Monday, August 24, 2026
Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Ecclesiastes 9-10 | 1 Corinthians 15
Acts 8:26
As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
During certain times of the year, my husband and I travel to Tennessee. The trees, the changing leaves, and the mountain views are living masterpieces gifted to us by our God and Creator. The rest stops along the way are often teeming with people mutually intrigued by God’s beautiful creation.
Just as our journeys today can take us through awe-inspiring scenery, the Bible offers us stories of travelers whose paths were shaped by God’s purpose. In Acts 8:26, Philip, the evangelist, was directed by an angel of the Lord to take a road trip.
Imagine arid conditions, intense heat by day, cool, windy conditions by night, and little to no vegetation. It stands to reason that not many travelers would choose this road. However, Philip received divine instruction to stop preaching the gospel, healing the sick, and performing miracles, and instead, take an unpleasant journey through the desert. While most travelers would’ve sought the more comfortable road to Gaza, Philip obediently proceeded through the dusty, barren desert, leaving behind an abounding ministry.
On his journey, Philip overheard an Ethiopian man reading the word of God. Despite not knowing the man, Philip approached him. During their exchange, Philip discovered that while the man had incredible material wealth, he was poor in his understanding of God’s word. The man, however, possessed an intense hunger to understand it, and Philip was qualified to help him!
Philip willingly and courageously accepted the challenge to take the road less traveled, and as he journeyed, he embraced a stranger whom he pointed to Christ. This story is a beautiful representation of the way God’s family works. God used Philip’s obedience to fulfill his purpose and plan, inviting someone new into his Kingdom.
It’s not what we do or don’t have in common, it’s who we have in common that matters most. Our obedience to God’s plan, even around strangers with different backgrounds and lifestyles, reveals opportunities for sharing the good news with the entire world.
Let us be watchful and ready for those divine opportunities to welcome one more person onto our path to expand God’s Kingdom, just as Philip did.
Questions:
What comforts are you willing to sacrifice in order to point others to Christ?
Are you willing to approach someone who looks, speaks, or lives differently than you?
Next Steps:
Read Acts 8:26-39, and ask God to provide the courage and acceptance you need in order to follow him.
Be open to challenging or unfamiliar conversations that could result in life-changing experiences. Keep your eyes open today for anyone who might need some encouragement or a listening ear.
21 Days of Prayer | Today’s Focus: To Reflect God’s Heart
Prayer:
Dear God, your heart and love for us shine through your deeds. You love us so much that you didn't abandon us when we wandered away. Instead, you chased after us. You gave your Son, Jesus, to save us. Today, we pray that you increase our love for others and ignite a passion for reaching out to those who are lost. Help us see the chances we have to share who you are with the people you have put in our lives. God, right now we specifically pray for (Insert names of people who come to mind, or your Top 5). Give us opportunities to share with them. Use us to be a part of your story, we pray. In Jesus' name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
John 13:35
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Written by Andrea Moore, a new DreamTeam member and contributor to the Daily Devotional.