Daily Devotional

Scripture: Acts 8: [29] The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Observation: I’ve heard God direct me and have listened some of the time. The other times I would make excuses that it wasn’t the Spirit, I was busy or just ignored what I heard. However the times that I listened I was blessed, because I was doing what God had asked me, so why don’t I listen all of the time? What is it about me that I want to either be rebellious or just do things my way.

Application: I belong to God. He has created me, He is my Master and He knows what is best for me. I need to listen more attentively to His voice and do what He commands me to do. God doesn’t request he commands. There should never be a choice, if God speaks to me through the Holy Spirit, I do it, no questions asked.

Prayer: My God, my Master command your servant and speak to me. May I never disobey you again, may I complete the mission you have sent me on with joy and thanksgiving, that you would consider me worthy of doing anything in your great name.

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: There isn’t a lot written about Stephen, but what there is, is God honoring. When they gave him the responsibility for the Greek widows he took it, never passed on an opportunity to share the gospel, even to the point where the Pharisees framed him and then during the interrogation he didn’t back down, but spoke boldly. When they took him out to stone him because of his faith he asked God to forgive those that were putting him to death. I think it’s interesting also that it is written that he fell asleep, I’m guessing because he was at peace and knew where he was going.

Application: Stephen was an example of a man I would like to be like. To stand firm in my convictions without wavering and to go out and make a difference. Then to treat those who have wronged me with such love instead of wanting revenge is beyond my understanding. My goal is to be like Jesus and I don’t think that will be a goal I’ll reach before going to meet him, but Stephen did. What a welcome he must have gotten.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me be like you. Give me the heart, courage and compassion of Stephen. Help me live my life in a way that when the time comes to go home that I will see You standing at the right hand of the Father.

Scripture: Acts 6 [2] So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

Observation: I don’t believe Peter was putting down waiting tables, but that was not what God designed him to do, he was to preach and minister to others. Me on the other hand was created to wait on tables, my gifting was food and organization of those type of events. Yesterday Teri and I did a fund raiser Pasta Dinner. To us it’s nothing since that is what we are gifted to do and we have a tendency to take this gift for granted. Most people that can do something simply just think everyone can, but that’s not the way everyone is gifted.

Application: I need to understand and appreciate the gifts I was given by God and not to look at others and wish I had their gifting. I need to use those talents in God’s service and when I do that He will get the glory. Yesterday after the dinner they called me in and everyone applauded. I pointed to heaven and said He gets the glory, but I could have done so much more. I could have stopped and explained to everyone how God should be getting the applause and not me, because none of us can do anything without Him, but unfortunately I didn’t.

Prayer: Dear Lord show me how to give you the glory by the gifts you have given me. Give me guidance on what to do and help me do it. I owe you everything and there is nothing I have that you haven’t given to me. May my life reflect the love I have for you.

Scripture: Acts 5: [42] Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Observation: It is on a rare occasion that I take an opportunity to proclaim Jesus to anyone, let alone each day. On those rare occasions I feel as if I have done God a favor instead of doing what I was created to do. I’m commanded to spread the gospel throughout the world, to be like Jesus and to do the Father’s will. I never did what I was told as a child and haven’t come much further.

Application: Spreading the gospel is my full time job everything else should take a back seat, instead of doing when I feel comfortable doing it. I need to take chances and speak up and to live a life that is worthy of my Lord. I’m here for only a short while longer and have done so little, I need to step up my commitment to my Lord and be obedient in this life so I’m welcomed into my eternal home.

Prayer: Dear Lord your servant is lazy and selfish. Help me do what you created me to do. Give me the boldness I will need to stand and speak to others about your love and salvation. Take this laziness from your servant and give me strength to do your will.

Scripture: Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Observation: I’ve been reading a lot of how the Holy Spirit will guide us if we will let Him. He is the one that will put the words in our mouth at the right time to proclaim our Lord, He will give us the boldness we will need to stand up from opposition, He is our courage and our wisdom to make it through this life with righteousness. So why do I keep trying to do it on my own? Especially since I fail so miserably at times. Is it too much pride or not enough faith?

Application: I need to pray each day for a filling of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide me each day. I need to die to myself and live for Christ. The Father has given the Holy Spirit so we can live a life pleasing to Him and He knew we couldn’t do it on our own. I need to depend on the Holy Spirit, He doesn’t serve me, I serve Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord fill me with the Holy Spirit and take away my arrogance, thinking I can live this life on my own. Humble your servant that I will submit to your will and desire and come home honoring you.

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: I always wanted to take credit for things and get others approval. Even now I will be helping out at a spaghetti dinner and a father and daughter breakfast and I want to be praised for it. I shouldn’t even be here, after several suicide attempts, but God watched over me. Any ability I have comes from God and anything I own is because God allows me to have it. Anything that I do that might be praiseworthy needs to be directed to the only one that deserves our praise, Jesus.

Application: I need to put myself in place and realize who I am and then remember who Jesus is. I am a lowly servant to the King of Kings and others should know that. I should be giving all the credit to God and humble myself in the face of others and pointing them to my God.

Prayer: Dear Lord forgive me for my arrogance I show in front of people. May I not look for praise, but look for opportunities to give you the praise. Help guide me in anything that I do that is good and show others your love in my deeds.

Scripture: Acts 2: [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Observation: I go to a home fellowship on Wednesday nights, but several times I have made excuses why I wouldn’t be there. Instead of looking forward to being with God’s children I’d rather be home doing nothing. If I have an opportunity to miss church when I’m not serving I will take it. When I’m with my brethren I feel good and enjoy their company and grow closer to God and learn something I didn’t know, so why do I balk at opportunities to be together?

Application: I need to find more opportunities to be with other Christians. I should find other ministries to belong to and get off the couch. There is a men’s ministry on Monday nights that I should be going to but don’t and there are plenty of other ministries at our church and if there is one missing maybe I should be the one to start it. God said it is not good that man should be alone and I believe He was talking about more than being with a woman.

Prayer: Dear Lord give me the discipline to journey out beyond my comfort zone and get involved with your children. Help me grow into the man you desire me to be and not become stagnant as a Christian. Help me reach out to others and be more of a part of my church home.