Daily Dose of Hope

December 1, 2025

Scripture - Acts 8:26-40

Prayer: Holy and Merciful God, Thank you for a new day and a new week and thank you that your mercies are new every morning. As we enter into this first week of Advent, help us be aware of your presence in a new way, Lord. And right now, help us gather our scattered thoughts and focus on you and your Word. In these next few moments of silence, help us be still and know that you are God...In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently walking through the book of Acts. Today, we finish up Acts 8.

Today's reading finds us with Philip. The Holy Spirit tells him to head down the road to Gaza and when he does, he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading the book of Isaiah. Philip knows this is his purpose and this is a beautiful opening that God has provided. He does not hesitate. Philip asks the Ethiopian if he understands what he is reading; the man responds, "How can I unless someone explains it to me?" Okay, perfect opening. Philip takes the opportunity to explain how the prophecy points to Jesus. He shares the Gospel and the man believes and is baptized.

I want to reiterate a point here. Philip does not hesitate. He sees an opening and he takes it. Again, we need to think of our own circumstances. How often do we have an opening or we feel the nudge to share about Jesus and we chicken out? How often do we hesitate? What are we afraid of?

Upon reflection, there are quite a few things we can learn from Philip's experience:

---There are times in which we may appear to be traveling on a desert road but God can still give you opening to share your faith with someone else. Please hear me. Even when we go through challenges and grief, God still gives us opportunities to witness to his goodness. How have you experienced this?

· ----Start with a question. Philip just asked a question. He didn't give the Ethiopian man a long theological dissertation. He didn't wow the man with all his religious knowledge. No, not at all. Philip asked a question, which led to an opening to share about Scripture.

· ----Use Scripture. Point to the Gospel message in the Bible. Scripture speaks for itself.

· ----Stick to the Good News. Stay away from politics. Stay away from the side conversations. Just focus on Jesus and what his death and resurrection mean for us.

· -----Ask for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to when there is an opportunity and then to guide your words and actions.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki