Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 26 2025 | Acts 11:22-24  KEY VERSE : “²³When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. ²⁴He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." Acts 11:23-24 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   A fresh move of God had begun in Antioch. When the church in Jerusalem heard about it, they responded with wisdom. They sent Barnabas, a trusted leader known for building others up in the faith (Acts 4:36). His name means “son of encouragement,” and he had a reputation for helping believers grow stronger in their walk with Christ. Barnabas arrived with a heart to support the work of God. His presence brought strength to what was already happening and helped it grow even further. Revival grows best when mature, Spirit-filled leaders show up with discernment and humility. Barnabas recognised the evidence of God’s grace among the Gentile believers. He didn’t measure them by performance or perfection; he saw grace and responded with joy.   His message to them was simple and powerful: Remain true to the Lord with all your heart. He reminded them of what mattered most: faithfulness to Jesus. The Bible says Barnabas was “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith”  (Acts 11:24). Encouragers like him make a lasting impact because they combine spiritual integrity with genuine care for people. And what was the outcome? A great number of people were brought to the Lord. Encouragement multiplies what God is doing. When it flows from a Spirit-filled life, it strengthens believers and draws many more into faith. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Who in your church or community is leading something new for God? Instead of watching or doubting, could you be the Barnabas who cheers them on? Your voice might be the very spark that fuels a greater work. PRAYER: Father, thank You for Barnabas - a man who saw grace and stirred faith. Make me like him. Teach me to encourage, support, and uplift the work You are doing in others. Let my words be life-giving, my presence Spirit-filled, and my heart joyful in every evidence of Your grace. Use me to strengthen the fire, not stifle it. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 177:   2 Samuel 11 — David and Bathsheba DAILY word study: ENCOURAGED The Greek word for "encouraged" is parakaleó (παρακαλέω). It means to call near, to comfort, to urge, or to strengthen. The word parakaleó is often used in the New Testament to describe urging someone toward what is right or strengthening them in their walk with God. Barnabas wasn’t just giving a pep talk—he was actively helping the believers stay anchored in Christ. True encouragement draws others closer to the Lord. Reflection: Your words can lift, comfort, or realign someone’s heart. Choose them well. Let them reflect God's heart.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 25 2025 | Acts 11:19-21  KEY VERSE: “Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord." Acts 11:20-21 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   God had always intended the gospel to reach all nations. While some early believers limited their witness to Jews only (v.19), others dared to cross the cultural line. These unnamed believers from Cyprus and Cyrene extended their outreach activities to Gentiles, and the fire of the gospel spread powerfully. We can learn from this devotion that bold witness leads to breakthroughs; true evangelism is presenting Jesus Christ to others, and, whenever we take bold steps, the hand of the Lord will be with us.   These were simple believers, not titled leaders, and they intentionally broke down the barrier by preaching the gospel to Gentiles.   God often uses unnamed, everyday believers to make history when they walk by faith, not fear. They preached the right message, “the Lord Jesus”, not Judaism or cultural tradition.   The power is in the person of Jesus Christ, not in culture, church custom, or personality. Their courage was matched by divine endorsement. God’s hand was with them and brought results: “A great number believed and turned to the Lord” (v. 21). When we step out in obedience, God steps in with us with power. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are you waiting for a perfect title or position to share Jesus Christ? Let the fire of the gospel burn   freely through your words and witness. Be like those believers from Cyprus and Cyrene. Cross the lines. Speak up. Trust the Lord’s hand to work through your obedience.   PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for the courage of those early believers who crossed lines to share Your gospel. Please fill me with the same boldness and freedom. Let the fire of Your Word spread through me - past boundaries, past fears, and past expectations. Use me to ignite faith wherever I go, because Your hand is with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 176 :  2 Samuel 10 — War with the Ammonites DAILY word study: HAND The Greek word for "hand" in Acts 11:21 is χείρ (cheir), which means the physical hand, but also symbolises power, authority, and divine action. When Scripture says "the Lord’s hand was with them," it points to God’s active involvement and favour. It wasn’t just approval—it was empowerment. God's hand signifies both presence and power backing their bold actions. Reflection: When you obey, you don’t go alone. His hand is with you, strengthening your step and touching hearts through your faithfulness.