Hillside O'Malley Seventh-day Adventist Church

10/03/2026

Pastor Matthew Sandvik "Loving Much"

09/26/2026

Pastor Matthew Sandvik "A Call to Mission"

09/19/2026

Elder Jessie Ford-Roberts "Unto Salvation"

10/16/2025

DAY 40!!!

Daily Prayer Sessions
6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Alaska Time

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82120775132?pwd=m1StEokXrEMxyKLljtQm1OaV03Vbgj.1

A Summary of Acts of the Apostles

Upward: 40 Days of Prayer may be ending today, but your journey with Jesus is only going to get better as you keep seeking Him. My prayer is that you have truly experienced the power of God in your life each day and that you’ve sensed the Holy Spirit bringing a little bit more of revival and ongoing reformation into your heart and life.

I also hope that as you paged through the book of Acts, you were thrilled to see the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through the disciples, empowering them to spread the good news of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the entire world.

Truth be told, the book of Acts—often referred to as the Acts of the Apostles—is better titled the Acts of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because it sheds light on how, in only three decades, a small group of frightened, ragtag believers in Jerusalem were transformed into an empire-wide movement. Through the outpouring and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, they became Christ’s witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Do you remember these powerful passages from Acts?

Acts 1:8 (ESV): “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 2:4 (NIV): “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 4:12 (NIV): “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:19-20 (NLT): “But Peter and John replied, ‘Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than Him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.’”
Acts 9:3-6 (NIV): “As he (Saul) neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’”
Acts 16:31 (ESV): “And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’”
In virtually every chapter, apostles such as Peter, Paul, and others prayerfully and tearfully testified to the power of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to individuals and large crowds of people throughout many of the major cities of the then-known world. In fact, the apostles, shining with evangelistic zeal and preaching with power, were in striking contrast to the often-misguided disciples before they received the promised power of the Holy Spirit in answer to their persistent prayers in the upper room. Clearly the power of the Holy Spirit had produced a noticeable change in the apostles’ faith in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

But, my friend, where the book of Acts ends, we must begin. The mission of Jesus continues with us. Through the same power of the Holy Spirit, we too are called to fulfill the Great Commission in our day.

That is why I believe that the precious experience we’ve had in Upward: 40 Days of Prayer need not stop here. It should continue until Jesus comes. I encourage you to continue journeying with God each day and to join with others across the Alaska Conference who sincerely desire to keep praying together, asking God to show us His vision for how to reach Alaska for His kingdom.

Continue the journey of reading a daily devotional, letting it lead you into the presence of Jesus.

Let’s continue the journey! Let’s praise God for what He has done in your life over these 40 days. Let’s praise Him for what He is going to do in and through you in the future. Let’s praise Him for how He’s working—and how He will continue to work—in the lives of those you’ve been praying for during this season of prayer.

Let’s remain persistent in prayer until He answers by the power of His Spirit, or until Jesus comes in the clouds of glory to take us home.

Together In Prayer,
Rodney Mills

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

10/16/2025

Day 39

Daily Prayer Sessions
6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Alaska Time

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82120775132?pwd=m1StEokXrEMxyKLljtQm1OaV03Vbgj.1

The Battle for the Soul
(Acts 28:17-31)

“…he (Paul) explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.” (Acts 28:23–24, NKJV)

Since Paul’s conversion was built on a foundation of prophecy revealed to him by Christ, he endeavored to follow Christ’s example when “beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” (Luke 24:27, NKJV)

In his ministry, Paul appealed to the Scriptures foretelling the birth, sufferings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. By the inspired testimony of Moses and the prophets, he clearly proved the identity of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah (cf. Acts of the Apostles, p. 222).

When speaking to someone unacquainted with God, Paul first directed their minds to contemplate the various wonders of nature to introduce them to the Ruler of the universe: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20, NKJV)

But Paul found it less effective to meet logic with logic, science with science, and philosophy with philosophy. That was his method while in Athens, and there was little to show for his time there. When laboring in Corinth, he decided to avoid elaborate arguments and instead preach only a crucified and risen Savior. He stated, “And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking…For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:1–2, NASB)

It was an unpopular message to both Jews and Gentiles for different reasons, but Paul had learned from experience that when someone begins to glimpse the immensity of the love of God exhibited in the sacrifice of His Son, hearts can melt under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Paul was anxious for his friends in the church to hear and accept the message that Jesus was the Messiah. He was sure that analyzing the facts and comparing them with prophecy would make all the difference, but many simply refused to submit to the weight of evidence. Painfully, Paul saw that: “No eloquence of words, no force of argument, can convert the sinner. The power of God alone can apply the truth to the heart. He who persistently turns from this power cannot be reached.” (AA, p. 240)

Preparing an outline of verses and practicing your presentation to friends or family is a wise endeavor, but do not fail to wage war on your knees for weak and doubting souls. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill their hearts with hatred for sin and ask for angels to open their minds to understand the Bible: “It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God’s word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises… Angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things…” (The Great Controversy, p. 600)

Together In Prayer,
Rodney Mills

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

10/16/2025

Day 38

Daily Prayer Sessions
6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Alaska Time

Snakes to Salvation
(Acts 28:1-16)

By Rhondeen Smith

How good were the people of Melita
To show such great kindness
To receive and give hospitality
To strangers and prisoners, no less.

