Hitting puberty in the middle of chorus class is not ideal. I sounded like a wounded duck when we belted out Wind Beneath My Wings (ironic...I know). I tried to clear my throat, but it continued to crackle and break…

Family unites people like no other organization, association, or relationship. There is something so special, unique, and connecting about family. It is no wonder that when we read the Bible, we encounter countless stories and images of family. We see over and over in Scripture the idea of God being our father. In his letter to the churches in Ephesus, the apostle Paul uses the picture of a family to help us understand one of the most profound and powerful truths: God adopted us into His own family.

Isolation has a way of creeping into our lives, slowly but surely eroding our sense of self and purpose. It's a silent adversary that can undermine our well-being and happiness if left unchecked. In this devotional, we'll explore the danger of isolation and how we can find our sense of self and purpose through community.

I want to talk to you today about something delicate yet incredibly powerful: trust. Trust is like that fragile thread woven into the fabric of human connections. It's the bond that unites us, and it's something we should not take lightly. You see, trust isn't just about depending on others; it's also about reciprocating their trust.

In the closing verses of the book of Acts, we encounter a profound summary of the life and ministry of the apostle Paul - a fitting epitaph to a life surrendered to the purposes of God. Paul’s journey was marked by unwavering commitment and unyielding boldness. He faced trials, tribulations, and hardships, yet he remained steadfast in his devotion to Christ. Despite opposition and adversity, Paul pressed on, driven by a singular passion: to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom.

As Paul traveled throughout the Roman Empire (Acts 21-25), he faced opposition and hostility from various groups, including religious leaders and political authorities. Eventually, he was arrested and brought before Roman officials on charges related to his teachings and activities. In Acts 26, we find Paul in front of King Agrippa, sharing his story. He's not giving a polished speech or trying to win an argument. He's just telling his truth, the story of how his life was utterly transformed by encountering Jesus.

In Acts 20, we catch a glimpse of the incredible journey and unyielding determination of the Apostle Paul. Over the past few chapters of Acts, Paul has faced trials and adversity as well as persecution and pushback. Imagine walking in Paul's sandals, feeling the gentle tug of the Spirit urging you toward a path shrouded in mystery. You're headed to Jerusalem, not with a map neatly drawn out before you, but with a heart surrendered to the leading of something far greater than yourself.

As he strolled through the crowded streets of Athens, Paul was a man with a mission, but also a heart heavy with what he saw. It was a city thriving with activity, yet drowning in a sea of idols. Everywhere he turned, there were altars and shrines, each one a testament to the human search for meaning and hope. But as he delved deeper into the city's fabric, he discovered something profound – the quest for hope was leading people down three distinct paths.

In Acts 16, we find Paul and Silas embroiled in a situation that many of us would consider a nightmare. Here they are, doing what they believe is right, only to end up in prison. But what sets them apart is not their predicament; it's their response.

Acts 15 captures the church grappling with the weighty question: How do we navigate differences in belief and practice while remaining united in our faith? A storm of disagreement began to brew, with passionate voices, spirited debates, and hearts burdened with the responsibility of preserving the integrity of their newfound faith. It was a moment when unity hung in the balance, and the tension between tradition and innovation threatened to tear apart the fabric of their community.

When we journey into the unknown, facing adversity at every turn, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, lost in the chaos of uncertainty. But in Acts 14, we witness a remarkable tale of resilience and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.

In the years between his transformation and his ministry's launch, Paul wrestled with the profound meaning of the cross and his own need for forgiveness, finding liberation in a single word: justified. It meant being declared innocent, pardoned, and set free—a stark contrast to his past as Saul, the relentless Pharisee. Paul's encounter with Christ shattered his self-condemnation, replacing it with freedom and forgiveness.

Amidst the fervor of newfound faith, a group of believers gathered, bound not just by shared belief but by a bond forged in the face of persecution, adversity, and hardship. These pioneers of a movement that would shake the foundations of the world encountered great difficulties and resistance. 

It can be tough living in a world full of barriers and boundaries, where divisions run deep and societal norms dictate how we interact with one another. But the story of Peter's revelation shows us the profound impact of God's love. Acts 11 reveals a pivotal moment in the early church, where Peter, once bound by cultural constraints, encounters the radical truth that God's salvation transcends the confines of tradition.

As Acts 10 opens up, we find Peter, a devout Jew, wrestling with his preconceived notions and prejudices as he encounters Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Their meeting unfolds a narrative of profound significance, revealing God's inclusive love and the transformative power of embracing divine surprises.

In the crowded streets of Damascus, a tale of transformation began to spread. Acts 9 paints a vivid picture of Saul, once a persecutor of the Way, now blinded by a heavenly light, and led by trembling hands into the city. But amidst the unfolding drama, one figure emerges, a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of the distrust and doubt growing amongst the disciple – a man named Barnabas.

Yesterday, we delved into the remarkable conversion of Saul, witnessing how God's intervention turned a persecutor into a passionate follower of Christ. Today, we shift our focus to a lesser-known figure whose courageous obedience played a critical role in this extraordinary event.

Ever wondered if there's someone too far from God's reach? Acts 9 tells the remarkable tale of Saul's transformation—a story that underscores the truth that God's grace knows no bounds, and His power to transform lives is beyond our comprehension.o

In today’s passage, we encounter a story about Philip and an Ethiopian man that shows how God can surprise us with meaningful encounters. Philip, a follower of Jesus, was led by God to meet this man, who was confused about a passage in the Bible. God sets up these special meetings for us. He arranges times when we can connect with others in a way that feels like it was meant to happen. But are we paying attention? Are we ready to join in when God opens these doors?

Our world constantly clamors for more—more success, more possessions, more recognition—so much so, that finding true fullness can seem like chasing after the wind. Yet, Jesus offers a radically different perspective. He declares, "I have come that you might have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10). But how do we measure this fullness? How do we know if we're truly experiencing the abundant life Jesus promises?