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 24 2025 | Acts 11:19  KEY VERSE: “Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews." Acts 11:19 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   Persecution scattered the early believers, but it didn’t silence them. Instead of retreating in fear, they carried the gospel wherever they went. Acts 11:19 reveals how God used a painful moment (Stephen’s martyrdom and the resulting persecution) as a launching pad for gospel expansion. Even in hardship, the mission continued. Some lessons from this devotion are: God uses scattering to spread the gospel; every believer is a witness, and the gospel advances but not fully outward.   What seemed like a tragedy (persecution) became a strategy in God's hands. The gospel spread beyond Jerusalem - into Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch - because ordinary believers were on the move. Sometimes God allows discomfort to move us into our calling. These were not apostles or church leaders - they were unnamed believers, yet they shared the message of salvation wherever they went. Evangelism is not reserved for the pulpit; it’s lived in everyday conversations and all places. You don’t need a title to share the truth - just a testimony of knowing Jesus Christ and obedience to His command. They preached “only among Jews.” The full inclusion of Gentiles was still unfolding. Even faithful believers can have blind spots in mission. We don’t have to limit the reach of the gospel based on comfort or familiarity. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Has God placed you in a “scattered” season for a greater purpose? Are you willing to share Jesus Christ wherever He sends you - even if it’s uncomfortable? Your place of disruption may be God’s plan for gospel distribution. When your plans are broken, His mission still advances. Like the early believers, let’s choose faithful presence over fearful silence.   PRAYER: Lord, help me to be faithful wherever You send me. Whether by choice or by circumstance, let my life always carry Your gospel. Break every limitation in my mind that keeps me from reaching others. Use every scattering for the spreading of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 175:   2 Samuel 9 - David and Mephibosheth DAILY word study: SCATTERED The word scattered comes from the Greek diaspeirō, meaning “to sow throughout” or “to disperse abroad.” In God’s hands, scattering is not wasteful. It becomes a divine sowing. The early believers didn’t plan their movement—persecution pushed them out. But that displacement turned into expansion. They didn’t scatter in silence; they scattered with seed. Every step became a planting ground for the gospel. Reflection: When life feels disrupted, ask: “Where is God sending me with this?” Scattering may feel like loss, but in God’s plan, it can produce fruit.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 23 2025 | Acts 11:15-18 KEY VERSE: “When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.’" Acts 11:18 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   After Peter recounted the undeniable work of the Holy Spirit among the Gentiles, the Jewish believers who initially criticised him were stunned into silence. But this was not a silence of resistance - it was the silence of surrender to God's grace. What followed was an outburst of praise as they acknowledged God's mercy reaching beyond their boundaries. In this devotion, we can learn that grace stops every objection, praise is the proper response to what God is doing, and repentance leads to life for all. Their reaction, captured in the key verse, highlights three distinct lessons that show how God's grace reshaped their thinking.   “They had no further objections…”  Peter didn’t win a debate; instead, it was God’s Spirit that settled the matter. The Church acknowledged the truth and relinquished its resistance. When grace speaks, arguments are silenced. We need to let the evidence of changed lives speak louder than our biases.   “...and praised God...”. The Church didn’t just accept the Gentiles intellectually - they rejoiced in what God was doing.   When God expands His reach, His people must expand their praise.   “Even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”  Salvation is not earned; it is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ, and repentance is the door through which all - Jew or Gentile - enter new life in Jesus Christ. The inclusion of the Gentiles teaches us that evangelism is not about who we approve, but about who God is calling.   As the gospel spread, the Spirit affirmed the inclusion of new groups—first the Samaritans (Acts 8), and then the Gentiles through Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10–11). Each time, the Holy Spirit’s presence validated that these diverse people were fully accepted into God’s family. Even sceptical Jewish believers came to rejoice at this divine inclusion. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit unites people from every background into one body in Jesus Christ. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Do You Celebrate Others’ Salvation? Do you praise God when people unlike you come to faith? The early Church models what every local church must practice: when we witness genuine repentance and transformation, our role is to celebrate, not criticise.     