Friday Devotional:

Acts 8:26-40

I received Christian baptism in my late thirties after growing up in the Mormon tradition. I had read the scriptures and heard of Jesus but didn't understand. Yet, many "Philips" came alongside me, proclaiming the good news. My friend Bridget talked with me about what Jesus meant to her. Tim, from California, created a conversation blog between evangelicals and Mormons; I stumbled upon it and found community. And Kathryn, an Old Testament professor at Luther Seminary, listened to the Mormon in her classes wrestle through difficult passages and questions; it was she who baptized me.

Each one heeded the Holy Spirit's whisper, "Go over to this person and join her." Ultimately, my joy at knowing Jesus was so full that I could only declare, "What is to prevent me from being baptized?"

Who in your life needs the same loving friendship, patient listening, and wise proclamation of the gospel? Where is the Spirit nudging you to go?

Holy Spirit, direct us to the people you are preparing us to reach with the good news of Jesus. Amen.

An excerpt from Christ in Our Home

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