Month: December 2021

Scripture: Acts 21 [13] Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”:

Observation: Would I be willing to die for Jesus and if so why won’t I live for Him. I live my life for me for the most part and occasionally I’ll do something in my Lord’s name. Doesn’t sound like much of a commitment, especially compared to Paul’s. So what am I willing to do for Jesus? Am I ready to die to myself, pick up my cross, obey His commands on how to live this life or do anything to make sure the gospel is spread? I’m not there now. Will I ever be?

Application: I’m not here for me, God placed me here at this time for a reason and I know the reason isn’t to just take care of myself and my desires. I’m here to be bound or die for Jesus, like Paul. There is nothing in this world I shouldn’t be willing to do for my Lord, He has done everything for me. No matter what happens to me here, I’m only here for a short time and then I get to spend eternity home with my Father. I don’t need the rest I need to be serving in a way that honors God.

Prayer: Oh my Lord thank you for all you have done for me. Now show me what I may do for you each day. I can never repay all that I have, but help me each day do something that will honor and please you. I love you Lord, may I live in such a way to show it.

Scripture: Acts 20: [24] However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Observation: Really what is our life worth? God gave it to us and when it’s over, it’s over. I put so much importance in what I want to do and what is going to happen and plans I make to make myself happy. The truth the only importance in this life is what I do for God, that is the only thing that will have eternal consequences and He only asks one thing of me and that is to bring others to Him.

Application: Each day I plan out my day and worry about work and what I’ll be doing, but not once have a planned to make a difference for God. That should be my main objective each day to touch the life of someone for Jesus. I need to make that my priority each day and finish running this race my Lord as got me in.

Prayer: Dear Lord show me how to live this life for you. It’s your life show me how to run this race and complete the tasks you sent before me. I’m here to serve you and glorify your name to the world.

Scripture: Acts 19: [15] One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

Observation: I’m sure I’m not worth the evil spirits recognition either. To know me they must know how strong I am in faith to my Lord and Savior and the impact I have for the kingdom of God. Unfortunately it’s not much if anything at all. The people around me do they know what and who I stand for? I doubt it, because I don’t show it. I don’t show compassion, instead I get angry or sarcastic, I don’t put the needs of others above my own and I don’t point others to Christ so they may have eternal life. I’m sure the enemy would say so who are you?

Application: As scary as it sounds to me, the demons need to know that I’m a threat and can make a difference for my Lord and Savior on this earth, by my love for Him. I need to be courageous in my stand for Jesus and show others by my actions that I love him and will serve Him no matter what. When I say in the name of Jesus, people and demons need to know that I know Him and that I have the right to call upon Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord forgive the weakness of your servant and lack of commitment to my faith in you. Strengthen me and guide me on what it is you desire of me and may I not back down, but give me the courage to stand firm in the faith of knowing you.

Scripture: Acts 18: [28] For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Observation: There are so many cults now with Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, Christian Scientists and the list goes on. We live in a world where we have bumper stickers that say coexist and don’t rock the boat. We have become very tolerate of sin and even protect the rights of sinners, while mentioning God is prohibited. We need to refute those false religions by proving them wrong through the scriptures. To show others that the Bible is the word of God and prove it through prophesy and how the Bible speaks the truth.

Application: I need to study the Bible more thoroughly so when the opportunities come I’ll be ready for an answer. I need not be afraid but speak boldly for my Lord to others and have compassion for the people God surrounds me with. If they are not told the truth and if they do not receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior they have an eternity of suffering.

Prayer: Dear Lord use me to bring your children home to you. Give me wisdom and strength to stand firm in my faith. May I use the testimony you have given me to touch the lives of others and use your word to show them your love.

Scripture: Acts 17: [26] From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

Observation: We get so involved about us and the importance we think we have. I forget God knows everything and is everywhere and that I’m only here because it’s God will. It opens my eyes to realize I’m here now because God wants me here, so what am I supposed to be doing? God has a reason and purpose for all that He does and I need to be aware of why He has put me here.

Application: I need to pray for guidance during the course of each day, that my Lord would open my eyes to the things He desires me to do. I need to take this selfishness away or I may miss opportunities to serve God and fulfill the purpose He has me here for. What an honor it is that God would even want to use me and that I was created for a reason and not just some random creature with no purpose.

Prayer: Dear Lord thank you that I’m your child and that you made me for a purpose. May I be a useful tool and my desire is that you would use me to accomplish Your desires. May the focus be off of my desires and place it on your desires for your servant.

Scripture: Acts 16: [34] The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God–he and his whole family.

Observation: My purpose is to tell others of Jesus love for them and to open the door for the Holy Spirit to guide them to salvation. This is the only true joy we will receive on this earth and I can help others receive this joy. I remember when Justin stepped out of his comfort zone and introduced me to my Lord and because of his courage I now receive the joy that comes from knowing I am saved through the blood of my Lord, Jesus.

Application: God has opened doors for me to meet people and to help do ministries. Each day someone is put in my path and I have an opportunity for them to share in the joy of Jesus. I now need to step out of my comfort zone and reach out to others in his name so they may experience the joy that comes from knowing their Savior

Prayer: My Lord give me courage to do your will in this life you have given me. May I be able to spread the joy of you. May I be bold in reaching out to others in your name, telling them of your love.

Scripture: Acts 15: [11] No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

Observation: I’m so self-centered it is hard for me to believe there is nothing I can do to be saved. I try to impress God with my service, looking holier than though, I even think I can make a difference on my own and forget I’m nothing, nothing but God’s creation. The grace of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has allowed me to be able to serve. Without Jesus and the Holy Spirit I couldn’t even serve myself. Apart from God I can do nothing and I need to realize this every minute of every day that everything I do and have is only by grace.

Application: Do what God allows me to do and do it for His glory. Point others to the grace of God and tell them my testimony of an ever loving God. Thank God throughout each day for His grace as I come to each blessing He puts in my life. When I accomplish anything that I need to realize it was only through the grace of God and give Him the glory.

Prayer: Lord forgive this arrogant servant help me repent of my evil ways and draw me closer to you. Show me how to receive your grace in humility and help me fulfill the purpose you have created me for. All the glory and honor is yours.