May 05, 2026 | The Movement - A Study in Acts by Byron McWilliams
Day 1: The Church That Jesus Loves
Reading: Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27
Devotional: The church was purchased with the precious blood of Christ—this truth should transform how we view our faith community. God didn't establish the church as an afterthought; He designed it as His beloved bride, worthy of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. When we grumble about worship styles, complain about leadership decisions, or gossip about fellow believers, we dishonor what cost God everything. Today, reflect on your attitude toward the church. Do you see it through eyes of complaint or gratitude? Remember, you are part of something Jesus deemed worth dying for. Let that reality silence your criticisms and ignite your devotion. Ask God to help you love His church the way He does—sacrificially, faithfully, and with hope for her beauty.
Day 2: Unity in the Midst of Conflict
Reading: Acts 6:1-7; Philippians 2:1-4
Devotional: Even Spirit-filled, growing churches face internal conflict. The early church confronted division between Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking believers—a legitimate concern handled God's way. Notice the response: not defensiveness, not dismissal, but humble problem-solving that honored everyone involved. Satan thrives on division, using jealousy and complaining to destroy what God is building. When conflict arises in your church or family, resist the temptation to gossip, gather followers to your side, or nurture bitterness. Instead, bring concerns directly to leadership with a spirit of humility. Seek solutions that promote unity rather than personal preference. God's wisdom is available for every problem you face. Will you pursue His peace or feed discord? Choose today to be a peacemaker, not a problem-multiplier.
Day 3: Servant Leadership in Action
Reading: Acts 6:2-4; 1 Peter 5:1-4
Devotional: The apostles weren't being arrogant when they said they needed to prioritize prayer and preaching—they were being obedient. God calls different people to different roles, each essential to the body's health. Pastors who neglect the Word to handle every administrative task fail their primary calling. Deacons who seek power rather than service opportunities miss their purpose entirely. God's church functions best when everyone embraces their God-given role without jealousy or pride. What has God called you to do? Are you faithful in that calling, or are you distracted by tasks that belong to others? Perhaps you're a "complainer" when God wants you to be a "solution-bringer." Examine your heart today. Serve where God has placed you with excellence, humility, and joy.
Day 4: The Power of the Preached Word
Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Romans 10:14-17
Devotional: The church grew exponentially because the apostles devoted themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Even priests—those most resistant to the gospel—surrendered to Christ when they heard the truth proclaimed faithfully. Never underestimate the power of Scripture rightly preached and applied. God's Word accomplishes what human wisdom cannot: it pierces hard hearts, transforms stubborn minds, and brings dead souls to life. This is why churches that compromise biblical truth eventually die, while those that stand firm continue growing. Support your pastor's commitment to study and proclaim God's Word. Pray for him regularly. Sit under preaching with expectant hearts. And remember: the person you're praying for in "Who's Your One" can be reached by this same transforming Word. Keep praying, keep inviting, keep believing.
Day 5: No Partiality in God's Family
Reading: Acts 6:5-7; James 2:1-9
Devotional: God's solution to the Greek-Hebrew divide was brilliant: appoint seven Greek men to serve Greek widows. No partiality, no favoritism, just wisdom that honored everyone and promoted unity. The church should be the one place where social standing, ethnicity, economic status, and cultural background don't determine value or opportunity. We're all blood-bought brothers and sisters—family from the same womb of grace. Yet how often do we show partiality? We honor the wealthy, overlook the marginalized, or create insider groups that exclude newcomers. God calls us to something higher. Look around your church family today. Who needs to be welcomed, served, or valued? Whose voice needs to be heard? Be intentional about breaking down barriers and building bridges. When God's people truly love without partiality, the world takes notice—and even the hardest hearts soften.