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Acts Reading Plan | Week 7 | Day 2
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, remember what Jesus said In John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Take a moment to give Jesus your troubles today. Open your hands and offer them up to Him. Ask Him to put in your hands his peace and strength.
Bible Reading: Acts 8:9-13
Read these verses three times slowly.
Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
Reflection & Questions
We’re still with Philip in Samaria in today’s reading. And we’re introduced to Simon the Sorcerer. He used black magic to do amazing signs, which earned him the nickname, “The Great Power of God.” He’s got bad power, but you have to admit that’s quite the nickname.
However, this was before Philip came to town and preached the good news of Jesus and showed Jesus’ greater power. People turned their attention from Simon and gave their lives to Jesus. Even Simon was baptized, and was “astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.” He “followed Philip everywhere.” Simon might have had some power (through evil means), but he knew his power was nothing compared to Jesus. There is no one greater than Jesus!
People around us may seem powerful, whether in human or spiritual ways. We may think they would never be interested in Jesus, but like Simon, they might just realize their power is nothing compared to Jesus!
- Who is a powerful person in your circles? Do you find yourself intimidated by them? Why or why not? Pray for them if they don’t know Jesus, that they would be astonished by His power and turn their lives over to Him.
- What are some of the fruit (or characteristics) in a believer’s life when they believe in the powerful name of Jesus? Do you see these in your life?
Prayer
Pray for your ONE and for the powerful around you that they would be astonished at the power of Jesus.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
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Questions?
Ed Applegate
