Saul of Tarsus persecuted the early church, even going from house to house to find Christians to put them in prison.  He talked of murdering the disciples, and thought he was doing the right thing.

While on a mission to Damascus to do the same, he was miraculously confronted by a light from heaven and struck blind.  The Lord Himself spoke to him in a way that would transform his life.

After being healed and taught by disciples in Damascus, he began boldly preaching in the synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God.

The Holy Spirit orchestrated this amazing transformation which happened in a matter of days, and gave us one of God’s greatest champions.

Believe the Lord right now for similar miracles.  He is able.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, forgive us for doubting Your power.  We will actively pray for those who persecute us.  We believe You above all else.

DAILY READING:  Acts 8,9

As Stephen was being stoned to death for upsetting the Sanhedrin by exposing the hypocrisy and religious adversity they demonstrated by crucifying Jesus, he looked up into heaven and saw Jesus at the right hand of God.  He was standing before the authority of men and beheld the Authority of Heaven.  He died at the hand of earthly authority, but was a champion for Heaven’s Authority.

Speaking for God is not always popular, but it needs to be done.

DAILY PRAYER;  Lord, give us Holy Ghost boldness to speak for You today.

DAILY READING:  Acts 6,7

Peter and the disciples displayed amazing boldness when they were called before the religious leaders to be forbidden to teach and heal in the name of Jesus.  Their validation came from seeking to please God rather than fear men.  They were flogged and released when the very wise teacher of the law, Gamaliel, stood and declared that if their movement was of God, it could not be stopped.

Boldly follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as the early disciples did.  Share, pray, believe just like the Spirit-filled followers of Jesus did in the first century.  (Call me and I will bail you out of jail if you get persecuted.)

DAILY PRAYER;  Father in Heaven, fill us with Your Holy Boldness today as You did the early disciples.  We are desperate to see You move today as You did then.

DAILY READING:  Acts 4,5

As Peter addressed his fellow Israelites who were in amazement at the profound miracle that had been performed … the lame beggar “walking and leaping and praising God” …he described the impact Christ should have upon their lives with this phrase, “Times of refreshing.”

Christ’s presence in our lives makes this abundant way of living possible.  The same key today will open the door to a miracle lifestyle: it is in Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him.

Let the times of refreshing happen today.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, I want to walk in the refreshing available through the name of Jesus and the faith He gives.

DAILY READING:  Acts 1-3

Jesus always knew where to go to work the works of the Father in Heaven.  It’s still true today.  In the same way that His disciples heard His voice with their natural ears, we can hear His voice with our spiritual ears, leading us to also do the works of the Heavenly Father.

In the context of His invitation to follow Him, He had just challenged Peter to take care of His lambs and sheep.  The will of God concerns people.  They are to be the object of our love and care, not material items of this world.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, help us, like Peter, to put our focus on the precious lives of the people around us.  We want to do the works of the Heavenly Father today.

DAILY READING;  John, 20,21

So was the prayer of Jesus concerning His disciples.  He desired that His followers would experience the closeness and singleness of purpose He had with His Heavenly Father.  The Psalmist said, “How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

Instead of trying to be different, try to achieve unity with those you are near in the Kingdom of God.  You will thereby fulfill Christ’s desire.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, work Your work in my heart so I can see how I can achieve unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

DAILY READING:  John 17-19

Jesus gave this comfort to His disciples as He described the challenges life would throw at them.  The key, He said, was learning to abide in Him.  Protection, provision, direction, and miracle working power were all freely given to those who would live according to His teachings and keep close communication with Him through prayer.

Yesterday I was able to encourage a young minister by reassuring him that He could trust the Lord’s leading in his life as I have done for over 50 years.  Tears came to his eyes as he soaked up my support and testimony.

It’s the best way to live.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in Heaven, we want to fully abide in Christ Jesus and reap all the benefits made available to us in this glorious salvation.  We will do Your will as You grace us with the power.

DAILY READING:  John 15,16

As Jesus was giving His disciples critical instructions on how to live when He was gone, He gave this over-arching principal, “Love one another … as I have loved you.”  He also declared that the first would be last and the last, first.  As He came among His disciples to serve rather than be served, we can take this cue to live likewise.

Paul echoed this principal when he said we should in honor prefer others above ourselves.

Today, let’s take this step of humility and love so Christ’s love can still impact people.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, forgive us for looking out for ourselves all the time.  We commit to loving others today.

DAILY READING:  John 13,14

The Heavenly Father glorified His name through the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus sought the approval of God rather than the approval of man. We are given the same choice. Paul said if I am seeking the approval of man, I cannot please God.

Through prayer and the daily reading of His Word, God will show you how to please Him.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, more than anything else, we want our lives to please You. Glorify You name through the way we live today.

DAILY READING:  John 11,12

An important criteria for teachers and leaders at Trinity Christian school is that they are born again Christians who know the Lord’s voice. They will not follow another. There are many voices in the earth today trying to destroy God’s precious seed, but nurturing, Christian teachers help develop an ear in our students to likewise hear the Lord’s voice of direction.

Please pray for TCS as we hire new teachers and coaches. The Lord is building His Kingdom.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in Heaven, continue to guide TCS in paths of truth and righteousness for Your names’ sake.

DAILY READING: John 8-10