29Jan
12Oct
Pray First
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Acts 1:24
Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.”
O-bservation:
Jesus has already ascended back into heaven, and 120 were gathered together in an upper room in Jerusalem. Certainly the eleven apostles were there, as well as a host of Jesus followers. Before they began praying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they cast lots to choose between two God-fearing men, one of whom would fill in the place that Judas had left. Before they cast lots they “Prayed First.”A-pplication:
Whenever you face a big decision, and no matter how you come to your conclusion as to what to do, always “Pray First.” This was a huge decision the apostles faced, but even if it’s something small make sure the Lord is always included. That’s why it’s important to Pray First. You may already have your mind made up, but still Pray First. The power of prayer has to do with who you’re praying to. You don’t need to pray if it’s to some dead piece of stone or wood, but when you actually serve the living God of all the ages, for heaven’s sake Pray First. There’s not a lot said about the ministry of Mathias, but one thing we know. There’s no record of him ever betraying Jesus like the man he succeeded. I think it had to do with the apostles' willingness to Pray First.P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, It’s my honor this AM to speak with You. Thank You that we who follow You are encouraged to come boldly before Your throne room of Grace. When we do, we always find mercy. Amen
17Oct
Are YOU Ready?
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Acts 6:3a Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.O-bservation:
In searching for the first spiritual leaders in the church after the Apostles, it was required that the new Deacons be full of the Spirit and full of Wisdom.A-pplication:
Today the search for men and women who are full of the Spirit and full of Wisdom is on! With the rapid increase in information, education, and most of all worldwide population, there is a NEED for Spiritual Leaders who can keep their heads and hearts intact amid shifting cultures. Only when men and women are filled with the Holy Spirit and filled with heaven-sent Wisdom can they lead the Church through such turbulent times. We don’t need hipness so much, and we don’t need beauty so much, and we don’t need overt personality so much as we need Spiritual Leaders. “Are YOU Ready?”P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, Thank You Lord Jesus that You’re still calling men and women to lead in matters of the Spirit. Help me be full of the Spirit and full of Wisdom in order to lead well. Amen
08Feb
Certain People
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Acts 15:1 Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.”O-bservation:
This is the story of a "Council Meeting" of the Early Church leaders in Jerusalem. It was initiated by this argument brought about by "Certain People" with Pharisee ties.A-pplication:
It's not my intent to discuss the origin of this disagreement, in which I firmly stand on the side of the Apostles’ decision. Rather the issue here is "Certain People." There will always be "Certain People" in your life who disagree with how you're doing things. You can be winning and finding favor with God and man, but then just around the corner you'll hear that "Certain People" are not happy with you. The strange thing is that in those times we rarely thank God for all the wins; instead we usually go into "Crash Position Mode" to address the issue brought up by "Certain People." It's important that we attend to people's concerns, and in some cases even call a "Council Meeting," but remember, you can't allow your life to be run by "Certain People."P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, Let me hear YOUR voice today above all others! Amen
30Jan