April 29, 2026 | Be Connected
A Sorcerer Becomes a Christ Follower
Scripture: Acts 8:9-13(NIV)
9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. 12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
Devotional
Do you believe in magic? What about miracles? What is the difference between the two? Magic tricks can be determined and decided and specifically planned. But a miracle is divinely appointed by God, a surprising and inexplicable event. As we journey through life, we will encounter forces at work. Believers are called to be sharp, and ready to know our Jesus and His true work. If we flip over to Matthew 24:24, it states “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
Where is your heart turned today? Are you praying, tuned in, and listening for Jesus? Philip, in Acts 8, knows Jesus. Philip is proclaiming the good news of Jesus. His focus, his heart, and his life are in tune with Jesus. This world is full of distractions! Have you noticed it? The daily struggle to get it all done, to be everything we think we should be – it is a lot.
Do not let your heart be turned to magic, to false gods, to all of the distractions. Even in the busyness of everyday chaos, listen for the still, soft voice that is true. Jesus, who loves you so deeply. Jesus, whose good news and true miracles are still active and working today. Listen for Jesus who knows you intimately. Watch for him, know him as Philip did, and continue to shine his love in this world that needs Jesus more than ever.