PRAYER: Father, thank You for granting repentance that leads to life. Help me to silence my objections and lift my praise when I see You at work. Teach me to celebrate the salvation of all people and embrace the full reach of Your gospel. May Your Church reflect Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 174: 2 Samuel 8 - David’s Victories DAILY word study: GRANTED REPENTANCE The Greek word translated “granted” is ἔδωκεν (edōken), from didōmi, meaning “to give” or “to bestow.” The word “repentance” is μετάνοιαν (metanoian), which means “a change of mind” or “turning around.” In Acts 11:18, the believers acknowledge that God has given the Gentiles the opportunity to repent graciously and intentionally. This wasn’t earned, demanded, or forced. It was a gift. Repentance is not just about regret; it's a divine invitation to turn from sin and receive life. Reflection: God doesn’t withhold grace. He gives repentance as a gift. Are you responding to that gift? Are you also celebrating when others receive it?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 22 2025 | Acts 11:15-18  KEY VERSE: “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning." Acts 11:15 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   Sometimes God moves in a way that breaks our categories and confronts our assumptions. In Acts 11:15-17, Peter describes the shocking moment when the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles, just as He had on the Jews. This moment confirmed that God was not making distinctions; salvation, fellowship, and power were for all who believe. “The Holy Spirit came on them as He had come on us at the beginning.” Peter didn’t finish his sermon before the Spirit fell. God acted without waiting for human approval—a sign of full divine acceptance. The same power that birthed the Church at Pentecost was now at work in Gentile hearts.   Jesus promised His disciples that the power of the Holy Spirit would help them become witnesses to people all over the world (Acts 1:8). Luke emphasised that Jesus kept this promise and made clear His acceptance of new groups of people through the coming of the Holy Spirit. At this God-designed intersection of grace and God-seeking Gentiles, once again Jesus Christ poured out the Holy Spirit, this time on Cornelius, his relatives, and friends - all of whom were Gentiles. The Good News message included Jewish people from all over the world on Pentecost (Acts 2:5-12). Now, by showing His favour through the sending of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was leading His disciples to include non-Jews. One of the great functions of the Holy Spirit is to open new pathways for Jesus' disciples to reach people who had never been reached.    Peter interpreted what happened not by tradition, but by the words of Jesus Himself. “Then I remembered what the Lord had said…”   (v.16).   The baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s seal of belonging - no need for cultural or legal additions. When God moves, Scripture brings clarity and confirms His will. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Do not stand in God’s way by being hesitant to accept whom God is accepting. Peter’s humility - “Who was I to stand in God’s way? – This should be the posture we need in gospel ministry today.   PRAYER: Lord, help me not to stand in the way of what You are doing.  Let me not hold on to prejudice, tradition, or fear when You are pouring out Your Spirit. May I be led by Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your love. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 173:   2 Samuel 7 — God’s Covenant with David DAILY word study : CAME ON The Greek word ἐπέπεσεν (epépesen) comes from the verb epipiptō, meaning to fall upon, to come upon suddenly, or to embrace with force or intensity. In Acts 11:15, Peter says, “The Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.” The word epépesen conveys more than a passive presence—it signals a decisive, powerful moment where the Holy Spirit takes initiative and fills the room. It mirrors what happened in Acts 2, confirming God’s full acceptance of the Gentiles. Reflection: Have you experienced the Spirit coming upon your life with clarity and conviction? Are you open to receiving His presence when He moves, without resistance or delay?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 21 2025 | Acts 11:11-14 KEY VERSE: “Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. " Acts 11:11-12 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   When God calls us to step out in obedience, He doesn’t leave the details to chance. He goes before us, preparing hearts, arranging meetings, and aligning divine timing. In Peter’s encounter with Cornelius, we see a beautiful picture of how evangelism initiated by us in obedience to God’s command is coordinated by God. God’s timing is perfect. As Peter was still wrestling with the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrived at his location. This shows that while God speaks to you, He is also working on the other end to fulfil His purpose. “The Spirit told me to have no hesitation…” (v. 12)   God used three messengers, visions, and messages in His plan of leading Cornelius to conversion. In addition to sending Peter the same vision three times (Acts 10:9-16).  