A Life In Christ

Think about Paul’s life in Christ. It was no day at the beach. Yet, his love for the Lord is unquestionable. What has God purposed for you to do? What hinders you from doing it?

I like to say that following Christ is easy and difficult. It’s easy because all you have to do is say no to anything God has told you not to do. It’s difficult because actually saying no is challenging. The only way to have a right relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit is to read your Bible daily, pray daily, and surround yourself with mature Christians. 

If you are not doing those three things with a focus on and a passion for Christ, you’re in danger (1 Peter 5:8) here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 22:17-21

17 “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’
19 “‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you.20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’

21 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”

Today’s Reading:

Acts 22

Believer Beware

This chapter in Acts reminds us that people can be easily manipulated. It was that way in Paul’s time and, unfortunately, it is that way today. Therefore you must beware as you walk with Christ. 

Jesus does not protect you from being falsely accused or being mistreated. He protects you from the consequences. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo were not protected from being thrown in the fire. Daniel was not protected from being thrown in the lion’s den. Paul was not protected from being stoned and flogged. And Jesus was not protected from going to the cross. They all endured the “punishment” and continued to serve God. 

We learn towards the end of Hebrews that some faithful believers will succumb to their “punishment” here on earth but a greater reward awaits them in an eternal life with God the Father. This is the ultimate protection from the consequences of being mistreated by others. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 21:27-29

27 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.”29 (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)

Today’s Reading:

Acts 21

“He said WHAT?!”

Paul is a man who endured hardship. But what stands out to me is his willingness to serve God knowing full well that trouble and hardship awaited him. 

I am blessed to talk to many people. One thing that I notice is people try to avoid righteous discomfort. They have convinced themselves that a life in Christ must be a life in comfort. Paul’s words in this passage speak directly against that. He knew that as he shared the gospel, hardship awaited. 

What’s holding you back from seeking Christ wholeheartedly? Ask God to remove the comfort that keeps you “safe,” but fruitless. He will do it and the result will be you living a fruitful life in Christ. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 20:22-24

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, 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.”

Today’s Reading:

Acts 20

Mob Mentality

As I read verse thirty-two of this chapter, I thought about the concept of a mob mentality. People in the group did not know why they were doing what they were doing. It is possible that if they thought about what was happening, they may have realized it was not something they agreed with. Subsequently, they may not have eagerly participated in that event. 

We must be careful not to follow the crowd simply because a “new” teaching has come in Jesus’ name. God calls us to test teachings and see if they hold up next to the Word. 

When we do that we are far less likely to get caught following something that leads us away from Jesus Christ and how He has called us to live. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 19:32

32 The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 19

Be Teachable

This passage packs a great lesson, even with your extensive knowledge, you can learn more. Apollos was sharing well, but there was still more he needed to learn. Instead of taking the position of a “know it all,” he availed himself to people who loved the Lord and had more knowledge than he.

Are you teachable? No matter how knowledgeable we are on a subject, we can still learn from others. I cannot tell you the amount of things I learn from my students at the school where I teach. By taking a humble attitude with me daily, I’ve been able to grow in knowledge about things that have helped me better interact with my students. God has used this to open doors and soften hearts for me to share Him. 

If you want to grow in your faith, be teachable. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 18:26

26 (Apollos) began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 18

Reason Don’t Argue

Have you ever argued with someone about Christ or heard people argue about Christ? I have. Reading Acts 17 is a gentle reminder that there are different types of people around the world. How you approach them matters. 

In this chapter, Paul visits three distinctly different cities, yet he was able to impact people in all three cities. Why? Because he “reasoned” with them, he did not argue with them. 

The word reason, in this context, means dialogue. In other words, he had a conversation with people. He shared the word and listened to what they had to say. This is how we must be as well. 

With the volume of Christian content I post, it makes sense that I get plenty of “push back.” When it comes, I never argue. I ask pointed questions to gain clarification and if a person is set in their ways, I accept that God will do in their lives as He wills as they allow.