Yet, so easy was it to assume
The worst of a servant of God
Because of the trials imbued
Notably the snakebite, no facade.

Alas, how great the change of heart
When no harm came to him
Awakened to the Gospel
No longer were their eyes dim.

In the name of Jesus he prayed
On Melita that short while
Oh, the great miracles performed
On that precious isle.

The word of God has power to save
To seek and save the lost
The Father desires all to come
For whom heaven paid a great Cost.

As trials come your way
Know there is a greater plan
They allow you to encounter and know
Our Savior, the Son of Man.

Great works will come from those who learn
To fully rely on Him
For the Spirit of God will be poured out
Miracle marvelous, not on a whim.

Therefore, thank God and take great courage
Know He will see you through
Hold fast to Him, follow His will
And with might His Spirit He will imbue.

Lives will be saved when we pray. Let us also come boldly to God and pray every day for our families, our church, and our conference, for one specific thing—that God will pour out His Holy Spirit among us and give us a vision for how we can reach lost men and women, boys and girls, for His kingdom.

Together In Prayer,
Rodney Mills

10/14/2025

Day 37

Daily Prayer Sessions
6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Alaska Time

Shipwrecked but not Forsaken
(Acts 27:13-44)

If you were around Paul and knew who he was and what he had gone through, you might very well have advised anyone at the time, “Whatever you do, don’t get on a boat with Paul!” He was shipwrecked at least four times, according to Scripture (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:25). Yet his faith remained strong—perhaps even stronger—because of these opportunities for God to provide for him.

Acts 27:14–44 recounts one of those shipwrecks. Some thoughts come to mind as we read through these verses.

First, God gave Paul the forewarning to tell them not to embark on the journey but they did not listen. The Roman centurion, ship captain, and pilot had no clue about the trustworthiness of Paul’s message. However, we do. Yet how often have we failed to heed God’s voice in our own lives? When was the last time you knew you ignored the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and it ended in disaster? We must continue to pray that we will not only hear but also heed God’s voice.

Next, even though they did not listen to Paul, God still protected them in the end. Isn’t that the same with us today? God does not leave or forsake us, even when we disregard His promptings. We may have to suffer a “shipwreck” or two, but He is still there, and we will never be forsaken or forgotten: “…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5, NKJV) What a gracious and forgiving God we serve! We need to pray prayers of thanksgiving for His goodness.

Finally, Paul resisted the urge to rub their noses in the fact that he had warned them. Instead, he ministered to them. He looked after their needs and brought them a message of hope.There are many things we can learn from Paul. We need to pray for God to give us His heart for His people!

Let us also come boldly to God and pray every day for our families, our church, and our conference, for one specific thing—that God will pour out His Holy Spirit among us and give us a vision for how we can reach lost men and women, boys and girls, for His kingdom.

Together In Prayer,
Rodney Mills

10/12/2025

Day 36

Daily Prayer Sessions
6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Alaska Time

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82120775132?pwd=m1StEokXrEMxyKLljtQm1OaV03Vbgj.1

So Close, Yet So Far
(Acts 26:24-27:12)

Paul’s assertion in Acts 26:25 (NKJV), that he spoke “words of truth and reason”, is intriguing. Could it be that this respectful response to Festus illustrates how Paul related with everyone—even God? Without question, Scripture shows that Paul’s heart-purpose and practice was to always speak words of truth and reason. And what was this reasonable truth that Paul declared, which led Festus to accuse him of madness (v. 24)?

Could it be that the rational reality Paul shared was that the Creator is not like the gods of the surrounding culture—arbitrary, unforgiving, and severe? Could it be that Paul proclaimed the reasonable truth that God is exactly as Jesus revealed Him to be—forgiving, generous, and gracious (v. 18)? Helpful, not harmful? Willing and able to save, heal, and transform all who simply love and trust Him (v. 20)?

King Agrippa was touched by the words of Paul and by the impression of the Holy Spirit. He knew the truths Paul proclaimed. He came close to commitment, but not all the way.

Is there something in your life that you need to fully surrender to God? Are you holding back—because of power, position, pride, or perception—from fully surrendering to His will in your life? It was a sad case for Agrippa to be so close, and yet so far. Let us not let the same thing be said of us today.

Whatever we face in life, whatever journey the Savior takes us on, the most important question is whether we will be fully surrendered in following Him. Today, as we continue to pray for God’s leading and direction, let us each one come into full and complete surrender to our Maker and our King.

Let us come boldly to God and pray every day for our families, our church, and our conference, for one specific thing—that God will pour out His Holy Spirit among us and give us a vision for how we can reach lost men and women, boys and girls, for His kingdom.

Together In Prayer,
Rodney Mills

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.