TRUE DEVOTION
GROWING FROM THE INSIDE OUT
This 5-day devotional companion is based on the sermon 'The Anatomy of a Growing Church' from Acts 2:42–47. Drawing inspiration from both the biblical text and the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells refused to die, it explores what it means to grow in faith, community, and commitment. Each day includes a reflection, a question for deeper thought, a prayer prompt, and scripture references. It is designed to help you engage spiritually and practically with the themes of learning, loving, lifting, and growing.
Day 1: Growth that Won't Quit
Scripture References:
Acts 2:42–47; Philippians 3:13–14; 2 Peter 3:18; Romans 12:2
Henrietta Lacks’ immortal cells teach us: when the Spirit is alive in you, growth is inevitable. Growth, however, makes us uncomfortable. In Acts, the church grew because people committed to becoming better, not bitter. True growth is not about reacting to others—it’s about responding in the Spirit. Your healing is in your growing. Growth breaks cycles, births ministries, and restores communities. You’ve been surviving long enough—now it's time to grow again.
Reflective Question:
What areas of my life have I allowed to stop growing due to fear, fatigue, or failure?
Prayer:
Lord, give me the courage to grow, even when it hurts. Let me grow through, not just go through.
Acts 2:42–47; Philippians 3:13–14; 2 Peter 3:18; Romans 12:2
Henrietta Lacks’ immortal cells teach us: when the Spirit is alive in you, growth is inevitable. Growth, however, makes us uncomfortable. In Acts, the church grew because people committed to becoming better, not bitter. True growth is not about reacting to others—it’s about responding in the Spirit. Your healing is in your growing. Growth breaks cycles, births ministries, and restores communities. You’ve been surviving long enough—now it's time to grow again.
Reflective Question:
What areas of my life have I allowed to stop growing due to fear, fatigue, or failure?
Prayer:
Lord, give me the courage to grow, even when it hurts. Let me grow through, not just go through.
Day 2: Stay in the Word
Scripture References:
2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 119:105; James 1:22–25
The early church was committed to learning. Growth happens when we sit under the Word and apply it. Devotion means developing holy habits—daily reading, reflecting, and responding to God’s truth. A learning church is a living church, and a living church is a liberating one. Studying the Bible is a revolutionary act for a people who’ve been historically denied the right to an education. As you deepen your Word habits, you will find your mind renewed, your heart strengthened, and your spirit set free.
Reflective Question:
How can I make room for daily devotion and scriptural study in ways that reflect my cultural and spiritual journey?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, ignite in me a hunger for Your Word. Let me learn with purpose, wisdom, and joy.
2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 119:105; James 1:22–25
The early church was committed to learning. Growth happens when we sit under the Word and apply it. Devotion means developing holy habits—daily reading, reflecting, and responding to God’s truth. A learning church is a living church, and a living church is a liberating one. Studying the Bible is a revolutionary act for a people who’ve been historically denied the right to an education. As you deepen your Word habits, you will find your mind renewed, your heart strengthened, and your spirit set free.
Reflective Question:
How can I make room for daily devotion and scriptural study in ways that reflect my cultural and spiritual journey?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, ignite in me a hunger for Your Word. Let me learn with purpose, wisdom, and joy.
Day 3: Love After the Benediction
Scripture References:
Matthew 22:37–39; 1 John 3:16–18; Galatians 6:2
Love is more than emotion—it’s action. The early church sold its possessions to meet the needs of others. That’s love after the benediction. It’s easy to love when it’s comfortable, but real love shows up when no one’s watching. In a world that idolizes self, God calls us to sacrificial care. Jesus reminds us: the greatest commandment is to love God and love people. Ask yourself—who’s receiving your love? Your time? Your energy? Let your life reflect the residuals of God’s goodness to you.
Reflective Question:
What does my current pattern of giving and relationship-building say about my love for God and others?
Prayer:
God, let my love be more than words. Teach me to love with justice, compassion, and conviction.
