Month: December 2021

Scripture: Acts 14: [22] strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Observation: I can’t say any of the hardships I have gone through compare to what the early church went through. Even in other countries the hardship they must suffer is so much greater than the inconveniences I have as a Christian. A hardship for me is getting off the couch and doing something for the Lord instead of doing something for myself. I should be going through many more hardships then I do to enter the Kingdom of God with honor.

Application: I need to go out of my way to get into His glory. There is so much more that I can be doing. I can go out and evangelize and take the chance that someone might turn me down or be downright rude. What a small price to pay for the kingdom of God. I know I can’t earn a place in heaven, but I can get a better seat, closer to my Lord by using the talents he has given me for his glory.

Prayer: Dear Lord you are worth all that I have and I want to give it to you. Give me the courage and strength to please you and to be willing to go through any hardship to draw nearer to you.

Scripture: Acts 13: [22] After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: `I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’

Observation: After reading this I first became jealous of David, a man after God’s heart. However that is what we are all called to be people after God’s own heart. God is our master and we are to do anything He asks of us without questioning Him.

Application: Being like David should not be an option, but an example of the people God calls us to be. We are called His servants, slaves, children and friends we need to start acting like it. I’m put on this earth for a purpose and that is to serve my God and to bring others into His loving grace. So like David I need to have a heart to serve and please the one who created me.

Prayer: Dear Lord forgive this servant for not being like David. Help me be that man that is after Your heart. Give me the strength and courage to fulfill the purpose you have created me for and that I will glorify you.

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

Observation: I pray each day, but is it earnestly. I seem to repeat the same words but is it from my heart or my mind. I pray for my family and friends, I thank God for what He has given me and if there is a particular need that I might have a pray for that. I’m not sure if I’m praying because I feel I need to or am I praying to grow closer to God. This is the one thing that God allows me to do to grow closer to Him and to hear Him, but I’m not taking advantage of all that God is offering me.

Application: I need to pray earnestly and confidently that God hears my prayers and He will answer according to His will. I need to come before the Father as a privilege, which is what it is. I’m allowed to speak to the creator of all things and He listens to me, I need to give Him my full attention and not just repeat words, but to express my feelings. May I treat this time as an honor, for which it is.

Prayer: Dear Lord I humbly come before you with thanksgiving. May I empty my cluttered mind of the things of this world and stay focused on you. Please speak to me and guide me on the way you want me to go and may I always receive your answer to my prayers.