God also directed Cornelius to send messengers to convey his desire to learn God's truth, and Cornelius sent three men (Acts 10:7-8). This combination of visions, human messengers, angelic messengers, and the leading of the Holy Spirit made clear to Peter that God was at work in what was happening with Cornelius. The sequencing and timing of these events showed the Lord's hand in orchestrating them. God's guidance and timing convinced Peter.   The combination of all these factors also proved essential in overcoming the scepticism of critics and questioners in Jerusalem. Jesus had promised that His message would be unstoppable because the Holy Spirit would empower His disciples to be His witnesses. Peter stepped into the centre of the Spirit's fulfilment of Jesus' promise in the life of Cornelius. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are you hesitating to act on something the Spirit has already confirmed?   God’s timing and guidance will never fail. He always goes ahead so that we can follow, speak, and watch Him work.   PRAYER: Lord, thank You for going ahead of me. Let me trust that You are preparing hearts, arranging circumstances, and opening doors for Your Word. Give me boldness to speak and the faith to follow where Your Spirit leads. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 172:  2 Samuel 6 — The Ark Brought to Jerusalem DAILY word study: HESITATION The Greek translation of hesitation is diakrinō (διακρίνω). The word diakrinō means "to doubt," "to waver," "to distinguish," or "to make a judgment." In Acts 11:12, it carries the sense of "not doubting" or "not making a distinction." When the Holy Spirit told Peter not to hesitate, it wasn't only about acting promptly. It was also a command not to discriminate between Jews and Gentiles in the extension of the gospel. Peter was being asked to go beyond cultural, religious, and personal boundaries without internal resistance. Reflection: God’s guidance often challenges our natural judgments. True obedience means surrendering both delay and discrimination—responding to God without wavering.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 20 2025 | Acts 11:4-10 KEY VERSE: “⁸ I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ ⁹   “The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." Acts 11:8-9 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   In today’s passage, we see a clash between conviction and calling. Peter had strong religious convictions rooted in the Law. His obedience to dietary laws wasn’t rebellion - it was faithfulness. Yet when God called him to something new, Peter resisted. This passage captures the tension between deeply held tradition and the surprising wideness of God's grace. Evangelical mission begins when we stop calling unclean what God has declared clean. “Surely not, Lord!” (v. 8).   Peter’s reaction was honest but conflicted. He calls God “Lord,” yet says “No.” This is the contradiction many believers face: holding on to the familiar while God is calling us into the unknown. Evangelical mission requires surrender, even when the call defies our religious comfort zones.   Again, Peter said, “Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.” Peter was clinging to religious purity, but God was after gospel clarity. His obedience to the law had become a barrier to extending the love of God to others. God’s declaration overrides human traditions and prejudices, and this is the heart of the gospel: grace makes clean what law could only condemn. True and effective evangelism calls us to embrace God’s verdict, not our cultural or religious boundaries.   “This happened three times…” (v. 10); repetition underscores importance. God was not negotiating - He was transforming Peter's worldview. Sometimes God repeats the message until our hearts are ready to hear and obey.   Peter's vision teaches that evangelism isn’t just about preaching to others—it’s about being changed ourselves. If the Church is to reach the world, we must stop labelling people as unreachable, unworthy, or unclean. We cannot share the gospel freely if we still hold on to filters that God has already torn down. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: When have you said “surely not” to God? Is there a “yes” you need to give to God where you’ve been saying “no”? When God calls us to people we once avoided, it’s not just for their salvation - it’s also for our transformation.   PRAYER: Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve resisted Your will because of fear, pride, or tradition.  Teach me to say   “yes” when You speak,   so I may be part of Your great mission to bring all people to Yourself. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 171:   2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel DAILY word study : IMPURE The word “impure” in Acts 11:8 comes from the Greek word koinon, which means “common” or “defiled.” In Jewish understanding, something koinon was ritually unclean, unsuitable for worship, and not to be consumed or touched. This could apply to food, people, or objects outside the ceremonial laws. Peter used this word to justify why he wouldn’t eat what God showed him in the vision. But God corrected him: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This was a radical shift. God was declaring people previously considered “unclean” (Gentiles) as clean and accepted through Christ. God alone defines what is clean or unclean. The gospel redefines categories—those who were once far are now brought near by grace. Reflection: Is there someone you view as “impure,” “outside,” or “unlikely”? Ask God to help you see them through the lens of His redeeming love.