September 8th-12th Devotional

 A 5-Day Devotional: Ovation Over Transformation: The Peril of Simon

This devotional will guide you through key themes from Pastor Rod Kincaid's sermon on Acts Chapter 8, challenging you to reflect on the difference between seeking attention and pursuing true transformation in Christ.

*Listen to the devotional podcast here
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Day 1: The Church's Explosive Mission and the Power of Persecution

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the powerful witness of the early church in the Book of Acts. We pray for boldness in our own lives, that even when faced with persecution or challenges, we would not waver in proclaiming Christ. Help us to trust that You can turn any situation of fear or scattering into an opportunity for the global spread of Your gospel. May Your mission explode through us into the world. Amen.

Declaration: Today, I declare that God's mission is possible through me. I will not fear persecution, for God uses all things for His glory and the advancement of the gospel. I am an instrument of His global spread!
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Day 2: True Power vs. Counterfeit: The Case of Simon Magus

Prayer: Almighty God, we confess that we are often tempted by the desire for attention and power, just like Simon. Forgive us for seeking to gain spiritual gifts through our own means or for personal glory. Grant us discernment to recognize true power that comes from Your Holy Spirit and to reject any counterfeit. Help us to always direct glory to Christ and not to ourselves. Amen.

Declaration: I declare today that I will seek the authentic power of the Holy Spirit, not fleeting attention or self-exaltation. My desire is for true transformation, and I will point all glory to Jesus Christ, the true source of all power.
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Day 3: Attention vs. Transformation: What Are We Chasing?

Prayer: Gracious God, we acknowledge our culture's pervasive craving for attention and our own tendencies to seek validation from others. Deliver us from the emptiness of chasing likes, views, and applause. Shift our hearts to desire true, lasting transformation—both in ourselves and in the lives of those around us. Help us to live like Philip, carrying Christ and focusing on bringing freedom, restoration, and joy through Your gospel. Amen.

Declaration: I declare today that I will choose transformation over ovation. I will not chase fleeting attention but will instead pursue lasting impact for Christ. My life will be a testament to His transformative power, pointing others to Him and finding my satisfaction in His purpose.
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Day 4: The Danger of Partial Surrender: Simon's Warning

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are sobered by the story of Simon. We confess that it is easy to make a profession of faith and even be baptized, yet still withhold parts of ourselves from You. Search our hearts, O God, and reveal any areas where we are unwilling to surrender completely. Help us to desire purity over power, and You, the Giver, over Your gifts. Strengthen us to give our whole selves to You, without reservation. Amen.

Declaration: I declare today that I will fully surrender my heart, mind, and will to Jesus Christ. I choose purity over power, and God over gifts. I commit to being completely yielded to Him, allowing no part of my life to remain untouched by His transformative grace.
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Day 5: Living a Sanctified Life: Called to be Philips, not Simons

Prayer: Holy God, we long to be set apart for Your purposes, to live sanctified lives that do not conform to the patterns of this world. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to completely surrender every area of our lives to You, crucifying our old selves and allowing Christ to dwell fully within us. Grant us the courage to be "Philips," always pointing to Jesus and His transformative power, rather than seeking personal acclaim. May our lives bring You glory and inspire others to give their all to You. Amen.

Declaration: I declare today that I am set apart for Christ. I will live a sanctified life, distinct from the world, fully surrendered to Jesus. I choose to be a "Philip," passionately proclaiming the gospel and pointing all glory to Christ, whose transformation lasts forever. I will give it all to Jesus!

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