Daily Devotional for January 6, 2015
Acts 25
Scripture:
7-11: When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove. Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?” Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
Observation:
Paul’s life continues to be an inspiration to me. While claiming his innocence, he was willing to accept responsibility for his actions, even to the point of death. Clearly, Paul lived his life with no regrets. Only history will show if we can live with as much determination and purpose as Paul did.
Living with no regrets is to live wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord. As Spirit-empowered men, this means we are ready to respond to the voice of the Lord when He calls. When the Lord calls us to go, we go. When the Lord calls us to speak, we speak. When the Lord calls us to give, we give. Regardless of the accusations or what people may think, when the Lord calls–we respond. I encourage you to find a good mentor as you surrender your life to the Lord.
Do you carry any regrets in life? If so, are they associated with a time when you failed the Lord? Resolve today to make those moments as few as possible!
Application:
- Personal Application: Live each day by serving the Lord wholeheartedly. A life of no regrets is a life that has determined to follow Jesus.
- 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 should surrender our life to the Lord and live a life of no regrets. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Thank God for choosing you to be a part of His plan.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will serve the Lord wholeheartedly and live a life of no regrets.
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.
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