01/25/2026
Below you will find the devotional for this week:
Day 1: A Church Without Borders - Acts 13:1-5
The church at Antioch painted a beautiful picture of heaven on earth. Barnabas from Cyprus, Simeon called Niger, Lucius from North Africa, Manaen from aristocracy, and Saul the former persecutor—all worshiping together. Their diversity was not a problem to overcome but a strength to celebrate. God's mission has always been bigger than our preferences, backgrounds, or comfort zones.
When we gather around Jesus, cultural barriers dissolve. The Gospel transcends every boundary we construct. Today, ask yourself: Does my vision of the church reflect God's heart for all nations? Am I willing to embrace the beautiful diversity of God's family? The mission field isn't just "out there"—it begins with how we welcome others right here.
Day 2: Sent by the Spirit - Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20
"Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." The Holy Spirit's directive was clear and unmistakable. Notice the church was already busy—ministering, worshiping, fasting—when God interrupted with a specific assignment. Mission begins in worship, not in strategy sessions.
When we draw near to God's heart, we discover His passion for the lost. The Great Commission wasn't a suggestion but a command from the One who holds all authority. Jesus promised to be with us always as we go. You may not be called to cross an ocean, but you are called to cross the street, to reach your neighbor, to share hope with a coworker. Where is the Spirit sending you today?
Day 3: Holding the Rope – Phil. 1:3-6; 1 Thess. 1:2-3
When the Antioch church laid hands on Barnabas and Saul, they were committing to go with them. "As you go, we go." William Carey understood this partnership: "I will go down into the pit, if you will hold the rope." Not everyone is called to the mission field, but everyone is called to support those who go. Prayer is not passive; it's powerful participation in God's global work. Financial giving extends your reach beyond your geography. Encouragement sustains weary missionaries in difficult places. The church advances when we work together—some going, some sending, all invested. How are you holding the rope for those on the front lines? Your prayers and support create eternal impact in places you may never physically visit.
Day 4: No Wasted Time - 2 Cor. 5:14-21; Rom. 10:13-15
"When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God." Barnabas and Saul understood urgency. People are perishing without the Gospel. Paul's missionary journeys covered thousands of miles, planted dozens of churches, and gave us much of the New Testament—all because two men responded to the Spirit's call and one church released them to go. Today, 3.5 billion people remain unreached with the Gospel. The harvest is plentiful, but laborers are few. What's your sense of urgency? Procrastination in mission means souls remain in darkness. Whether sharing with your neighbor or supporting global workers, today matters. The mission cannot wait.
Day 5: Your Chapter in Acts - Acts 28:30-31; 2 Timothy 4:1-8
The book of Acts ends abruptly. Luke knew the story wasn't finished. The same Spirit empowers you today. God invites us to write the next chapter. You don't need extraordinary credentials; the Antioch church was started by unnamed believers. You need availability, obedience, and faith. Will you pray for unreached peoples? Will you give sacrificially to advance the Gospel? Will you go when God calls? The mission of the church is to take a message to the world—a message of hope, forgiveness, and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Your life can have eternal impact. Participate in the mission. Generations yet unborn will be grateful you did. The story continues—what will your part be?
