12 May Acts 8:39 (Rejoice!) by Nellie Edwards
Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).
“When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but continued on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:39 (full readings)
Nellie’s Reflections: “Went on his way Rejoicing”…this is a word often repeated in Holy Scripture. In fact, St. Paul also says in Phil 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!” I like to think the word rejoice means RE-Joy. To experience the Joy of the Lord over and over again. We are admonished to have joy In the Lord…not in the world. God’s Word reminds us “the joy of the Lord is my strength!” In today’s passage, the eunuch, who was stripped of his masculinity, is immersed in the living water of baptism and finds total fulfillment in Christ. Though Philip is suddenly “snatched” from him, the eunuch still rejoices because he is a new creation and has true J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others, You). Many of us have lost a loved one – suddenly they are “snatched” from us. We lost a full term baby in 1980. Without any indication of anything wrong, she was snatched away from us. I was able to cradle her for some time, and I thought my heart would explode from sorrow. By the grace of God, we relied on His Word (Rom 8:28) and thanked Him for His Holy Will, however painful. God’s grace soon gave us peace and joy, since baby Chrystine went straight to Him. We knew she would be praying for us. In the midst of life’s trials, let’s have joy in knowing what awaits us…Rejoice!
* Nellie Edwards is a wife and mother of eight children, residing in Minot, ND. She has been a Life advocate since the early 80’s, twice going to trial for ‘sidewalk counseling’ and both times vindicated. See her anointed ProLife/Sacred Art at www.immaculataart.com (including today’s image).
Faith Challenge: Look to Mary as a model of faith. As an unwed mother, Mary was in a dangerous situation, which could well have ended with her being stoned to death. When difficulties happen, try to see yourself as Mary, saying “My spirit REJOICES in Christ my savior!”
Counter-Culture News: LifeNews, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action >
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now. >
Feast Day: St. Nereus, St. Achilleus and St. Pancras
Faith Quote: “Do not abandon yourselves to despair…we are the Easter people and Alleluia is our song!” ~ Blessed John Paul II
Through Christ Our Lord,
Nellie
Matt 6:33
* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.