Daily Devotional for January 4, 2015
Acts 23
Scripture:
1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “You dare to insult God’s high priest? 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’ ” 6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.”
Observation:
Kevin bowed his head to give thanks for his meal. Taking notice, his coworker Jerry began asking questions about Kevin’s faith in Christ. After work, they continued to talk, and Kevin introduced Jerry to Christ. Jerry excitedly invited Kevin for dinner so Kevin could share Jesus with rest of Jerry’s family.
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” (Acts 23:11).
Paul was called and used of God to testify to the multitudes, high-ranking Roman officials, and Jewish leaders about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul’s reputation for standing up, standing out, and standing firm on the power in the resurrection of Christ brought glory to God and souls into the Kingdom.
When was the last time you shared your faith with your family, friends, or coworkers? Just as God called Paul to testify, He is calling you to share, care, and make people aware of what God has done in you.
Application:
- Personal Application: As Spirit-empowered men we must be ready and willing to share our faith with those who don’t know Christ. Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us in those moments.
- 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 when the Lord directs us we must share His story to a world that is away from the Lord. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the right words to share at the right time to those that don’t know Him.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will recognize the opportunities and have the courage to speak out when God calls.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, January 3 – Sunday, January 10:
- Sunday, January 3: Acts 22
- Monday, January 4: Acts 23
- Tuesday, January 5: Acts 24
- Wednesday, January 6: Acts 25
- Thursday, January 7: Acts 26
- Friday, January 8: Acts 27
- Saturday, January 9: Acts 28
- Sunday, January 10: Psalm 70-71
—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 24, 2013.
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