Here’s a hard truth, other people’s salvation is not in your hands. You must share the gospel and live a life for Christ, but it is God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit that brings salvation. But ultimately each person must receive salvation by their choice. Remember that. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 17:2-3

2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 17

When Trouble Comes

In his gospel, John records Jesus saying, “In this world you will have trouble…” I marvel at the number of professed believers who fall apart at the sign of trouble. Instead of leaning into their faith, they question the validity of it. This is no faith at all. 

On the contrary, we read in this passage that when Paul and Silas faced trouble they “sang hymns.” What’s notable about their response to trouble is that people were watching. This is true for your life as well. 

People are watching you when trouble comes your way, especially not of your own doing. You will not get a second chance to have a Christ-like response to a situation. Therefore keep your focus on Christ. Trust that God already has the solution to your issue. 

But note, when you walk yourself into the trouble because of poor decision making, consequences will follow. We see nothing to the contrary in the Word. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 16:25

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 16

Right & Wrong In The Lord

Is it possible to be right and wrong at the same time? This passage in Acts has me thinking it is. Paul does not want John Mark to accompany Barnabas and him on the next phase of their ministry. It gets so bad that the two part ways. 

In later letters from Paul, we learn that Paul sends for John Mark because Paul believed John Mark would be beneficial for Paul to have with him. 

Was Paul right to exclude John Mark from the ministry, while simultaneously being wrong to exclude him based on the potential to change? That’s a question for the Lord to answer. But it is certainly worth pondering.

Are you faced with a difficult decision? Seek the Lord. He will give you wisdom to make a decision that honors Him. If you are unsure of how to discern the voice of God, increase your Bible study time and eliminate all noise when you are reading. The Holy Spirit will begin teaching you the way of the Lord. This is how you will be able to recognize when God is talking and when He is not the one talking to you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 15:36-38

36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lordand see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 15

The Power Of Prayer

This passage is powerful if you understand what happened. Paul is stoned for his faith. The people believed he was dead so they dragged him out of the city. The disciples gathered around him and he got up.

A few questions: Why did the people believe he was dead? What did the disciples do as they gathered around him? Why did Paul go BACK into the city? 

The answers to each of those questions reveal who God is and how He is in charge of our lives. When we seek to serve Him alone, we give Him space to do the miraculous in and through our lives. 

A few possible answers: Paul may have been dead. His body was certainly lifeless. However, death never has the final say with God. Those who gathered around Paul were praying earnestly for the Lord’s hand to move. God answered their prayer by bringing Paul back to life. And finally, Paul goes back into the city because his work there was not finished. (Remember, these are only possible answers)

Wherever God sends you, go there and do not leave until He calls you out. This includes persecution. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 14:19-20

19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 14

Study The Word Well

This passage is often overlooked by well meaning Pastors and teachers of the Bible. Although it seems to be a small thing, this misrepresentation of the Bible can lead skeptics further away from the Lord.

Many Pastors and teachers of the Word teach that God changed Saul’s name to Paul like He did with Abraham and Jacob. This is not the case. Saul and Paul were his names based on his two citizenships. Saul was his Hebrew name and Paul was his Roman name (I’ve oversimplified this for clarity sake). 

When people say, “God changed his name,” it opens the door for skeptics. Jesus warns us about the dangers of being the reason someone chooses not to believe. Don’t be that person. Study the Word well. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 13:9a

9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul,

Today’s Reading:

Acts 13

Unsung Heroes

When Jesus walked the earth, He had three people He seemed to have a closer relationship with, Peter, John, and James. They accompanied Him during several noteworthy moments. Yet, the first disciple martyred was James. Why didn’t Christ spare His life like we see Him spare Peter’s life in this same chapter? We will not know that answer for certain until we meet Him face to face. 

