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Christian Devotional – April 29, 2016
Read Acts chapter 27 VERSE: Acts 27:11–But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. TRUTH: This Roman centurion was tasked with taking the prisoner Paul to Rome. So, he does what every good soldier would do; he listens to sailing advice from the captain of the ship and from the owner of the ship. After all, what would Paul, a tent maker and preacher of the gospel of Jesus, know about sailing? Well, we see that this trip turned into a disaster for sure, just as Paul said it would. When we are seeking advice…
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Christian Devotional – April 28, 2016
Read Acts chapter 26 VERSE: Acts 26:29–Paul replied, “Short time or long–I pray to God that not only you, but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” TRUTH: Paul is giving his testimony to the political leaders of the area, King Agrippa and Festus. He shares his entire story of his life before Christ, how he met Christ, and what his life has been like since having Christ in it. This is all our testimony is. When we have experience Christ in our lives, we can explain to others what our life before Christ was like, how we met Christ and…
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Christian Devotional – April 27, 2016
Read Acts chapter 25 VERSE: Acts 25:19–Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. TRUTH: Festus, the new Roman official in the area was trying to sum up why Paul was in his prison. When he took office, Paul was already in prison and now he was trying to figure out what to do with him. The problem was that he couldn’t figure out why all the Jews were so angry with Paul. He describes the dispute in the above verse. The fact of the matter is that those who are not believers…
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Christian Devotional – April 26, 2016
Read Acts chapter 24 VERSE: Acts 24:16–So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. TRUTH: Paul wanted to be able to have no regrets in what he said and did, or in what he didn’t say and didn’t do. It’s interesting to note that Paul does mention both God and man, but that God is first. So, in the instances when the actions desired would disagree with each other, Paul was going to honor God first of all. He would also continue to honor men whenever and wherever possible, as long as it didn’t contradict his ability to honor God. Would we have a clear…
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Christian Devotional – April 25, 2016
Read Acts chapter 23 VERSE: Acts 23:31–The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” TRUTH: Paul was following God, but in the midst of the difficulties it can be easy to lose sight of that fact and feel discouraged and down. Jesus knew that and He came to Paul and let him know that he could be courageous and realize that God had a plan for all that He is going through and all that he has done. Paul could rest with a renewed hope that he was still exactly where…
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Christian Devotional – April 23, 2016
Read Acts chapter 22 VERSE: Acts 22:21–“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'” TRUTH: Paul is giving a defense for himself and why he has been doing what he has been doing, traveling around all over and sharing about Jesus Christ. Things are going well and the people are listening to him, until he makes this statement. The Jewish people are very set that they are the chosen people of God and that God would never have an interest in anyone else. The very idea that God would send Paul to speak to the Gentiles is preposterous. The Lord will often…
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Christian Devotional – April 22, 2016
Read Acts chapter 21 VERSE: Acts 21:19–Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. TRUTH: Paul has come back to Jerusalem and is giving an account of all that has gone on while he has been away. This was his opportunity to brag and boast about all the miracles and conversions, but see how this is phrased. Paul shared what God had done Paul didn’t take this opportunity to brag and boast about his own situation and actions. Instead, he used the time to boast about the glory and greatness of God and all the mighty works of God that had…
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Christian Devotional – April 21, 2016
Read Acts chapter 20 VERSE: Acts 20:32–Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are satisfied. TRUTH: Paul was giving a farewell speech to several believers that he knew he wouldn’t see again. While he cared for them deeply and had been sharing Christ with them, he now knows that he must leave them over to God’s care. Paul has taught them all they need in order to be able to seek after God themselves, so he commits them to God and to His grace. When we are teaching and training…
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Christian Devotional – April 20, 2016
Read Acts chapter 19 VERSE: Acts 19:15–One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” TRUTH: Some men who were not believers were trying to do the same types of miracles that Paul was doing so they would simply use Paul’s name. This time, the Spirit recognized that they didn’t have the power of Christ in their life and that they had no authority. What would the evil spirit have said to us? Do we live out the power of Jesus Christ in our life or are we trying to make things happen on our own power? Do we try to…
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Christian Devotional – April 19, 2016
Read Acts chapter 18 VERSE: Acts 18:26–He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home an explained to him the way of God more adequately. TRUTH: Discipleship and mentorship are integral parts of the Christian life. As people come to know Jesus, they need to be trained and have someone to answer their questions and talk through their circumstances. Priscila and Aquila both recognized that Apollos was called by God to preach and share, but needed a teacher and mentor, so they stepped in and asked if they could help instruct Apollos. Who was the last person that you…