Matthew 22:37–39; 1 John 3:16–18; Galatians 6:2
Love is more than emotion—it’s action. The early church sold its possessions to meet the needs of others. That’s love after the benediction. It’s easy to love when it’s comfortable, but real love shows up when no one’s watching. In a world that idolizes self, God calls us to sacrificial care. Jesus reminds us: the greatest commandment is to love God and love people. Ask yourself—who’s receiving your love? Your time? Your energy? Let your life reflect the residuals of God’s goodness to you.
Reflective Question:
What does my current pattern of giving and relationship-building say about my love for God and others?
Prayer:
God, let my love be more than words. Teach me to love with justice, compassion, and conviction.
Day 4: Lift Beyond the Limits
Scripture References:
Ephesians 3:20–21; Isaiah 40:31; Philippians 4:13
Faith grows when we lift beyond the limits. The early church stretched its capacity through prayer and praise. They lifted each other and lifted their eyes to God. We too often let trauma, poverty, and doubt box us in. But the Spirit says: there’s more. Don’t let limits define your worship, your reach, or your hope. As you lift, God will strengthen you. Push past your old ceiling—it’s time to rise.
Reflective Question:
What internal or external limits have I accepted that God is calling me to lift beyond?
Prayer:
God, lift my eyes beyond the barriers I’ve believed in. Teach me to praise and pray through every limit.
Ephesians 3:20–21; Isaiah 40:31; Philippians 4:13
Faith grows when we lift beyond the limits. The early church stretched its capacity through prayer and praise. They lifted each other and lifted their eyes to God. We too often let trauma, poverty, and doubt box us in. But the Spirit says: there’s more. Don’t let limits define your worship, your reach, or your hope. As you lift, God will strengthen you. Push past your old ceiling—it’s time to rise.
Reflective Question:
What internal or external limits have I accepted that God is calling me to lift beyond?
Prayer:
God, lift my eyes beyond the barriers I’ve believed in. Teach me to praise and pray through every limit.
Day 5: It's Time to Grow Again
Scripture References:
John 15:1–8; Isaiah 43:18–19; 2 Corinthians 9:10
You were made for more than just survival. The early church reminds us that faith means stepping beyond what was into what shall be. You’ve been still long enough—now it’s time to rise. Growth is spiritual resistance against the systems and cycles trying to keep you small. Say it aloud: I’m growing in grace, in love, in faith. The enemy thought it could bury you, but you were a seed. This is your season to sprout, to stretch, and to shine.
Reflective Question:
Where in my life have I been surviving when God is calling me to thrive and grow?
Prayer:
Lord, break every chain of stagnation. Awaken new growth in me—emotionally, spiritually, and communally.
John 15:1–8; Isaiah 43:18–19; 2 Corinthians 9:10
You were made for more than just survival. The early church reminds us that faith means stepping beyond what was into what shall be. You’ve been still long enough—now it’s time to rise. Growth is spiritual resistance against the systems and cycles trying to keep you small. Say it aloud: I’m growing in grace, in love, in faith. The enemy thought it could bury you, but you were a seed. This is your season to sprout, to stretch, and to shine.
Reflective Question:
Where in my life have I been surviving when God is calling me to thrive and grow?
Prayer:
Lord, break every chain of stagnation. Awaken new growth in me—emotionally, spiritually, and communally.
About the Author
Dr. Jimmy Arthur Atkins, "Pastor J," serves as the Senior Pastor of True Worship Christian Fellowship. He is an educator, author, servant, and supporter of many community-based causes that empower and uplift the community.
LIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
We often associate being “under the influence” with alcohol or substances, but there’s a deeper kind of intoxication gripping our generation. We are drunk on pride, performance, and possessions. And just like Dr. Charles Adams warned, this kind of drunkenness has left us morally wobbly, spiritually woozy, and culturally complacent—unable to respond to the moment of reconstruction God has placed before us. But Pentecost shows us there’s another kind of drink. Another kind of influence. On that holy day, the Spirit of God came like a rushing wind, and those who were gathered weren’t stumbling in confusion—they were standing in power. They weren’t sipping on what the world offered—they were filled with the fire of heaven. They were not drunk as the crowd supposed—they were living under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
This five-day journey is a call to reexamine what’s filling your life—and an invitation to be poured into by God. Each day will guide you through one key idea from the sermon: from changing what’s in your cup to embracing the transformation, boldness, patience, and power that come from living Spirit-filled. If you're ready for new wine, fresh wind, and fire that transforms—let’s begin.
