Monday, July 11 – Acts 8:14-17

Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they would receive the Holy Spirit. (For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.

In times of transition, whether moving, starting a new job, or something else, it can be hard to find your place. It can be a season of learning curves and loneliness until you or someone else breaks the mold of shallow small talk to really get to know each other. As you make friends and connections in a new season, it usually becomes a smoother acclamation. This is something that is true for our walk with Christ as well. God has designed us for community with Him and with one another.

When the apostles got word that the gospel had spread to Samaria, they were moved to follow up with their new brothers and sisters in Christ. As we settle into routines at church, it is easy to get into a rhythm with our friends. We sit next to them in service, go to lunch with them after, and see them throughout the week. This is a beautiful routine of community with our brothers and sisters in Christ, but we should also seek to invite others into these rhythms. Sometimes it means breaking our pattern to have a new family over or saying hello to a new face at church even when we feel nervous. Peter and John went to Samaria to be with the new believers there to pray for them and to show them that they were precious to God. They met them where they were, understanding that the road ahead of them could be hard, and prayed that they would be equipped by the Holy Spirit every step of the way.

• Who has welcomed you into a walk with Jesus? How did that make an impact on your life?
• Do you know of a new person in your church or community? How can you pray or serve them?
• Pray for God to open your eyes to someone who may need prayer or encouragement in their faith.