Good morning! In prior devotions we read on the persecution of Christians that caused scattering of belivers. We also read that even though one believer (Philip) scattered, he had an obedient heart, and he spread the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the region. Join me as we continue our reading on Philip’s journey.

Bible verse:

“²⁶ As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south^[b] down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” ²⁷ So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, ²⁸ and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

²⁹ The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”” – Acts 8:26-29 NLT

Key points:

• Philip heard the Angel of the Lord.
• The Angel of the Lord directed Philip on where to go.
• Philip left Samaria and headed South.
• Philip encountered a Eunuch.

Reflection:

Philip had just experienced an amazing time with new believers in Samaria. Then he heard a call from the Angel of the Lord to move south down a desert road.

In Philip’s obedience, he encountered a Eunuch who worshipped. The uniqueness of this encounter is that in Deuteronomy 23:1 eunuchs were not allowed to enter the assembly of the Lord, but this particular Eunuch was returning from worship. Not only did the Eunuch worship but he was reading a book in the Bible – the book of Isaiah.

Sisters and brothers, if you haven’t noticed already, you can see God was doing a new thing. The non-Jews in Samaria were hearing and believing the word of God. The Eunuch who was previously excluded was about to learn, understand and believe.

We may never fully know or understand why, when, or how God will use us on our journey with Him, but let us be ready to listen, be willing to go, and allow God to use us for His greater plan. Will you allow God to use you? _________

The Good News of Jesus Christ is good news for us all. In Romans 10:9-13, it reads:

⁹ If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. ¹¹ As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”^[e]12 Jew and Gentile (non-Jews) are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. ¹³ For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Do you declare and believe? ____________

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for your word. Thank you for opening our eyes to see you at work in the scriptures. Thank you for showing us the example of Philip in the verses and for helping us to understand that when you call, you equip and lead. Lord, give us ears to hear when you call us, an obedient heart to do what you have called us to do, and keep us humbly submitted to your authority and guidance. Lord, forgive us for the times when we did not follow the leading of your Holy Spirit. Lord, take the lead in our lives today. Direct our time, our resources and thoughts toward the things that concern you. Lord, work mightily in and through us. Give us favor today. Keep us focused on You. Remove the distractions that keep us in bondage or held captive from pursuing you and those you love. Soften our hearts to love one another, and give us discernment to walk away from things that do not bring you glory. In Jesus name, amen!

Event: Registration for our next women’s retreat is open.

Theme: Hope Anchored by Faith – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19

When: Saturday, July 25, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 the retreat will be held online as a virtual retreat. Register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h8mL9soyReqwrVZGjMx1gg

Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

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