Daily Devotional

Scripture: Acts 7: [60] Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Observation: This was Stephen talking, one of my favorite people. I wish I can stand boldly in adversity and tell the truth about Jesus no matter what. After telling the truth and accusing them of being like their ancestors, they began to stone him, yet with the love and power of the Holy Spirit he asked God to forgive them. That wouldn’t be me, I would have asked God to destroy them.

Application: I need to have a more forgiving and loving spirit. My first reaction when I have been wronged is revenge and it needs to be love. The life I led was dishonoring to God and if He had my personality I would be burning in Hell.

Prayer: Dear Lord give me the heart of Stephen, bold to spread the gospel, yet a forgiving heart.

Scripture: Acts 5: 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Observation: I want to be counted worthy by God. Whether suffering for His name, fulfilling the purpose for my life, honoring Him with all I have, I just want to please Him. I want the feeling a small child has when they please their father. I want to make a gift out of my life that I can give and bring a smile to my Father’s face.

Application: Stop being so concerned about what is happening in this world and live my life for God. No matter what is happening, to be that light of God to people around me. Live a life worthy of my Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me be that man you call me to be. May the choices I make always glorify you. Show me how to be worthy.

Scripture: Acts 4: [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

Observation: I have a hard time speaking God’s word with boldness at times. Embarrassment, inconvenience, laziness, lack of faith are just some of the reasons. You would think after all God has done for me I would stand boldly for Jesus. This scripture tells me I can ask God to be able to speak His word boldly and not depend on my sinful self to do so.

Application: Each day I need to pray that God will enable me to speak His word boldly to others. To spread the gospel and all He has done for me without hesitation and boldly in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: My Lord enable your servant to speak your word with great boldness.

Scripture: Acts 3: [16] By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

Observation: My healing came from Jesus. A true miracle of God, He freed me from the bondage of depression. I should be shouting and running to tell others of the miracle Jesus performed in my life instead of keeping it a secret. The miracle He performed in me is no less than the crippled man that walked and the whole town heard about Him.

Application: I need to share my testimony about what Jesus did in my life to others. I need to be bold and get busy praising my Lord, Jesus for all He has done for me.

Prayer: Dear Lord fill me with the Holy Spirit and open my heart and mouth to praise you and tell others of your love, mercy and grace.

Scripture: Acts 2: [45] Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

Observation: I give my tithe each week but not much more. I become selfish with the other ninety percent God has given me. It’s rare to give to someone begging at a corner or give to a charity or mission. Even my time I’m hoarding from God. God has blessed and loved me so much, yet I keep what He gives me and build my treasures in this place instead of heaven.

Application: Everything I have, God gave me to see what I do with it. I believe I’m disappointing Him. I need to freely give my money and time to anyone who needs it, it’s not mine anyway. When I give, I give to God for His glory.

Prayer: Lord fill me with the Holy Spirit and take charge over this selfish man. Show me how to give in a way that will honor you. All I have is yours.

Scripture: Acts 1: [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Observation: When I received Jesus as my Lord and savior I received the Holy Spirit. My thoughts, speech and actions changed, it almost immediately. I feel I’ve been suppressing the Holy Spirit in my life. My laziness, pride and greed stop me from fulfilling what the Holy Spirit wants of me. My one job is to be a witness for Jesus sharing the gospel and what He has done for me.

Application: I need to make a better effort to allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life. To set goals on what I should be doing to share the gospel for my Lord and to be the man God calls me to be for Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord fill me with the Holy Spirit and take charge. Use me as you will and open my eyes to your glory, fulfilling the purpose you have created me for.

Scripture: John 21: [9] When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

Observation: Jesus just suffered, died and was raised from the dead for our sins. He should be sitting on the throne ruling and being praised. Yet He is sitting on the beach cooking breakfast for His friends. How much more should we be looking to serve those around us. My Lord and my Savior all my life has been serving me most of the time and I was unaware, but even through my denial He stuck close as a friend.

Application: It’s time for me to get busy and serve my Lord with the same love He has served me. The way is through service to others in His name. I need to get myself out of the way and focus on fulfilling my purpose for Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I freely give you this life as a living sacrifice use it in glory and honor to you.