Monthly Archives: June 2016

The Power of God

God’s great power was on display through Phillip while he was in Samaria, preaching about the Messiah. People were delivered from impure spirits and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.

A sorcerer named Simon coveted this same power to be in his life. Peter declared that Simon’s heart was not right before the Lord because of sin. He thereby asked for prayer to be made right.

God’s power is available to those whose hearts are right.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, cleanse my heart and use me with Your Power. I want to be Your hand extended to those in need.

DAILY READING:  Acts 8-11

Steven’s Wise Words

Upon being challenged by the religious leaders of his day for preaching about Jesus, Steven delivered an exemplary apologetic message addressing God’s plan to reveal a Messiah. Scripture says they could not stand against the wisdom of the words God’s Spirit gave him as he spoke.

Acts 7 records his amazing defense of the Gospel, and inspires us to likewise open our mouths to witness of Christ and His power.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we want to speak wisely and boldly about You. As we speak, give us wise words to minister Your Spirit to our hearers.

DAILY READING: Acts 6,7

Peter’s Boldness

The disciple who denied he knew Jesus when questioned by incidental people before Christ’s resurrection became a mighty witness after being endued with the power of the Holy Ghost. Peter and his associates boldly stood up to every official who challenged them about teaching in the name of Jesus. It was said they “Filled Jerusalem” with this teaching.

The same Holy Spirit is available today. Let us, like Peter, boldly share God’s power and pray for great miracles in the name of Jesus.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, the way You transformed Peter, so fill us with the same zeal and forthrightness to proclaim Your Kingdom here among men.

DAILY READING: Acts 3-5

 

God’s Choosing

When the disciples determined to replace Judas who had betrayed the Lord, they nominated two men who were obviously qualified. Then, they essentially drew straws to allow God’s providence to select the one to succeed Judas. It was Matthias.

God already knows who he wants to serve in positions of leadership. Prayerful consideration should be given to such choices. God can make His will to be known.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, in the critical choices we make for leadership positions, make apparent to us the one of Your choosing. We will posture ourselves in faith.

DAILY READING: Acts 1,2

What do you need?

After He had ascended, Jesus called out to His disciples who were fishing, “Friends, don’t you have any fish?” To their reply of, “No,” He simply declared, “Throw your net on the RIGHT side of the boat.” (Either He knew where the fish were, or He supernaturally arranged for them all to quickly BE THERE)

Whatever you need, or have been searching for, Jesus knows about it. What’s more, He knows exactly where it is. Begin dialoguing with Him and respond to His search instructions.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, to whom can we turn when we have a need? You are our Provider. You are our Sufficiency. You are our All in All.

DAILY READING: John 20,21

Ridiculous Choice!

When Pilate asked the Jews which prisoner they wanted to be released as was the Passover custom, they cried, “Give us Barabbas.” Here was the Son of God Himself being offered, in Whom was found NO FAULT, yet the people’s choice was a common criminal.

The choices people make for political leaders is often just as confusing. Why they choose criminals over Godliness is perplexing. Yet, God’s divine plan was executed none the less.

Trust God.

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, although we don’t understand many of the events happening around us, we will faithfully hold to Your plan and trust You for our future.

DAILY READING: John 18,19

Protected!

As Jesus prayed to His Father in Heaven for the ones who believed in Him, He requested that they be protected while here without His physical presence. He had done His job as a Shepherd, but was being removed from His sheep. He said, “Father, protect them by the power of Your name.”

We have the promise that no weapon formed against us will prosper. We are held as the apple of His eye. We are hidden in the secret place of the Most High. We rest under the shadow of the Almighty.

Merely obey Jesus who said, “Abide in Me.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we are the sheep of Your pasture. Keep us safe in a world where much danger abounds. We trust in Your protection. Keep us with You forever.

DAILY READING:  John 15-17

Pray for Open Eyes

Although Jesus did many miracles among the Jews, considerable unbelief still existed because, as Isaiah had prophesied, “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts.” Strange as it may sound, it’s as if God Himself is responsible for their unbelief.

In that He is not willing that any perish, our role can be seen to pray to Him that their eyes be opened to see Christ as Savior, and that their hearts be softened to receive the faith necessary to accept Him.

Hence, we pray for the lost with renewed impetus.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, for those we see and know that are not in the fold, we pray specifically that their eyes and hearts become opened to see their need of a Savior.

DAILY READING: John 12-14

His Sheep Follow Him

“…because they know His voice.” Lazarus was four days dead, yet when he heard the voice of Jesus say, “Lazarus, come forth,” he responded to the voice of the shepherd.

Living this life following the voice of the Shepherd is the best way to live it. The Lord will speak to you and give you direction if you’ll listen. He’s your shepherd and wants to lead you into green pastures and beside still waters. He wants to restore your soul and provide for your every need.

He’s the Good Shepherd.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, you are my Shepherd and I shall not have want for anything I really need. I want to hear Your voice all the time and be led by You through this life.

DAILY READING: John 10,11

It is Still Day

In the context of healing a blind man, Jesus made the statement, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

We have opportunities to pray for people, witness to them, and display to the world around us how God’s Kingdom operates. While we still have the opportunity, let’s commence to do the works we should be doing as Ambassadors for Christ.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, today I will look for opportunities to show Your power. Grace me to see these opportunities and empower me to pray and obey Your will.

DAILY READING: John 7-9