Category: Daily Devotional

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: I read about Stephen and he must have really pleased God. Willing to serve the widows, strong in faith and a heart for God and others. Most of the time my thoughts are about me whether something I want or worried about what is going to happen to me. It comes down to selfishness and here is a man being killed for our Lord and yet he asked forgiveness for those killing him. I can’t even forgive those that hurt my feelings, I have such a long way to go.

Application: Ask God for a softer and kinder heart. Take the focus off me and focus on pleasing God by obeying what he wants of me. Not to hold a grudge and desire ill of someone but always have a loving heart.

Prayer: Dear Lord the things I desire to be I can’t do on my own. I’m a sinner and a self-centered man and you deserve so much more from me. Continue to change me into the likeness of your son as you did for Stephen. May you be able to look down on me and smile with pride.

Scripture: Acts 6:8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

Observation: I would like to have the faith, courage and power that Stephen had. He must have pleased God so much by the man he chose to be. he was full of God’s grace and power because how he lived. God offers that same grace and power to each one of us but we need to accept it and put God first in our life and stand in faith that we may receive it.

Application: I want to live like Stephen by allowing God to work in my life. The wonders and miracles all are from God, but to be able to do those things we must have faith, even as small as a mustard seed. As I serve God and trust him in all things I will draw nearer and be able to experience the things Stephen did.

Prayer: My Lord increase my faith and give me the heart of Stephen, that when you look down on me it would please you. That you would give me the strength, courage and discipline it will take to live a life like Stephen.

Scripture: Acts 5:39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Observation: If it’s from God you won’t be able to stop it. The things in my life that I do for God will happen if it’s from him. I worry about not being able to fulfill my purpose that God has given me, I become lazy, worry and preoccupied, putting other things before God’s will. Put no matter what God desires to be done it will get done whether through me or someone else. It is my choice whether to be used by God or not.

Application: I do want to honor God with my life. I need to put him first in all that I do, that my purpose is to serve him and glorify his name. Organize my time so that what God wants done is top priority and realize if God wants it down it will get done.

Prayer: Dear God I am you servant, your slave, guide me to the things you desire to be done. Use me please to do these things in your name. Give me the strength, wisdom and courage to do them that I may finish this race well.

Scripture: Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!

Observation: That is my prayer that I will be filled with the Holy Spirit and be able to speak boldly to others about Jesus. I know in my own flesh I can’t do anything good. When I pray if it wasn’t for the Holy Spirit it would just be nonsense.

Application: I want the Holy Spirit to rule my life and to take charge of it. To pray for the anointing of the Spirit in my life and that the words I speak are His. I want to fulfill my purpose but I know I can’t do it myself, it will take divine intervention of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Dear Lord fill me, baptize me in the Holy Spirit and have your way with me. Use me to touch the lives of others in your name that I will honor and glorify your name by the man I become through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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: By faith in the name of Jesus there is nothing impossible and there is nothing so minor that He doesn’t reach out. It was by faith in Jesus that I was healed of a depression that kept me captive most of my life, by Jesus I have not only be restored but blessed each day, by His name I make it through each day and am guided by the Holy Spirit which was given me when I proclaimed Jesus as Lord and Savior. My faith should be huge for all the Jesus has done for me, but yet each day I find something to fear and doubt about.

Application: Stop when I start those feeling of doubt and anxiety and realize who walks with me. Remember all the things in the past that Jesus got me through and that He hasn’t moved, only my lack of faith causes me not to know he’s there.

Prayer: Dear Jesus thank you for not giving up on me even though I continue to give up on myself. Be with me today and open my eyes in how you want to work in my life.

Scripture: Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Observation: Just yesterday in our small group we were discussing the changes we experienced after we received Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The gift of the Holy Spirit was evident in each one of our lives. The Spirit took some things away that were sinful and then added the things of Jesus, love caring, giving, servanthood and others.

Application: It is difficult to live in the Spirit all of the time, but I need to keep trying, because that is the only way to know God’s will. I need to let the Holy Spirit have his way with me and guide me through this life. He makes me feel so close to God He fills my heart and brings me to tears of joy.

Prayer: Dear Lord fill me with the Holy Spirit, baptize me in the Holy Spirit that I may lead a life in glory and honor to you. Take control and use this servant as you desire. May I finish this race well in glory and honor to you.

Scripture: Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth

Observation: I have witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. When the Holy Spirit came on me when I gave my life to Christ changes happened almost immediately. I use to swear constantly and now I can’t even utter a curse word. Certain things touch my heart and I break out in tears, If I hear the Lord’s name used in vain it hurts my heart. I look at things differently I see children, the homeless and elderly in a different light and my heart goes out to them. He gave me peace in my spirit that the man I was, whom I hated now I wouldn’t want to be anyone else.

Application: I need to allow the Holy Spirit to take charge of my life. To ask for a filling of the Holy Spirit and be silent and allow him to guide me through this life each day.

Prayer: Dear Lord fill me with the Holy Spirit and take charge of this servant of yours. Open my eyes to see the direction you desire for me and show me how to fulfill the purpose you have created me for.