Christ's commission.