Tag: Acts of the Apostles

Day 40: Acts 26-28 (NEW TESTAMENT 90)

On By pastorjonathanIn DevotionalLeave a comment

Today’s reading comes from Acts 26-28 follow the link provided here to read the ESV online.

Certainly Paul had a testimony to share and he wasn’t afraid to share it. Jesus made a noticeable difference in his life.  So much so, that Paul went from being the persecutor to being persecuted! So when people asked, “Hey what’s the deal?” He had a message to share.

We may not all have a testimony like the Apostle Paul, but those of us who are in Christ do have a story to tell about how Jesus changed our lives. If we are intentional we might just find a few opportunities to share with the earnest desire that God would change others the same way that he changed us (Acts 26:28-29).

A few years ago, I went on a mission trip and we were all challenged to prepare and share our testimony throughout the week.  The idea was that whenever someone asked why we were there, we would share a brief form of our testimony along with a verse or two of scripture. One of the people working where we were staying asked me if I could talk with them about Jesus. It seemed like this opportunity came out of the blue until I got to talking with her more.  She said that every time she would ask someone from our group what they were doing here, they would tell her about how Jesus had really changed their life and they wanted that for other people too. After several stories she realized that we were all together, but she also realized that we have all individually  had some sort of life changing experience involving Jesus. She wondered if Jesus had  changed all of our lives, perhaps he was worth checking into.”

My takeaway and challenge today is to revisit my testimony that I tried to write in 100 words or less. Pray that God might use me to share my faith with someone this week. Then see how many people I can share a simple and brief testimony with.

FATHER, Thank you for Jesus and how He has changed my life. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead stands at the center of history but it also stands in the center of my life. I pray that we would be bold in our witness for you this week. I know that there are many who have yet to hear how they can enjoy your grace, love and forgiveness through Jesus. I pray that this week we would be able to share with as many as you give us opportunity in the hope that perhaps you would change their life the same way you changed our. Thank you for the great responsibility of leadership. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.

What did you take away from today’s reading? What are your thoughts or questions? Feel free to comment below and enter the discussion.

Find out about New Testament 90 – Here

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Acts 1: The Blessing of Obedience

On By pastorjonathanIn Devotional, Ministry, MissionsLeave a comment

The book of Acts or as it is often called, “The Acts of the Apostles” is actually all about the Lord Jesus Christ. We see here in the first chapter that The Lord has risen from the dead and ascended into Heaven. Before he leaves he gives the Apostles the charge to be witnesses (specifically of his resurrection) all over the world beginning in Jerusalem (See Acts 1:8).

This is where it gets interesting. The disciples aren’t from Jerusalem and Luke the author of Acts wants you to know that... Indeed two verses later (Acts 1:10) the angels address the Apostles as “Men of Galilee.” Then again just a few verses later the narrator (Luke) reminds the reader that the Apostles are not from Jerusalem because they went back to a room “where they were staying” (Acts 1:13).

I think this is important because Jesus has commanded them to wait there in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come upon them (Acts 1:4). It seems like the natural bent of the disciples would not have been to stay in Jerusalem but head somewhere else (perhaps Galilee… Home). But never the less at the Lord’s command they stay, waiting for the Holy Spirit.

This reminds me of Luke 5:1-11 where Jesus first calls some of his disciples. He tells them to push back out into the water and fish again. Their natural inclination is not to do it…. they want to clean their nets. But never the less, at the word of Jesus they press out and drop the nets and pull in the biggest catch they had ever seen… It is interesting to note that it is just at that point that Jesus tells them that one day they will be fishing for men.

Now here Jesus has told them again to push out of their comfort zone and stay in the city. He will give them the Holy Spirit and they will be his Witnesses starting in the place He told them to go.

Prayer: Father, You are amazing! When these men obeyed you in the small things like casting out a net or staying in the city, you rewarded them with a real relationship with You and you invited them to be your witnesses all over the world. Today I’m reminded to be obedient to you in even the seemingly small things. I want my priorities to be a true reflection of your will. I surrender to you. Today I’m seeking YOUR Kingdom, YOUR Will and I give YOU my obedience. Help me to not to put confidence in the flesh, but trust your wisdom.