December 1 - Do You Understand?

Today's Reading:
Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30
Acts 8:14-40
Psalm 55:1-11
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses:
Acts 8:30-32
30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31 "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

Insight:
Philip was able to meet and help the Ethiopian because:
1. He received direction from the Holy Spirit (vv. 26, 20).
2. The Ethiopian was already seeking God through worship (v. 27) and the scriptures (v. 28).
3. He knew the scriptures so well that he could recognize what the man was reading and could explain how that scripture pointed to Jesus.

Response and Action:I need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. I need to open my eyes to see others who are seeking. I need to be willing to approach and connect with people who are different from me. I need to be grounded and growing in my own faith in order to help those who are seeking truth. I need to be very familiar with the Scriptures if want to be able to help those who have questions. I want to be ready and able to explain how the message of the Bible points to Jesus.

O God, thank you for reaching out to humanity. Thank you for revealing yourself through your son, Jesus, through the Scriptures, and through your people. Please lead me into paths where there are opportunities to help others find you. Help me to recognize those who are seeking for the truth that is found in Jesus alone. Help me to know, understand, and remember the Scriptures. Give me the words and ability to explain the good news of Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Romans 10:14-15
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Resources: 
Growing Your Faith By Giving It Away: Telling the Gospel Story With Grace and Passion
by R. York Moore