A Daily Devotion for Monday, June 1
- ontrakk
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Acts 13:44-52
On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
It is indeed a blessing to have Christian friends. When in the fellowship of other believers, we feel free to speak our mind and talk about the things which are the most important to us. I have had friends over the years who have not been believers, and they have been good friends. I wouldn’t ever diminish their friendship by comparison. But friendship with a fellow Christian has a dimension which deepens our own relationship with God. It invites God into the relationship. I met my best friend on the sidewalk between the church and the church office- and this was 29 years ago! She has been through everything with me. 🙏🏻 And as for the passage itself, I love that God lays out in scripture just how explicitly Gentiles have been called to the family of God. This for many years was a question in the back of my mind, and I wish I had been pointed to these verses back then.
Holy Lord, there is so much for me to be thankful for- I am not deserving of all of your blessings. Today I ask that your Holy Spirit be with my friend, guiding her and supporting her. Amen
Becky, transforming
Acts 13:44-52
As I read Becky’s post, it had me thinking of the friends I have and how very different the relationships are. Becky is right about the difference in the depth of the relationship when someone believes. There is something very special. I cherish all my friendships and and blessed by them, but being able to share my love of God and openly discuss feelings and perspectives with a fellow Christian is a very special thing. I often pray that all of my friends will open their hearts to Jesus and that they will come to know how much they are loved and I also pray that I will always have a friend who I can shake off the…
Monday, June 1st, 2026
Traveling companions
((Focus my friends
Today’s reading. Acts 13-44-52 encouraging words to others
Acts 13:47
For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
The Apostle Paul explains that the message of salvation is meant for all humanity—both Jews and Gentiles. I could totally understand the author of the upper room this morning. Hoping I would have the encouraging words for others. I am grateful for the friends I have now and had in the past. Each one taught me something I didn’t know before and probably wouldn’t have learned elsewhere. I am thankful for my friends…
Acts 13:44-52
I still have 3 friends that I grew up with throughout elementary and high school. We are still in touch and visit occasionally. What a blessing it is to have such a deep, long friendships. When I retired and moved away from friends and family, I really didnt think about what it ould be like. We were so excited to start this new adventure. But I found it was lonely. Thank goodness for church. To this day, some 20 years later, almost all my friends are church friends. We share so much, our faith, our love of children and teaching, and our love of music. We encourage and love each other.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you. How bless…
Acts 13:44-52
I find the theme of this morning’s reading and reflection one that rings true and is of great encouragement. Having believing brothers and sisters with whom to share burdens, joys, hardships and celebrations is a feature of the Christian life that brings balance and peace. Like Becky, I have found a very different quality in the relationships I have with non-believing and Christian friends. The former are not lesser, but different. My hope is that despite not believing, these friends will sense the Holy Spirit in our interactions and follow that sense to eternal life.
Prayer - Holy Spirit, please be with me in easily discernible ways as I share myself with others. May Your presence be a…