Scripture for the week: Acts 19:11-20
In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. — Acts 19:20
1. Ready Your Heart
Begin with a moment of silence or a short prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
2. Read
Slowly read this week’s passage. (Consider reading it out loud or in a different translation each day.)
3. Reflect
What word, phrase, or image stands out to you today? What in your life might the Holy Spirit be drawing your attention to?
4. Respond
How can you allow this word to shape your interactions, decisions, or perspective today?
5. Receive
Spend a few moments in stillness, surrendering your thoughts, plans, and actions to God and resting in the presence of Jesus.
6. Practice: Burn the Scrolls
This week, practice the posture of the Ephesians who brought their scrolls out into the open and let them go.
Once a day, find a quiet moment. Close your hands into fists and ask one question:
What am I holding onto for power or protection apart from Jesus?
It might be the bank balance, the backup plan, the phone you check again and again, or something you'd rather not say out loud. Whatever you reach for first when you're afraid. Whatever you'd panic without.
Name it to God, honestly and specifically.
Then slowly open your hands and pray:
"Jesus, you have the power. I trust you with this today."
That is the whole practice. Two minutes. No journal required.
Jesus emptied himself, and God filled him. The Ephesians emptied their hands, and God filled them with his Spirit. Opening your hands is not a technique. It's a confession that the power belongs to Jesus.
If you open your hands and find yourself closing them again an hour later, that is not failure. It is information. The decisive battle is won, and the fighting isn't over yet. Come back tomorrow and open them again.
If you find yourself wanting to go deeper, tell one person this week what you've been holding onto. Saying it out loud is how the Ephesians broke its hold.
