Acts 1 | Renewed Calling

Monday: Read Acts 1:1-5
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It's kind of amazing how quickly Luke summarizes Jesus' whole three-and-a-half-year ministry-in just five verses at the start of Acts 1. Imagine being one of the disciples, though. They lived those years with Jesus-day in and day out. There were long days of serving, moments of fear, joy, and confusion.. especially during the days Jesus was in the tomb. From our point of view, we read through those events in seconds. But for them, it felt like a lifetime.

Here's something worth thinking about: God could have done everything instantly, but He didn't. He asked the disciples to wait. Maybe you're in a season like that-waiting for an answer, direction, or breakthrough. It's not easy. But just like the disciples, your waiting isn't wasted. God is working in the waiting. Take heart. He sees you. He's not late. And He always keeps His promises.

Spiritual Practice: Solitude and Community

Set time out today, could be one minute or longer, take that time to come to God with the idea that He cares about you and your concerns. You may be met with silence, you may not have an answer come up, the heaven's may not even open and a beam of light shine straight to the answer! Take a step and share your heart with God, knowing that He hears you and will show you the right answer in His time.

Philippians 4:6 (ESV), "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 3:5-6, James 5:7-8, Psalm 27:14, 2 Peter 3:9, Galatians 6:9

Tuesday: Read Acts 1:6-11
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Have you ever struggled with the idea that God is all-powerful and all-knowing, yet the world seems to be getting worse and worse? It’s easy to wonder—if God can fix everything, why doesn’t He? In a way, we can relate to the disciples in Acts 1, standing there, staring into the sky, thinking, “Jesus, where did You go? The world is still a mess.”

I love that in that moment, two angels show up beside the disciples—maybe even with a smirk—and ask, “Why are you looking up into the sky?” It’s almost like God is gently saying, “Stop staring into the sky. Start living out the mission.”

We often want God to fix things in big, miraculous ways, and He still does work in powerful ways. But often, He works through us, His Church. As His disciples, we’re called to share His love, walk in His power, and trust that He’ll return at just the right time. Instead of sitting on the sidelines of God’s redemptive work, watching and waiting, He invites you to join Him. By the power of the Holy Spirit, you can make a real impact—in your family, with your friends, in your school, workplace, community, and beyond—until the day He comes back.

Spiritual Practice: Listen in Solitude, Obey in Community

Solitude: (Listen) Set aside 10–15 minutes this week to go somewhere quiet—no phone, no distractions. Ask God a simple question: “God, how do You want to use me in the world right now?” Then, just sit and listen. You don’t need to force anything—just be still and open. Write down anything that comes to mind—maybe a name, a place, a next step. The goal isn’t to do something right away—it’s to hear from God.

Community: (Obey) Take what you heard in solitude and share it with a trusted friend, life group, or mentor. Ask them to pray with you and help you take action.

Maybe God puts a friend on your heart—invite them to lunch.

Maybe He’s nudging you toward serving—ask your Campus Pastor where you can jump in.

God didn’t leave us alone to do this mission. The Holy Spirit empowers us, and the Church surrounds us. Solitude helps us hear; community helps us move.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Hebrews 10:25

Wednesday: Read Acts 1:12-14
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Imagine the walk home after seeing Jesus ascend. What disbelief, what speechlessness filled their minds? Perhaps one blurted out, "You saw Jesus go into the clouds, right? I'm not crazy!"

Maybe tears flowed for their lost master, or had a feeling of being unworthy settling in. And in that moment, a comforting arm from another disciple might have offered silent support.

Luke lists those disciples, and it makes you wonder without Jesus, they'd be strangers. But witnessing that miraculous ascent birthed a deep community. They walked, processed, ate, and prayed together, united in glorifying God. Scripture reminds us faith isn't solo; we're called to community, to connect with those who might have been strangers, now bound by the same Christ who gripped their hearts.

Spiritual Practice: Embracing Connection and Reflection

Community (Our "Walking Together"):

• Reach Out: Take sometime today and think and about a person, past or present, that encouraged you in your journey of faith. Try to find time today to reach out to them to either thank them or simply connect to see how they’re doing. If they have past away, take some time thanking the Lord for their life and impact in yours.

