Month: February 2016

Keep on Speaking

Scripture: Acts 18: 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.

Observation: Each day I’m afraid. Now I worry about money, my job and I bought a car I shouldn’t have and put us in a bad financial situation. My thoughts are occupied with poor decisions I’ve made and what do I do about it now? Things like this effect my ministry and speaking out to others. It effects my disposition that others see. I talk about my problems instead of talking about Jesus.

Application: I have nothing to fear if I believe God is in charge. I have decisions to make, but I make them with the guidance of God. I need to trust God completely and make Him top priority in my life along with doing His will.

Prayer: Dear Lord increase my faith that I will trust you with all of my heart. Lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge you and you will make my path straight.

God Is Near

Scripture: Acts 17: [27] God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

Observation: I do seek God in my life, but I don’t make it my top priority, which is where it should be. In everything I do I should be seeking God’s direction. If I would then reach out for Him I would find out He wants of me. He is right here with me, but I spend too much time worrying about other things and focusing on my desires instead of His.

Application: I need to reach out to my God each day and ask for His direction in my life. To seek Him in all I do and ask for His direction in my life, for this life belongs to Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me live this life in glory and honor to you. Help me seek your face in my decisions I make and please be with me today.

Speaking the Word

Scripture: Acts 16: [32] Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.

Observation: How often do I speak the Word of the Lord? I’m bold enough with other Christians reciting scriptures, but when it comes to the lost, the ones who need to know, I seem to be silent.

Application: God has allowed me to still be here, because He has something He wants me to do. No matter how it’s to be done I need to speak the Word of God to others. My purpose is to spread the gospel to those who don’t know Him.

Prayer: Lord fill me with the Holy Spirit and open my mouth to tell others of your Word, love, mercy, grace and salvation.

Being Happy for Others

Scripture: Acts 15: [3] The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad.

Observation: The purpose of our church is to bring others to Jesus, but how glad are we when others receive the news? We get so involved in our lives and fellowship we forget our purpose. We are the church, one body, one purpose, there should be nothing that gives me more joy then the raising of a hand that just surrendered to Christ.

Application: To do my part to bring others to Christ. To support my pastor and church and do what I need to be doing to honor Christ. To focus and rejoice that I’m part of the body that’s mission is to “Bring People to Christ and live life to the fullest.”

Prayer: My Lord open my eyes to the part you desire me to play, to serve my church and rejoice when the lost ones are found.

Speaking Boldly

Scripture: Acts 14: [3] So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.

Observation: If I stand up and speak boldly for the Lord I wonder how He will confirm the message? First I need to gather the courage and step out of my comfort zone, then speak boldly about my God to others. His grace will make it evident that the words are true.

Application: Get out of my comfort zone and take opportunities to speak up to others in Jesus name. Allow God to work through me for His glory.

Prayer: Dear Lord open my heart and mouth to speak up in glory and honor to you. Use me as a vessel to carry the living water to others.

Hearing The Good News

Scripture: Acts 13: 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

Observation: When I heard the Word of the Lord it changed my life, bringing me joy and a purpose. I heard the word from my son-in-law at first, then my pastor and others around me. Now it’s my time to allow others to hear the word of God through me. God continues to open avenues for me to share His word, may I be obedient and do it.

Application: Search for those who need to hear the word of God and be bold to share. Be a person others want to talk to leaving myself open to share my testimony with them.

Prayer: Dear Lord use your servant to share with others your love and desire for them. May I be able to see them in heaven as they share eternal life with me.

Praying

Scripture: Acts 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Observation: I pray every morning, but sometimes I realize it’s becoming a routine and not an earnest prayer or an expected one. I pray when it is convenient for me most of the time instead of making a commitment to earnestly seek God.

Application: I need to take a special time with my Lord and pray, meditate and listen to what He wants me to do. This is what God calls me to do, He wants a relationship with Him and not a one way one. If I seek Him I will hear from Him. Hearing from God needs to be a priority in my life.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me grow close to you. Teach me how to pray and become this man you desire me to be.