This five-day journey is a call to reexamine what’s filling your life—and an invitation to be poured into by God. Each day will guide you through one key idea from the sermon: from changing what’s in your cup to embracing the transformation, boldness, patience, and power that come from living Spirit-filled. If you're ready for new wine, fresh wind, and fire that transforms—let’s begin.
Day 1: What's in your cup?
Scripture
"Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
— Acts 2:2–4 (NIV)
Reflection:
We are all drinking from something. For some, it’s the intoxicating belief in self, success, or control. For others, it’s anxiety, shame, or comparison. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit poured out a new kind of drink—one that fills us with power, clarity, and courage. When the Holy Spirit fills us, it pushes out whatever had us woozy before. What are you sipping on today?
Reflective Questions:
Holy Spirit, fill me again. Clear out whatever dulls my spirit and leaves me numb. Let me live full of Your presence and power. Amen.
"Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
— Acts 2:2–4 (NIV)
Reflection:
We are all drinking from something. For some, it’s the intoxicating belief in self, success, or control. For others, it’s anxiety, shame, or comparison. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit poured out a new kind of drink—one that fills us with power, clarity, and courage. When the Holy Spirit fills us, it pushes out whatever had us woozy before. What are you sipping on today?
Reflective Questions:
- What attitudes or influences have been clouding your spiritual clarity?
- In what areas of life do you need a “new wind” to blow?
Holy Spirit, fill me again. Clear out whatever dulls my spirit and leaves me numb. Let me live full of Your presence and power. Amen.
Day 2: New Wine, New Wineskins
Scripture:
"And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins."
— Mark 2:22 (NIV)
Reflection:
The Spirit’s fresh work in your life requires fresh capacity. Old systems, old cycles, old survival tactics—they can’t handle the potency of God’s new outpouring. Some relationships, routines, or responses may have to be reshaped or released. If you want to hold new wine, your life must be ready to stretch.
Reflective Questions:
Lord, prepare me to receive what You’re doing next. Help me surrender my attachment to what’s familiar so I can embrace the new You’re pouring into my life. Amen.
"And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins."
— Mark 2:22 (NIV)
Reflection:
The Spirit’s fresh work in your life requires fresh capacity. Old systems, old cycles, old survival tactics—they can’t handle the potency of God’s new outpouring. Some relationships, routines, or responses may have to be reshaped or released. If you want to hold new wine, your life must be ready to stretch.
Reflective Questions:
- What “old wineskins” in your life are no longer serving your spiritual growth?
- What new habits or spaces might God be calling you to create?
Lord, prepare me to receive what You’re doing next. Help me surrender my attachment to what’s familiar so I can embrace the new You’re pouring into my life. Amen.
Day 3: Witness Rewritten
Scripture:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth."
— Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Reflection:
Peter once denied Jesus out of fear. But on the day of Pentecost, that same Peter preached boldly to thousands. That’s what the Holy Spirit does—He rewrites our witness. We are no longer defined by our past failures but by God’s present power at work in us. What story is God writing through your life?
Reflective Questions:
Prayer:
God, You use even the broken pieces of my past for Your glory. Empower me to be a witness—courageous, honest, and Spirit-filled. Amen.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth."
— Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Reflection:
Peter once denied Jesus out of fear. But on the day of Pentecost, that same Peter preached boldly to thousands. That’s what the Holy Spirit does—He rewrites our witness. We are no longer defined by our past failures but by God’s present power at work in us. What story is God writing through your life?
Reflective Questions:
- How has the Spirit already transformed your witness?
- In what ways is God calling you to speak boldly today?
Prayer:
God, You use even the broken pieces of my past for Your glory. Empower me to be a witness—courageous, honest, and Spirit-filled. Amen.
