Read: Acts 9:1-22; 16:13-15
Devotion:
Starting a new school year can feel like stepping onto a road you’ve never traveled before. New classes, new people, maybe even a new building—and each year brings new challenges. It can be exciting and fun, but also a little bit scary.
In the story of Acts, Jesus has already ascended into heaven, and Jesus’ followers were beginning a new journey of their own. They started spreading love into new places, introducing new people to the stories of Jesus. Whenever and wherever ordinary people heard about Jesus, they began doing extraordinary things in God’s name. Paul traveled the world and wrote letters. Lydia baptized her entire community. Stephen performed signs and wonders. Each story shared led to another ordinary person learning and sharing their own story.
Because these followers continued God’s story—generation after generation—we know the stories of Jesus today. The stories of Christ don’t stop with us. Our ancestors have entrusted them to us, to carry and share in all the new places we go. Together, like those ordinary friends who shared so long ago, we too can do extraordinary things.
Wonder:
What challenges are you facing this year?
Who in my life has a story of faith that encourages me to do big things?
How can you be a part of continuing God’s story?
Pray:
Dear God, thank you for walking with us into these new spaces where we are going to spend a lot of time this year. Encourage us when we get scared. Remind us of the many people who stepped into new places before us and did extraordinary things in your name. Help us to be like them. Amen
Act: Close your eyes and think back on your day. What brownies (good things) did you experience? Go on a treasure hunt this week. Anytime you notice a special moment, collect it. If there is something like a beautiful leaf, pick it up. If it is a lovely memory, draw a picture or journal about it.