Daily Devotional

Scripture: Romans 1:[17] For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Observation: Do I live by faith? I wish I did. Today God has asked me to set up a table at Oceanside Pier to pray with those who need prayer. I will go, but I’m afraid and it is only due to the lack of faith I have. God is with me and I know this is His will so I should be full of joy at the chance to honor Him.

Application: I think and worry so much for no reason and it is all do to the lack of faith I have. I need to look at each day the way God has intended it to be and search for ways to do His will. Today is an opportunity to honor God and fulfill the purpose I have been created for.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me this day and give me courage. Increase my faith and show me favor today that I will be and do what you are calling me to do. Keep my eyes open and let me see what you see.

Scripture: Acts 28:[31] Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation: That’s how I want to preach the gospel and yet I barely speak of my Lord and Savior. I find myself afraid at times to tell others how Jesus has touched my life and how He wants to touch theirs. I will have an opportunity today and next week to step out in faith and boldly proclaim the gospel.

Application: I’m coming to the end of my race and I need to finish well. Take the opportunities to tell others the good news and trust God that He will guide me. To have my eyes set on the finish line and the prize of using the talents and gifts God has given me for His purpose.

Prayer: Dear Lord fill me with the Holy Spirit today and that my testimony will touch the life of someone you love. Use me today and everyday You desire me to be here for your glory and not mine.

Scripture: Acts 27: [20] When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

Observation: Most of my life I gave up hope, if I even had any in the first place. I didn’t even know about being saved I thought I was here all alone. I wanted to perish, life here was too hard and hurt so bad. I was headed for doom and couldn’t take it anymore, I had no hope.

Application: Jesus changed this for me and gave me hope and showed me the way out of my pain and hopelessness. I know He is asking me to guide others to Him so they may be able to live a life of fullness.

Prayer: My Lord guide me and show me how to touch others in your name. Use me tomorrow to give someone who has lost hope a chance to speak with you and that you would comfort them as you did me.

Scripture: Acts 26: [16] `Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.

Observation: Jesus as appointed me to be a servant. He has saved me and gave me a testimony to share with others to bring them close to Him. I did not see Jesus with my eyes, but I have seen Him through the things He has saved me from. He has always been there for me and I need to be a witness to others of His great love.

Application: To make a stronger effort to reach out to others in His name. To continue to write to churches about my testimony and book, to do more outreaches and to obey what He has called me to do.

Prayer: Dear Lord guide me through each day and direct me on the path you have chosen for me. Help me be obedient to you for you are worthy of all my love, praise and obedience.

Scripture: Acts 25: [19] Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.

Observation: Do I claim before others that Jesus is alive? I know He is because He is with me every day. I feel and know His presence and He guides me through this life, so I know the truth, what is stopping me from telling others that Jesus is alive?

Application: I need to step out and proclaim what I know about my Lord and the love He has for me and everyone and that He has risen. Tell others how wonderful it is to live with Jesus in my life and share with them that He wants to walk with them.

Prayer: Dear Lord thank you for always being there for me and show me how to tell others that you are right here. Show me how to spread the gospel of your love and be the man you call me to be.

Scripture: Acts 24: [16] So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Observation: I’m not sure if I make a deliberate attempt to keep my conscience clear. This would mean I would have to think before I speak and act. That people shouldn’t find fault with my actions because they would be pure.

Application: Think on how I’m honoring God with what I do and say. Make sure I look out for the needs and feelings of others and that my life reflects God’s love. Plan on how to handle situations that come up so I act in a way that is honoring to God.

Prayer: Dear Lord take this self-centerness away from me and replace it with a heart of love. Help me do things that I won’t feel sorry for later and that I will please you today.

Scripture: Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

Observation: Do I have the courage to testify about my Lord? When it is easy with little or no confrontation there’s no problem but when it takes effort I’m not as willing. It’s easy to testify in front of believers it makes me look holy, but then they already know Him.

Application: God has put on my heart to set up a prayer table at the pier to testify and to draw others closer to Him, but I don’t have the courage to do it. I need to step out of my comfort zone and get busy on doing what God has called me to do, to spread the word of His love and salvation.

Prayer: Dear Father give me courage and take this laziness away and give me courage and wisdom to fulfill the purpose you have created me for. Use me to testify of your love and Jesus’ saving grace.