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 19 2025 | Acts 11:5-7  KEY VERSE: “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds." Acts 11:5-6 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   As Peter unwrapped the story of Cornelius' conversion, we realise why the involvement of visions, angels, and the Holy Spirit was so important. Peter recounts a vision that changed his worldview. As a devout Jew, he had strict categories for what was “clean” and “unclean”—not just for food, but also for people. But in this encounter, God invites Peter - and us - to see the world not through human filters of tradition or prejudice, but through His eyes of grace.   While Peter was praying in Joppa, God used a vision to interrupt his sincere spiritual moment and reveal a deeper truth. The vision of the sheet being let down from heaven symbolised God's initiative and the global scope of the gospel message. The unclean animals represented people Peter had been taught to avoid, but God was showing him that those once seen as unacceptable were now included in His plan. Through this divine interruption, Peter’s perspective was being transformed to align with God’s inclusive heart. Peter’s vision reminds us that the gospel isn’t limited by race, background, or ritual. God sees worth in people we may overlook. The Church must resist the temptation to define holiness by exclusion instead of inclusion through grace. God’s mission is bigger than our traditions. And God’s heart is wider than our comfort zones.   Real obedience begins when we stop arguing with God’s vision and start aligning with His heart.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What are you still calling unclean? Is there a group of people, a type of person, or a community you have subconsciously excluded? Let God reshape how you see the world and the people in it. Allow the Spirit to challenge your deeply held cultural or religious biases so that you can SEE through God’s eyes.   PRAYER: Father, open my eyes to see people the way You see them. Remove the blinders of tradition, fear, and prejudice.  Use me as an instrument of inclusion and love, that I may reflect Your heart in a divided world. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 170:   2 Samuel 4 - Ish-Bosheth Murdered DAILY word study: TRANCE The Greek word used for trance is ekstasis (ἔκστασις), which literally means “a standing outside oneself.” It refers to a state of divine arrest, where the person is lifted out of normal awareness to receive a spiritual message or vision. Peter was praying when he entered this state. It wasn’t an ordinary distraction or daydreaming. God took him beyond routine into revelation. This ekstasis wasn’t just for a moment of awe—it was a reset of how Peter understood what was clean, who was included, and how wide the gospel must reach. Reflection: Sometimes God must interrupt our normal way of thinking to realign us with His heart. Are you open to the kind of spiritual clarity that begins when you step outside your own assumptions?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 18 2025 | Acts 11:1-4  KEY VERSE: “So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticised him and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.’" Acts 11:2-3 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   The expressed objection of the Jewish Christians in this passage was not to Peter's preaching to Cornelius and other Gentiles and baptising them. Rather, they had a problem with Peter extending full fellowship to Cornelius along with his Gentile relatives and friends. The Jewish believers were shocked that Peter spent time in Cornelius' house and ate at Cornelius' table with Gentiles.   In every culture, the table holds deep meaning. To eat with someone is to welcome them, to identify with them, and to accept them. In the early Church, however, the table became a place of both division and unity. For Peter, one meal in a Gentile home sparked controversy—but also symbolised a profound gospel truth: that the love of Jesus Christ tears down walls and builds a new kind of fellowship. We can reflect on the truths that the table divides when tradition replaces the truth; the table unites when grace is the reason we sit together; and fellowship is missional.   The early Church struggled to accept Gentiles without requiring them to become Jews first. This reveals how the table can divide when traditions and personal walls are prioritised over grace. However, the table becomes a place of unity and sacred fellowship when grace—God’s unearned welcome—is the reason we gather. Jesus Christ modelled this by dining with outcasts (Matt. 9:10-11), and Peter followed by living out the gospel in shared fellowship. Our willingness to embrace those different from us reflects the true, transforming power of grace.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Who is welcome at your table—figuratively and literally? Are there traditions, biases, or fears keeping you from embracing others? Let your fellowship reflect the radical unity of the gospel.   PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You that You welcomed me when I was an outsider. Forgive me for the times I’ve let culture, tradition, or pride divide what You came to unite. Help me to open my heart, my home, and my table to others, that Your love may be seen and known through me. May my fellowship reflect the truth that in You, all are welcome. In Your name I pray, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 169:  2 Samuel 3 - War Between the Houses of Saul and David DAILY word study: CRITICISED The Greek word used here is diakrinō (διακρίνω), which means “to judge, dispute, or contend.” It suggests a strong act of separating or drawing lines between people, often through argument or opposition. When Peter returned to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers didn’t ask questions—they criticised. Their concern wasn’t Peter’s preaching or baptising, but his fellowship. Their criticism came from deeply held religious boundaries. The word implies they were drawing a line: who’s in, who’s out. But Peter’s actions showed that the Holy Spirit had already erased that line. Reflection: Criticism often comes when grace disrupts tradition. But when God moves, our role is not to resist—it’s to recognise and rejoice. Are you drawing lines God has already crossed?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 17 2025 | Acts 11:1-4  KEY VERSE: “The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God." Acts 11:1(NIV)   MESSAGE:   News that Gentiles had heard the message of Jesus Christ and responded to it appropriately spread quickly. For some, Gentiles coming to faith in Jesus Christ was a welcome dawning of a new day. For others, it was puzzling, threatening, or even abhorrent. It took years for the church to appreciate the implications of Gentiles and Jews being brothers and sisters through Jesus, the Messiah, and for that fellowship to become reality. Acts 11:1 reminds us that salvation is not a cultural privilege, but a divine gift extended to the entire world. This is the divine inclusion - God’s gracious act of welcoming everyone who believes in Jesus Christ into His family. The three main lessons that we can draw from this devotional are: God’s grace knows no barriers; Inclusion is God’s initiative, not human design; and the church must reflect God’s heart.   This devotional on divine inclusion reveals that God’s grace knows no boundaries. Divine inclusion means that God does not operate with human-made categories—race, tribe, status, or background. The gospel of salvation crosses every line we draw and reaches those we least expect. Secondly, the divine inclusion is God’s own initiative, not human design. The Gentiles didn’t demand access; God opened the door through a vision (Acts 10:11-15), an angelic encounter (Acts 10:3-6), and the leading of the Spirit (Acts 10:19-20). Salvation is entirely God’s work, and His heart is for all people. Thirdly and finally, the Church must reflect God’s heart so that if God includes, we must not exclude. Our churches, ministries, and relationships should be marked by openness, love, and the radical welcome of the Lord Jesus Christ. The message for you and me today is clear: God wants all people in His family. We must be committed to making this fellowship a reality in our day and work to break down every barrier to fellowship with everyone who calls on Christ Jesus as Lord.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are there people you unconsciously exclude from the message or fellowship of the gospel? Pray for more grace to embody the heart of divine inclusion in your daily walk with Jesus Christ.   PRAYER: Father, thank You for the wonder of Your inclusive love. You broke down every wall through Jesus Christ and invited all of us—Jew and Gentile alike—into Your kingdom. Help me to reflect Your heart, to see people as You see them, and to welcome others as I have been accepted. Let my life and my witness proclaim that Your grace is for all. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 168:  2 Samuel 2 — David Made King in Judah DAILY word study: GENTILES The word Gentiles comes from the Greek word ethnē (ἔθνη), meaning “nations” or “people groups.” It was commonly used by Jewish writers to refer to non-Jews—those outside the covenant community of Israel. In Acts 11:1, the mention of Gentiles receiving the word of God signalled a major shift in redemptive history. The gospel was no longer confined to the Jewish people. God had now extended His saving message to those who were once considered outsiders. This moment marked the breaking of long-standing religious, cultural, and spiritual boundaries. Reflection: The gospel crosses every boundary. Like Peter, you’re called to share it with those beyond your familiar world.