But here’s what we do know. In Christ there are unsung heroes. There are people who live well for the Father and die in ways that seem “unfair.” How can a loving God allow that to happen? I hear many people say that. The answer is simple, free will. 

We love free will when it allows us to “do what we want.” But we question this gift from God when it results in tragedy for the innocent. As long as man can choose for themselves, we will always see unfortunate events that “make no sense.” Things like James being executed, while Peter is miraculously saved.

This is God’s prerogative. We live in a fallen world full of unsung heroes who face tragedy daily. Let’s share the gospel boldly so we may honor those whose lives are cut short for doing what God has called us to do. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 12:1-2

It was about this time that King Herodarrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 12

Jumping To Conclusions

One of the worst things I do is jump to conclusions before I have heard the entire story. What makes it bad is when I’m wrong and have to adjust my thinking or apologize for my assumption. The wise thing to do is wait until I’ve heard the entire story. 

This is what I thought about as I read Acts 11. The believers jumped to a conclusion with Peter before they knew why he did what he had done. In the end, they had to adjust their thinking AFTER they heard the whole story. 

Do you have the same problem I have of jumping to conclusions? If so, join me in practicing the art of “holding my tongue.” I’ve heard it’s not easy, but it makes for fewer talking missteps.😏 Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 11:1-3; 18

The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Today’s Reading:

Acts 11

Meanwhile…

Life is not one thing happening at one time. God is always orchestrating multiple things at one time. I heard a person say that so many things had to happen for two people to meet and develop a marriage relationship. They used the lives of parents, grandparents, and great grandparents to make their point. 

Things that happened one hundred years ago have an impact on what’s happening in your life today. This is a lesson we can draw from this passage. Cornelius prayed often. In today’s passage we learn that his prayers on this occasion led the Holy Spirit to tell him to send for Peter. 

The men Cornelius sent to Peter were nearing the town. 

Meanwhile…

The Holy Spirit was preparing Peter for the arrival of Cornelius’s men. 

God is always working multiple things, at the same time, to ensure that your faith walk will end in His presence eternally. Instead of trying to figure everything out BEFORE you take the step He’s telling you to take, apply your faith to the moment and trust that He’s already been working “behind the scenes” for this very moment. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 10:30-33

30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothesstood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

Today’s Reading:

Acts 10

No Wasted Lessons In Christ

Acts 9 is full of faith growth opportunities. As I read this chapter I encountered several passages that moved me. The conversion of Saul, the interaction between Ananias and God (Word Wednesday coming soon), and the response of Barnabas to the people’s rejection of Saul to name a few.

This morning, I want to focus on how God raised Dorcas from the dead through Peter. I noticed that Peter’s actions in the room were similar to the actions of Jesus when He healed Jairus’ daughter. I was reminded that Peter was in the room when Jesus performed that miracle. When it became time for him to perform a miracle, he simply did what he saw Jesus do. 

It is important for us to learn from Jesus, then put into action what we learned. God did not create us to only learn about Him. He created us for good works. If you’re not focused on living a life 100% for Jesus, your life is meaningless. There are no wasted lessons in Christ. We must put into action the lessons we learn from God. 

As you read the book of Acts, you may notice that many of the miracles Jesus did as recorded in the gospels, the apostles also did. Remember, before He returned to Heaven, Jesus told His disciples that they would perform greater miracles than He did. Another kept promise. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 9:40-41

40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 9

Why Not In America

Believers around the world experience miracles frequently like the ones we read about in Acts 8. Missionaries report about the lame walking, the blind seeing, and much more. Why do we not see these miracles in America? I have a theory. 

I believe we have placed too much value on money. Church leaders care more about keeping the lights on and the doors open than sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and letting God take care of the “bills.” 

Church leadership spend millions of dollars on places of worship while homelessness and hunger run rampant in America. This is happening in the city where I live as well. It’s disheartening. 

