VERSE: Acts 2:38–Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. TRUTH: What does it mean to “be saved” or “give your heart to God?” These phrases are often used in churches and yet people don’t always know what they mean. Peter, very simply, indicates that people are to repent, which means to confess the wrongs they have done to God. God promises to forgive us when we do (1 John 1:9) and then after that, two things are to happen. We are to be baptized…

VERSE: Acts 1:14–These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. TRUTH: The early church had just witnessed Jesus ascending to heaven. Now they retreated to a room to pray. What is the secret to the people in a church being all of the same mind? Prayer. The believers spent their time together in prayer. We should never underestimate the power of corporate prayer, not only for the answers received, but also for the unifying sense of purpose and vision to follow God. Are we making it a priority to meet with others for…

VERSE: Proverbs 31:8–Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. TRUTH: What are we using our mouths for? Do we speak up for those who have no voice? Are we defending those who are less fortunate? We must be aware of those who are around us and speak up for and defend those who do not have a way to speak up and defend themselves. RESPONSE: Father, I want to use my mouth today for good. I know I have a responsibility to speak up for the rights of the unfortunate who do not have a voice. Give me the boldness to follow You in…

VERSE: Proverbs 30:5–Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. TRUTH: We can trust in God’s Word. He tells us that His Word has been tested. More than that, it is a protection and shield if we will choose to hide and take refuge in Him. The Lord will protect us and we can trust Him because He has said He will do that. However, we must choose to take refuge in Him. Are we relying on His protection or are we trying to build our own? RESPONSE: Father, I will rest in Your promises today. Your Word is true, You…

VERSE: Proverbs 29:11–A fool loses his temper, but a wise man hold it back. TRUTH: Do you fly off the handle? Are you known for getting upset and angry at the drop of a hat? The Bible indicates that this type of immediate reaction to our emotions is the response of a fool. We must learn to restrain our responses to situations that frustrate us for that shows wisdom on our part. Are we going to react in anger to every little thing or are we going to wait and evaluate before we allow our emotions to dictate our actions? RESPONSE: Father, I praise You for Your level of restraint and…

VERSE: Proverbs 28:23–He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue. TRUTH: Are we honest with people? When we are asked an opinion, do we share honestly, with compassion, the truth or do we lie sometimes just to spare someone’s feelings? Sharing the truth out of compassion and a desire to see someone improve is the way to go, even though it may seem difficult. At the time, they may not appreciate it, but the verse indicates that eventually that person who was honest finds more favor than the person who just says what they think a person wants to hear. VERSE:…

VERSE: Proverbs 27:2–Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. TRUTH: Pride tells us to boast and brag on ourselves. However, the advice here is to not spend time sharing and boasting about ourselves. Others who have seen our deeds are to be the ones who speak our praises. Our own boastful pride only serves to lift up ourselves where humility serves to glorify God in everything because He is responsible for all that we are able to do. RESPONSE: Father, thank You for whatever praise and blessing You choose to bestow. I will only seek to obey You and will not…

VERSE: Proverbs 26:18-19–Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Was I not joking?” TRUTH: It can be so easy to make jokes about situations and people, especially to try and deflect attention when we’ve been caught doing something we’re not supposed to do. But if we have been deceptive and lied to others, we’re only making the situation worse if we try to make a mean joke about the situation. If we get caught lying, don’t try to bring death to others by joking in a mean manner. RESPONSE: Father, help my words to be focused and simple,…

VERSE: Proverbs 25:21–If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. TRUTH: Do I make a conscious decision to help me enemy? Am I looking for a way to ease the pain of those who hate me? The Lord tells us that we are to meet the needs of everyone, including those we would call our enemies. Father, please forgive me for my selfish and sinful attitude toward those who do not like me or who have hurt me. Give me Your strength and compassion to love and show love to all who are seeking evil toward me.

VERSE: Proverbs 24:17–Do not rejoice when your enemy falls and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles. TRUTH: We are never to rejoice when we see people around stumble and fall. Seeing our enemy going through difficulty is not to be cause for celebration for us. Our desire is for all to come to Jesus and be changed, not to delight in vengeance and retribution. RESPONSE: Lord, I pray You will give me a heart of one who loves You and desires to see people come to You. I pray You will rescue all people and bring them to yourself. Give me a heart of compassion for…