Morning Devotional 081525 Joyfully Share Your Story

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

August 15, 2025

Acts of the Apostles 8:30-40

30 Running up to the carriage, Philip heard the man reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you really understand what you are reading?” 31 The man replied, “Without someone to guide me, how could I?” Then he invited Philip to climb up and sit with him. 32 This was the passage of scripture he was reading: Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent so he didn’t open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation, justice was taken away from him. Who can tell the story of his descendants because his life was taken from the earth? 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, about whom does the prophet say this? Is he talking about himself or someone else?” 35 Starting with that passage, Philip proclaimed the good news about Jesus to him. 36 As they went down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look! Water! What would keep me from being baptized?” 38 He ordered that the carriage halt. Both Philip and the eunuch went down to the water, where Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Lord’s Spirit suddenly took Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip found himself in Azotus. He traveled through that area, preaching the good news in all the cities until he reached Caesarea.

Good Morning! Share the story of Jesus with others!

Philip listened and went where God told him to go. He did not know what would come of this meeting, but he was blessed with the opportunity to share God’s Word with this stranger. From this encounter, a new believer emerged, and Philip was sent to a new place. 

We often consider that God places people along our journey to lead us when we need help, but maybe we forget that God places us along the journey of others to lead them. When we encounter others, we have the opportunity to share our story with them. It doesn’t take fancy words or even the reciting of scripture. This can be scary because we know we don’t have all the answers: no one does. It is best to share how God is working in your life. 

Start with why you follow Christ and what that means to you. We are all called to go and make disciples of the world. Sometimes we think that it is the job of the preachers and missionaries, but all are called. In our ever-growing secular world, the needs to share the Word far exceed the number of those called specifically to preach. 

Is there a stranger upon whose path you cross who is waiting to rejoice in finding Jesus?

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! We feel unprepared to share the Good News. Help us say, Jesus loves us, and let the conversation flow through us. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Our joy in God’s good news has the power to inspire others.

Joyfully share your story! Pastor Liz