This passage is a reminder of how easy it is to think that money can buy the miracles of God. Ask God to reveal if you harbor this attitude in your heart. If you do, ask Him to help you remove it so you may be an effective vessel for His works. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 8:18-20

18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!

Today’s Reading:

Acts 8

God Can Use You

By all accounts, Stephen was a good man full of the Holy Spirit. He was knowledgeable in the Word, corroborated by his accurate account of the Israelites recorded in this chapter. The people’s response to Stephen’s claim was to stone him. 

Notice in this passage that Saul, also called Paul, was there giving full approval of the people stoning Stephen. This man, who would write over half the books in the New Testament, encouraged the death of Stephen, a man full of the Holy Spirit. 

If God can forgive and make whole a man who encouraged the death of a Godly man, He can certainly forgive you of whatever holds you back from accepting what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin.

Stop waiting, accept Christ’s redeeming sacrifice and live your life for Him! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 7:58b

Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 7

Make Disciples

This passage is very meaningful to me. Agape Leaders is in the planning phase of hosting our first discipleship retreat. The purpose of this retreat is to equip believers to be disciples and to have the wisdom and boldness to make disciples. 

Looking at the early church, we can see how important making disciples is. During His time on earth Jesus did it, therefore we must do it. But this requirement to make disciples comes with a promise. Jesus said that He would be with us always, even to the end of the age. 

So go make disciples. If that seems daunting, then help us by sponsoring a student. 
You can text me for more information. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 6:7

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 6

Don’t Seek Comfort

Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, said that most people are not successful because they “seek comfort.” When I heard him say that I was taken back to my sophomore year in high school when I quit the basketball team because the workouts were too hard. In fact, only eight guys stuck it out and played for our school that year. I watched games from the stands regretting my decision to quit. 

Reading this passage reminds me of how I gave up so easily. The apostles could have been like me, but they refused to “seek comfort.” They were thankful for being worthy of suffering disgrace for Jesus Name. 

We need to have that mentality in all areas of our life. Don’t seek comfort. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 5:41-42

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 5

Certainty In Relationship

You may have heard someone say Christianity is not about religion it’s about a relationship. Today’s passage brings that point home in a real sense. 

Peter and John emphatically state that there is no other name given to man by which we can be saved. How did they know that? The next verse gives us the answer, “they had been with Jesus.”

Do you spend time communing with Jesus by reading His word, talking to Him in prayer, and listening to Him in silence? If you answered “no” to any of those questions, you are not in a fruitful relationship with Jesus Christ. 

I am certain of this, whoever you say is your best friend, you spend time with them. You think about them. You look forward to talking to them. You need to do the same with Jesus. 

People who do not believe will never understand until/unless they enter into a relationship with Christ. Until that time, the god of this age will keep them blinded to the ways of the Lord. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 4:12-13
 
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
13 When they saw the courage of Peter and Johnand realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 4

Your Role In Christ’s Death

Please allow this passage to be a reminder that you played a role in the crucifixion if Jesus Christ. Your sin nailed Him to the cross. 

Remember, God is Omnipresent. This means that He is present at all times forever. He saw your sins before you were born. He added them to the price Jesus paid. But be careful. Do not think that this knowledge gives you the “right” to sin as much as you want “since God has seen them all anyway.” That would be a grave mistake. 

You cannot love Christ AND pursue a life of sin. (Read that again)

Jesus said, multiple times, if you love Him, obey His commands. At no time has Jesus ever commanded us to sin. 

If you’re unsure of how to define sin, use this simple one from James 4:17: Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, for him it is sin.”

But wait, there’s more. In 2 Kings 22, we learn that even when you are unaware that what you are doing is sin, God holds you accountable anyway. This means, sinning, whether you know you are doing it or not, is punishable by death (Romans 6:23). This is why I always encourage you to read your Bible daily. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy.

 Acts 3:13-16

13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holyand Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Today’s Reading:

Acts 3