Rev. Enoch Thompson | June 16 2025 | Acts 10:44-48 KEY VERSE: “Then Peter said, ⁴⁷   "Can anyone keep these people from being baptised with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." Acts 10:46b-47(NIV)   MESSAGE:   Baptism is an essential Christian ordinance, an instruction from the Lord that believers are to follow. Baptism, as an initial Christian act, takes two major forms: first, Spirit baptism (also known as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit), and then water baptism (physical baptism in water). And both baptisms are very important.   Spirit baptism is a spiritual experience that occurs when a person’s understanding and acceptance of the Gospel are acknowledged in the presence of God. It is this experience that the Apostle Paul refers to in 1 Cor 12:13 (NIV):  “ For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” That is, when we were converted to Christ, we were baptised by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. This Spirit baptism is manifested in different ways by different people in different circumstances. In the case of Cornelius and his relatives and friends, we are told that the new converts were heard speaking in tongues (other languages) and praising God. Others have experienced inexpressible joy, tears of joy, unfettered laughter, a deep sense of peace or a quiet, calm awe of God when they have received this baptism of the Holy Spirit.   Water baptism must follow Spirit baptism, in accordance with the instructions of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an outward physical demonstration of what has taken place in the spirit of the person. If we have not been baptised by the Holy Spirit, then water baptism is only a religious exercise of getting wet ceremonially!   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and that Spirit baptism that makes us part of the body of Christ. Have you followed up with water baptism? If not, make plans to do this to show your submission to the rule of Christ.   PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the privilege of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and for the opportunity to show my identification with you by water baptism. Please help me to live the baptised life, now and always. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 167: Jun 16  – 2 Samuel 1 - David Mourns Saul and Jonathan DAILY word study: BAPTISED The Greek word βαπτίσαι (baptisai), from baptizō, means “to immerse, dip, or submerge.” It was used to describe a full immersion into water or a reality, signifying total identification with something or someone. In Acts 10:47, Peter says, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptised with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” The word baptisai here speaks of an outward sign of an inward work. These Gentile believers had already been immersed in the Spirit—baptised into Christ, so Peter calls for them also to be immersed in water, affirming what had spiritually taken place. Reflection: Have you embraced both baptisms? Spirit baptism brings you into God’s family. Water baptism declares it to the world. Don’t settle for only knowing—let your life show that you belong.

Rev. Enoch Thompson | June 15 2025 | Acts 10:34-43 KEY VERSE: “. . . ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. ³⁹ . . . They killed him by hanging him on a tree, ⁴⁰ but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen." Acts 10:38-40 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   When we share the Good News of salvation, we must talk about the Lord Jesus Christ, God in human form, who died and rose again to offer Himself as the sacrifice to restore our relationship with Him and make us His children and citizens of His Kingdom. That was what was missing in the puzzle of the religion of Cornelius. That was the message that Peter was expected to deliver to Cornelius and his household.   Without Jesus, there is no salvation; without Jesus, all our religious and righteous works cannot save our eternal souls from eternal damnation in Hell. His death and resurrection ensure our redemption from the power of sin and the control of Satan. His resurrection confirms the potency of His sacrifice on the cross. It gives us victory over the power of death, physically because we shall rise like He arose to live happily forever, and spiritually because we escape the second death, Hell, and live in bliss forever with God.   Jesus Christ is the Lord of glory, the only effective link with all that is truly God. We must believe in Him and tell others of His grace. It must be said either way; NO JESUS NO LIFE. KNOW JESUS, KNOW LIFE!   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Where is the Lord Jesus in your life story? Have you believed in Him? Has He become the centre of your life? If yes, share this truth with others, for “ No Jesus, no life”   PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for coming into my state as a human being, yet without sin. Thank you for dying for me, and in my place. Please help me keep this truth in mind, live by it and share it freely, so that many shall come to have life through you. For your dear Name’s sake,   Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 166:   1 Samuel 31 — The Death of Saul DAILY word study: ANOINTED The Greek word ἔχρισεν (echrisen) means “to consecrate or set apart by anointing with oil,” signifying that someone has been empowered for a divine purpose. In Acts 10:38, Peter says, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.” The word echrisen points to God’s divine appointment of Jesus—He was set apart and filled with power to accomplish what no one else could: to save. This anointing wasn’t symbolic—it came with the Spirit and with power to do good, heal, and break the grip of the enemy. Reflection: If Jesus was anointed to save, how are you responding to His work? Have you believed in Him and embraced the life He gives?