Unstoppable! 'The Unstoppable Spirit' — Acts 8:39-40

Saturday, May 7, 2022

When [Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch] came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea.

— Acts 8:39-40 NLT

Key Thought

When we read the story of the early believers in the book of Acts, we see that the message of Jesus was unstoppable. The men and women who believed in Jesus were unstoppable, as well. The joy of salvation filled the new believers, just like this Ethiopian experienced. And, all were propelled, inspired, empowered, and led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised the Spirit would help them change the world with the Good News (Acts 1:8), and they did (Acts 17:2-6 ESV). The Spirit of God is unstoppable! The question we must ask is this: Am I open to being led by the Spirit to do the work of Jesus in my world today?

Today's Prayer

O Father, pour out your Spirit in power on us. I commit to do what the Spirit leads me to do to honor Jesus and to go where the Spirit calls me to share Jesus' grace. Because of the Spirit at work within me, I know that you can do more though me than I can ask or even think.* So, dear Father, open my eyes to what you long for the Spirit to do through me to honor you and to share Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.

* See Ephesians 3:14-21 and Paul's prayer for these vital concepts about the Spirit's work through each of us.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 3:14-21
  • Acts 1:1-11, Acts 6:8-10; 1 Corinthians 4:20

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, May 7, 2022

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Core Gospel'
"Dear Beloved, Yesterday, I used parts of one of Paul's letters to the Corinthian Christians to emphasize the authenticity of the gospel message...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Who Can Compare?' (Ps. 71:19)
"Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God?"
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Look to the End' (1 Co. 15:26)
"Dear Father, destroyer of every enemy, Help me to look to the outcome, to the end of things, when Christ will deliver the kingdom to you after..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 8:39-40 NLT — When [Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch] came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!