Scripture: Acts 2:1–4

Devotion

God’s people have always been on mission, from Abraham’s call to bless the nations to Jesus’ commissioning His disciples to make more disciples. In Acts 2, in the moment we call Pentecost, that mission is freshly empowered and expanded by the Spirit. Jesus promised in Acts 1, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you.” That promise became a reality when the Spirit descended, filled, and empowered God’s people to move from fear and failure into living bold, faith-filled lives. This moment marks a turning point in redemptive history, reminding us that momentum in God’s kingdom doesn’t come from human strength, marketing strategies, or even skilled communicators; it comes from the Spirit. The wind and fire we see in Acts 2 symbolize God’s presence and power now dwelling, not in a temple behind a veil, but within His people. 

The same Spirit that filled Peter and the disciples now fills every believer to live sent lives. And we are not left to carry God’s mission on our own. As Christopher J. H. Wright puts it, “It is not so much the case that God has a mission for His church in the world as that God has a church for His mission in the world… the church was made for mission.” The Spirit equips ordinary people to live out an extraordinary calling as everyday missionaries: proclaiming the gospel, loving our neighbors, serving the poor, feeding the hungry, and embodying the kingdom of God in everyday life. The mission continues not because of our ability, but because of God’s presence among His people. 

A Personal Prayer

• Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power. Give me boldness to speak the name of Jesus and compassion to love my neighbors well. Keep our church moving forward in Your mission. 

Pray for Our Neighbors: The Rising Church

The Rising Church, founded in 2019 by David and Samantha Layne, is a Brentwood Baptist church partner dedicated to equipping believers to grow in faith and become disciple makers. In 2024, they merged with Lincoya Hills Baptist Church, uniting their communities with a shared mission to see lives transformed through Christ. 

• Pray for continued growth and unity within The Rising Church so the congregation flourishes and reaches more people for Christ in Middle Tennessee and beyond. 
• Ask God to give Pastor David Layne, his wife Samantha, and the leadership team wisdom and strength as they lead and equip the church. 
• Pray for the church’s mission to reach, raise, and send disciples, impacting lives and equipping believers to fulfill their callings. 

Pray for the Nations: Deaf Pathway Global

Deaf Pathway Global transforms lives by providing Bible translations in major sign languages, empowering Deaf individuals to share God’s message in their native languages. Through innovative visual storytelling, they make Scripture accessible to Deaf communities worldwide. 

• Pray for wisdom and creativity for the translation team as they develop resources for Deaf communities. 
• Ask God to bless the translation of 300 Bible passages, enabling Deaf individuals to engage deeply with God’s Word. 
• Pray for Deaf communities around the world to grow in faith and become bold witnesses for Christ.