Daily Devotional for December 26, 2015
Acts 14
Scripture:
16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” 18 Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them. 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. 21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Observation:
Jim trembled. His boss’s stare was icy. “You were two minutes late. You’re fired,” he said.
“But, sir, I was only late because I gave a ride to an elderly man whose car had stalled.”
“I don’t care. You’re done here.”
The look of anguish overcame Jim’s face as he headed to the parking lot.
Is life supposed to be this difficult? Where did I go wrong? Who would have thought that helping an old man would get me fired? How will I pay my bills? His head was full of questions and doubts.
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said (Acts 14:22).
No one enjoys experiencing difficulty. People want carefree relationships, stress-free jobs, and excellent health. That’s not always what happens, though. One good thing can come from such hardships—a deeper trust in God. Christians should allow difficult times to reinforce their faith and strengthen their bonds with the Father.
Application:
- Personal Application: As Spirit-empowered men, we must cling to God through all seasons.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that we must cling to God in every season and situation. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you keep your eyes on Him in every season.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family’s heart will always turn to God in every season.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, December 20 – Sunday, December 27:
- Sunday, December 20: Acts 8
- Monday, December 21: Acts 9
- Tuesday, December 22: Acts 10
- Wednesday, December 23: Acts 11
- Thursday, December 24: Acts 12
- Friday, December 25: Acts 13
- Saturday, December 26: Acts 14
- Sunday, December 27: Acts 15
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
Portions of this devotional are adapted from God’s Word for Today, November 21, 2014.
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