Solitude (Our “Upper Room” Moment):

• Quiet Reflection: Set aside just 10-15 minutes for quiet reflection. Find a peaceful spot, turn off distractions, and simply sit in silence. Consider one line from the devotional – perhaps "faith isn't solo” – and allow it to resonate within you. Ask God what it means for your life today.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Psalm 133:1, Philippians 2:2, Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 1:10

Thursday: Read Acts 1:15-20
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Acts 1:17 reminds us of the tragic reality of Judas Iscariot. He walked closely with Jesus, heard His teachings directly, witnessed miracles firsthand, even had his feet washed by the Master. Yet, this same man chose betrayal. It's a sobering thought that those around us, even within our churches, may be battling hidden struggles – sin, addiction, destructive thoughts – despite outward appearances. We might wonder if the other disciples were oblivious to Judas's inner turmoil, too preoccupied, or hesitant to intervene.

This passage serves as a powerful reminder for us today. We too can be deceived by fellow believers who outwardly share our faith. We are still called to love one another deeply, to intentionally check in, and to extend grace, especially to those who openly acknowledge their struggles and wear masks.

Spiritual Practice: Practicing Awareness and Connection

Solitude for Awareness (Reflecting on Hidden Struggles):

Set aside 15-20 minutes for silent reflection. During this time, gently consider the following questions:

• Are there any "masks" I wear, presenting an outward appearance that doesn't fully reflect my inner struggles?

• Am I truly being honest with myself and with God about my weaknesses or temptations?

Community for Connection (Reaching Beyond the Mask):

• Intentional Check-In: Choose one person in your church or community this week (it could be someone you know well or someone on the periphery).

• Active Listening: When they respond, practice active listening. Put away distractions, make eye contact, and truly hear what they are saying (and what they might not be saying). Offer a space of non-judgmental presence.

• Offer a Word of Encouragement: If appropriate, share a brief word of encouragement or a simple affirmation of their worth and value in Christ.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Psalm 51:6, Psalm 139:23-24, Matthew 6:5-6, Ephesians 4:25

Friday: Read Acts 1:21-26
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Imagine the disciples' electric anticipation of the promised Holy Spirit, a wonder mixed with the daunting question of how the entire world would ever hear their message about Jesus. Then came the pivotal moment of choosing Judas's successor. Surprisingly, the decision wasn't based on intellect, political leanings, or personal charm. Instead, it rested solely on the Lord's choice, and one highly qualified candidate, Justus, was not selected by Jesus himself.

We can only speculate on Justus's reaction to not being chosen. Picture his face as his name wasn't called. While Scripture doesn't reveal God's specific reason, we can trust in His sovereign wisdom. Interestingly, tradition outside the Bible suggests Justus went on to live and die faithfully for Jesus, regardless of holding the title of Apostle. This reminds us that God's plans often unfold in ways we don't understand.

This account offers a powerful lesson: Jesus may answer our prayers with a "no," yet we can have hope that God withholds no good thing (Psalm 84:11). Like Justus, we may not understand why certain doors close, or opportunities pass us by until we enter eternity. However, we can choose to trust God's "no," continue living wholeheartedly for Him, and make a significant impact in ways we never initially envisioned.

Spiritual Practice: Practicing Trust and Value

Solitude: Reflecting on God's "No"

1. Identify a "No": Choose a specific time in your recent past (the past few months or year) when you felt God said "no" to a prayer, desire, or opportunity. This could be a job you didn't get, a relationship that didn't work out, or a disappointment in ministry.

2. Schedule Quiet Time: Set aside 20-30 minutes for focused reflection

Community: Valuing the "Unseen"

1. Identify Someone "Unseen": Think of someone in your church, life group, workplace, or community whose contributions are essential but often go unnoticed or unacknowledged. This could be a volunteer, a behind-the-scenes worker, someone who consistently serves in a quiet way, or someone who is new or less involved.

2. Intentional Connection: Reach out to this person in a meaningful way this week.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 37:4-6, Romans 8:28, John 14:1