When the Lord knocked Saul of Tarsus to the ground while on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, Jesus said to him, “Why  do you keep kicking against the goads?”

How long had the Lord dealt with Saul?  How long have you been praying for someone who needs to give in to the Lord and His ways?

As much damage as Saul seemed to have done to God’s Kingdom, he superseded that by the great good he did.  Don’t give up.  Keep believing, keep praying.  It will happen quickly.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, forgive us for not being patient to see you apprehend the ones we love.  Come quickly, Lord Jesus, and do Your mighty work.

DAILY READING:  Lev. 21,22  ;  Acts 25,26

God’s criteria for being separated from the Egyptian and Canaanite cultures was primarily expressed by His standards for sexual conduct … the dos and don’ts of sexual practice.

Our culture is so saturated with sexual pressure to violate God’s standards for sex.  When the Israelites violated His standards, He caused the land to “vomit them out.”  Although we don’t merit salvation by fulfilling the works of the law, we do gain insight into what is sin and what pleases God.  We are not legalists, but we do want to be God pleasers.  He gives us the power to please Him as we are Spirit led, Word indwelt, and grace empowered.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in heaven, by the strength You give us through Christ Jesus, help us please You today in every word, thought, and deed.  We want You, not the pleasures of this life.

DAILY READING:  Lev. 18-20;  Acts 24

Physical pain in your body, deeply distressing relationship conflicts, ongoing life issue challenges … all these are experiences in life that can be described as suffering.

When considering the suffering experienced by Paul and other New Testament Christians, we are reminded that Christ suffered for us.  Paul associated his sufferings with those of Christ Jesus to make him mindful when he termed them “The fellowship of His sufferings.”  (Phil. 3:10)  Through this remembrance and association, he more completely knew his Savior.

Let’s transform our reaction to suffering and know Christ more deeply.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, forgive me for complaining about the times in my life when I experience hardship.  I remember You, and want to draw closer to You today.  Reveal Yourself to me.

DAILY READING:  Lev. 17.  Acts 21-23

Paul knew he would lose his life for the Lord’s purposes.  He declared to the Ephesians, “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. (Acts20:24)

Near the end of life, we can truly focus on the reasons for living that matter most to us.  Regardless of where we find ourselves in life’s journey, it pays to ask ourselves, “What is my aim in life?” [If you aim at nothing, you will surely hit it]

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, help me to live with focus and purpose today.

DAILY READING:  Lev. 15,16;  Acts 20

Paul’s boldness in wanting to stand before a dangerous and riotous crowd in Ephesus (Acts 19) is impressive.  The man had no fear, and was primarily concerned with having a chance to declare the truth of Christ to whomever he met.

Through the imputed righteousness of Christ, we too can walk with a Godly boldness that accepts all challenges and rests in a confidence that the Lord will protect us.

“The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteousness are as bold as a lion.”  (Pr. 28:1)

DAILY PRAYER:  Through You, Lord, we are more than fit for any challenge that confronts us today.  Thank You for strength to live life for Your purposes.

DAILY READING:  Lev. 13,14;  Acts 19

Paul could always be found at the Synagogue on the Sabbath whenever he visited a new city.  It was his custom, his habit.

Healthy church attendance habits are formed in the home.  His mother probably deserves credit for this earmark of the Apostle’s life.  Cultivating a love for God’s house and the church can be a wonderful lifelong gift to children.

“Forsake not the gathering of yourselves together…” Heb. 10:25

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in heaven, receive our praise and love as we fellowship together with your children today in Your House.

DAILY READING:  Lev. 10-12;  Acts 18

Moses applied anointing oil to the priests to commission them for service.  Without it, they were not fit for His service.

Paul restates this theme when he declares, “Don’t be filled with wine wherein is excess [it leads to reckless living], but be filled with the Spirit, [then] speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.”  (Eph. 5:18,19)  The anointing oil speaks to us of God’s Holy Spirit.

Seek to be filled with His Spirit daily.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, Your Spirit is a precious and vital element to my spiritual life.  Fill me and use me today.

DAILY READING:  Lev. 7-9;  Acts 17

The expression “Without blemish” is often a criteria for the Old Testament animal offerings required by the Law of Moses.

Since most of us are not FFA (Future Farmers of America) judges, can we apply this standard of acceptability to our attitude as we bring our prayer and praise offerings to the Lord?

The Psalmist said, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight.”  (Ps. 19:14)

DAILY PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, one of my goals in life is to offer a sincere heart to You in all that I do.  Cleanse me, renew me, fill me with Your Spirit today, in the name of Jesus.

DAILY READING:  Lev. 4-6;  Acts 16

Upon considering the detail God clarified to Moses in constructing the Tabernacle for the wilderness, we gain a fresh appreciation for the way he puts saints together to form the Church.

Jesus said, “I will build my church.” (Matt. 16:18)  He is the head of the body, the church. (Col. 1:18)  Paul further declared that we, the body of Christ, are members of this church, into which He placed leaders and elements of its construction and strength. (1 Cor. 12:28)

Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men. (Rev. 21:3)

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, to be a part of Your body, the Church, is significance that awes me.  Thank You for purchasing me by Your blood and placing me where I can serve You most effectively.

DAIILY READING:  Lev. 1-3;  Acts 15

When God passed by Moses after being asked, “Lord, show me Your glory,” He declared that He was “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”  (Ex. 34:6,7)s

This forgiveness was fully expressed to us through Christ Jesus.  As the Father has forgiven us, let us also be forgivers.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, You have forgiven me so much. Let Your forgiveness and love flow through me today to all around me.

DAILY READING:  Ex. 38-40;  Acts 14