Paul’s commitment  to his mission was exemplary. With little regard for his own well-being, he was even willing to appear before the angry mob at Ephesus to preach. Held back by the disciples, it was clear that his message had stirred up the entire city. Such was his modus operandi wherever he went.

He summed up his existence by saying, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the example Paul gave us of a life dedicated to Your purposes. Give us the grace to likewise fulfill Your will in our lives. We give You this day.

DAILY READING: Acts 18-20

While seeking a place to pray, Paul and Silas went to the river outside Philippi where they found a group of women gathered. As always, they began sharing their message about God’s salvation through grace. Lydia was one who responded because the Lord opened her heart to hear and receive the message. Consequently, she and members of her household were baptized. She even opened her home to the apostles as an act of hospitality.

To adopt Paul’s pattern, we share in faith and God opens hearts to receive and respond.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, today give me the opportunity to share the message of Your Great Salvation to someone. Open their hearts to receive and respond. In Jesus’ name.

DAILY READING: Acts 15-17

In Lystra, Paul was stoned and left for dead outside the  city gates for risking all to carry the message God had given him. Fortunately, there was a group of believers who put him in the middle of a prayer circle. He miraculously got up and proceeded on his way, once again endangering his life because of his dedication to the  message.

His existence was filled with persecution, stonings, beatings,imprisonments, and yet he counted it all nothing compared to the excellency of knowing Christ.

We have this supreme privilege … to know Christ and His power.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we need the power of Your Holy Spirit the way Paul did. We hereby dedicate ourselves to proclaiming the Gospel whenever and wherever we can.

DAILY READING: Acts 12-14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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