April 19 - Acts 26

Read: Acts chapter 26 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Again, Paul repeated his testimony, sharing that Jesus had told him that he would be rescued from both his own people and the Gentiles (v. 17).  Have you experienced safety in spite of danger because God kept you safe?

April 18 - Acts 24-25

Read: Acts chapter 24 and 25 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Accusations without proof.  Injustice.  Have you ever been in a situation that was simply unfair, yet God and truth continued to provide a way through?

April 17 - Acts 23

Read: Acts chapter 23 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Though they were misguided, Paul's accusers were determined to keep what they felt was God's law.  They were willing to go hungry for their cause.  Have you ever fasted until you got an answer to prayer?  Describe that experience.

April 16 - Acts 22

Read: Acts chapter 22 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul shared his story of faith in Jesus Christ with the angry mob - in their own language.  Why is it important that we share Jesus in a way others can understand? Have you ever written your personal testimony? Today would be a good day to begin to think about doing that.

April 15 - Acts 21

Read: Acts chapter 21 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Despite warnings from several friends, Paul returned to Jerusalem where he was treated very badly by people who misunderstood his ministry.  Has your faith ever been misunderstood?  What did you do in order to stand firm?

April 14 - Acts 20

Read: Acts chapter 20 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul told his friends that he would consider his life worthless if he did not finish the work Jesus had given him to do.  While God may not be asking you to travel and preach like Paul, what IS He asking of you in your life?  Are you actively engaged in that work?

April 13 - Acts 19

Read: Acts chapter 19 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul was in Ephesus for quite some time, meeting with believers.  However, his teaching upset those devoted to the worship and support of the false god, Artemis/Diana.  When you come in contact with persons who are opposed to the Gospel, what do you do to show the love of Jesus to them, even if you might disagree with their beliefs or behavior?

April 12 - Acts 18

Read: Acts chapter 18 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul not only taught and debated, he also encouraged people in the faith.  Have you ever been encouraged in your faith journey? By whom? Are you encouraging someone in their faith journey? What does that involve?

April 11 - Acts 17

Read: Acts chapter 17 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: In this chapter, Paul encounters some 'Greece-y' thinkers who engaged in believing that anything logical might be taken as truth. Do you ever find yourself backing down from a discussion about religion when someone else seems to 'know' a lot more? Why is that?

April 10 - Acts 16

Read: Acts chapter 16 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul and Silas praised God as they sat in the middle of an impossible situation. Can you think of someone who has praised God through adversity? Describe what they did and what happened as a result.

April 9 - Acts 15

Read: Acts chapter 15 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." Has there been a time in prayer when you were confident you had confirmation from God? Think about that time.  Record that moment of divine communication in writing.

April 8 - Acts 14

Read: Acts chapter 14 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Some people declared Paul and Barnabas gods and began to worship them. What is the danger in looking to a person, even a great, godly person, rather than to God? Have you ever done that?

April 7 - Acts 13

Read: Acts chapter 13 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Paul and Barnabas boldly proclaimed the Gospel and, yet, were rejected by the church people. What can the people of the church do to make sure that truth is proclaimed? Who should be proclaiming that truth?

April 6 - Acts 12

Read: Acts chapter 12 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: The church "earnestly praying to God" for Peter led to his miraculous escape. Have you ever taken part in 'earnest prayer' for someone else? How did that turn out?

April 5 - Acts 11

Read: Acts chapter 11 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: When Peter returned to the believers in Jerusalem, he was criticized for mixing with Gentiles, which was outside Jewish law. Has there ever been a time when you were critical of something new in the church? What was it and how did you resolve that for yourself?

April 4 - Acts 10

Read: Acts chapter 10 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Two men had supernatural experiences that led to the Gospel being shared with all people. As you have grown in your faith, in what ways has God broadened your view of who God is and what God wants to accomplish through your life?

April 3 - Acts 9

Read: Acts chapter 3 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: A life that encounters the Savior is forever changed.  How have you found that to be true in your own life?  What are the changes you see?

April 2 - Acts 8

Read: Acts chapter 8 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Philip followed the Holy Spirit's instructions to speak to a man on the road. That encounter likely led to the Good News of Jesus Christ being spread to Africa.  If the Holy Spirit nudged you to share the Gospel, would you be ready?

April 1 - Acts 7

Read: Acts chapter 7 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: In this special New Testament passage, Stephen recounts some important history of the Jewish people, reminding them of the ways in which God had walked with them, had warned them of danger in advance, and had kept them safe. He ends with an accusation that the Jewish leaders were resisting the very Spirit of God who wanted to continue to do that work in His people.  On this day, listen for the voice of the Spirit of God.  What do you sense the Holy Spirit is telling you?

March 31 - Acts 6

Read: Acts chapter 6 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Stephen was God’s man, full of wisdom and light.  Even so, there were many who wanted to silence him.  When people stand against the Gospel and the Church in your presence, what helps you to stand in the light?