Day 4: Wait for the Pouring
Scripture:
"‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy… Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.’"
— Acts 2:17–18 NIV
Reflection:
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is wait. The disciples waited in the upper room—not out of inactivity, but out of expectancy. They believed the promise would come, and it did. God’s Spirit is never late; it’s always on time and on purpose. Are you willing to wait for what only the Spirit can pour?
Reflective Questions:
Prayer:
Father, teach me to wait well—not with anxiety, but with anticipation. Let me not grow weary while waiting for the promise You are preparing to pour. Amen.This is where the description goes.
"‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy… Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.’"
— Acts 2:17–18 NIV
Reflection:
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is wait. The disciples waited in the upper room—not out of inactivity, but out of expectancy. They believed the promise would come, and it did. God’s Spirit is never late; it’s always on time and on purpose. Are you willing to wait for what only the Spirit can pour?
Reflective Questions:
- What promise are you waiting on God to fulfill?
- How can you position your life to wait in faith-filled expectancy?
Prayer:
Father, teach me to wait well—not with anxiety, but with anticipation. Let me not grow weary while waiting for the promise You are preparing to pour. Amen.This is where the description goes.
Day 5: The Best is Yet to Come
Scripture:
"Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."
— John 2:10 (NIV)
Reflection:
Just when you think it’s too late—when the wine runs out and the celebration stalls—Jesus steps in. Not only does He restore what’s missing, but He upgrades it. The miracle of the wine at Cana reminds us: God’s timing is not our own, and His best is often reserved for what feels like the end. You are not empty—you are being positioned for a new pour.
Reflective Questions:
Jesus, thank You for showing up when the wine runs dry. I trust that You are not finished with me, and that the best You’ve prepared is still flowing. Fill my life again. Amen.
"Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."
— John 2:10 (NIV)
Reflection:
Just when you think it’s too late—when the wine runs out and the celebration stalls—Jesus steps in. Not only does He restore what’s missing, but He upgrades it. The miracle of the wine at Cana reminds us: God’s timing is not our own, and His best is often reserved for what feels like the end. You are not empty—you are being positioned for a new pour.
Reflective Questions:
- Where have you felt “empty” or overlooked?
- Could it be that God is saving His best for your now?
Jesus, thank You for showing up when the wine runs dry. I trust that You are not finished with me, and that the best You’ve prepared is still flowing. Fill my life again. Amen.
YOU CAN GET GOING AGAIN
This five-day devotional journey is born from the sermon, You Can Get Going Again, rooted in Acts 1:1-11. It’s for anyone who has ever felt stuck, unsure, or weary on the journey of life and faith. It reminds us that God doesn’t waste moments of waiting, pain, or transition. In fact, these are often the sacred spaces where transformation begins. Whether you need to pause, let go, prepare, move forward, or live ready—these daily reflections, scriptures, and prayers are here to help you realign your spirit with God’s purpose.
Let this be a week of rediscovery, healing, and holy momentum.
Let this be a week of rediscovery, healing, and holy momentum.
Day 1: The Power in the Pause
Scripture:
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” — Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Reflection:
Waiting doesn’t mean wasting. It means preparing your heart to receive what God is about to pour out. Jesus told the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until power came—and in that pause, they positioned themselves for Pentecost. What if your next breakthrough isn’t in the hustle, but in the hush?
Questions for Reflection:
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to wait with purpose. Help me to trust Your timing and pause in Your presence. Renew my strength as I rest in You. Amen.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” — Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Reflection:
Waiting doesn’t mean wasting. It means preparing your heart to receive what God is about to pour out. Jesus told the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until power came—and in that pause, they positioned themselves for Pentecost. What if your next breakthrough isn’t in the hustle, but in the hush?
Questions for Reflection:
- What areas of your life need a sacred pause?
- How have you been trying to “rush” what God wants you to rest in?
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to wait with purpose. Help me to trust Your timing and pause in Your presence. Renew my strength as I rest in You. Amen.
