Category: Daily Devotional

Scripture: Acts 24: [25] As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

Observation: When we know we did something wrong and that we might get punished for it that makes us scared. Even if you’re speeding and you see the flashing blue light behind you, it can make your heart jump into your throat. People don’t want to hear anything bad and they don’t want to be corrected. So when you come up to somebody and tell them the scariest news ever that they maybe going to hell, they’ll change the subject. We don’t want to be uncomfortable, but the truth about Jesus must be heard. God didn’t want anyone to perish, but have eternal life and He wants to use us to spread that word.

Application: I have only one job to preach the word of God and to make people uncomfortable in their sin. I’m here as a light to shine the way to Jesus and eternal life. I’m not here to point out anyone’s shortcomings or sin, but to let them know that they will be judged, as I will for what we do with this life here. I’m responsible for my part, to tell others, whether they accept it or not is up to them.

Prayer: Dear Lord give me the wisdom and courage to speak out to others whether it is comfortable for them or me. May I be a light in this world to shine to others so they may see your love.

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: The Lord is always standing by us, comforting and strengthening us to do His will. Whatever we do in His name, we are not doing alone. Our purpose is to obey God’s will and His will is that we will share the good news and testify of His love to others. God wants none to perish and we have a responsibility to tell others of how they may obtain salvation and have eternal life with our Father.

Application: I need to be focused on my Lord and not this world. My mind is constantly going and worrying about things that don’t matter and not giving enough thought to those things that do. I need to take courage and stop being so afraid in this world and point others ahead to our eternal life with Him.

Prayer: My Lord please give me the courage I’ll need to be the servant you desire me to be. I humbly come before you asking for my orders to do your will. Please make clear what you desire of me and guide me so that I will honor you each day of the life you have given me.

Scripture: Acts 22:10 ” `What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked.
” `Get up,’ the Lord said, `and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’

Observation: I ask God each morning in prayer to guide me in what He desires of me, but most of the time I don’t hear Him. Is God not speaking to me or am I not listening. Maybe I’m only doing the things I desire and pretend not to hear Him when He gives me directions I don’t want to hear. I’ve done that before with people I’ll ask them what they want and if it doesn’t fit into what I want I ignore them.

Application: When I ask God for direction I need to be quiet and patient, then listen for His response. I’m only here because God desires me to be here and He has a purpose. Yesterday I watch Junior Seau’s memorial service and wondered why God allowed him to take his life, yet stopped me on several occasions. God doesn’t just randomly do things without reason and I must still be here to serve Him in some special way.

Prayer: Dear Lord what is it you desire of me. Help me hear you and follow your directions, that I may complete the tasks you set before me. May I complete this journey in glory and honor to you so when I do get to go home you will receive me with open arms.

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.