Day 2: Letting Go of What Was
Scripture:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” — Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)
Reflection:
We often hold onto the past like a safety blanket, even when it’s time to move forward. But to walk in God’s new thing, you must release the old thing. The disciples had to stop looking up and start stepping out. That same Spirit calls you today: stop gazing, start growing.
Questions for Reflection:
Gracious God, help me release what no longer serves me. Heal the wounds of my past and open my heart to Your newness. I trust You with my next. Amen.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” — Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)
Reflection:
We often hold onto the past like a safety blanket, even when it’s time to move forward. But to walk in God’s new thing, you must release the old thing. The disciples had to stop looking up and start stepping out. That same Spirit calls you today: stop gazing, start growing.
Questions for Reflection:
- What do you need to let go of to move forward?
- Is there a past hurt, failure, or memory that still grips you?
- How can you invite God’s healing into that space?
Gracious God, help me release what no longer serves me. Heal the wounds of my past and open my heart to Your newness. I trust You with my next. Amen.
Day 3: Prepared in the Separation
Scripture:
“I go to prepare a place for you…” — John 14:2 (KJV)
Reflection:
Separation isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. When Jesus ascended, it felt like loss, but it was actually the setup for power. Sometimes God has to pull us away from what’s familiar to prepare us for what’s eternal.
Questions for Reflection:
Prayer:
God of preparation, show me how to grow in the waiting. Use every moment of separation to sanctify me for Your work. Make me ready for Your return. Amen.
“I go to prepare a place for you…” — John 14:2 (KJV)
Reflection:
Separation isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. When Jesus ascended, it felt like loss, but it was actually the setup for power. Sometimes God has to pull us away from what’s familiar to prepare us for what’s eternal.
Questions for Reflection:
- What “separations” in your life might be invitations to grow?
- How can you prepare your spirit daily for Christ’s return?
- What does faithful waiting look like in your life right now?
Prayer:
God of preparation, show me how to grow in the waiting. Use every moment of separation to sanctify me for Your work. Make me ready for Your return. Amen.
Day 4: Getting Unstuck
Scripture:
“I press toward the mark…” — Philippians 3:14 (KJV)
Reflection:
Sometimes what keeps us stuck isn’t the past or the pain—it’s our fear of the unknown. But God’s call to get going again is a call to faith. The disciples didn’t have all the answers, but they had a promise. That’s all you need. The first step may be scary, but it’s sacred.
Questions for Reflection:
Prayer:
Lord, help me move forward in faith. Give me courage to take the first step. Unstick my spirit and guide me into Your promises. Amen.
“I press toward the mark…” — Philippians 3:14 (KJV)
Reflection:
Sometimes what keeps us stuck isn’t the past or the pain—it’s our fear of the unknown. But God’s call to get going again is a call to faith. The disciples didn’t have all the answers, but they had a promise. That’s all you need. The first step may be scary, but it’s sacred.
Questions for Reflection:
- Where do you feel stuck?
- What would taking the “first step” look like this week?
- How can you press forward even if the whole path isn’t clear?
Prayer:
Lord, help me move forward in faith. Give me courage to take the first step. Unstick my spirit and guide me into Your promises. Amen.
Day 5: Living Ready
Scripture:
“Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42 (NIV)
Reflection:
Holiness is about readiness. It’s not just about shouting in church; it’s about showing up in life with integrity, love, and faith. Like the church mothers used to say, we need to do a rapture check—not out of fear, but out of hope. Live like Jesus is coming back. Because He is.
Questions for Reflection:
Jesus, help me live ready. Let my words, my work, and my witness reflect Your love. Keep me watchful, faithful, and full of hope. Amen!
“Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42 (NIV)
Reflection:
Holiness is about readiness. It’s not just about shouting in church; it’s about showing up in life with integrity, love, and faith. Like the church mothers used to say, we need to do a rapture check—not out of fear, but out of hope. Live like Jesus is coming back. Because He is.
Questions for Reflection:
- How would you live differently if you believed Jesus might return today?
- What does a life of readiness look like for you?
Jesus, help me live ready. Let my words, my work, and my witness reflect Your love. Keep me watchful, faithful, and full of hope. Amen!