Daily Devotional for January 9, 2015
Acts 28
Scripture:
Acts 28: 23-31 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: ” ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Observation:
What happens when a Christian prays and trusts God to change a situation, yet nothing seems to change? Is it okay to stop praying and trusting God?
This was the dilemma Paul faced. After a rough sea voyage, he arrived in Rome, where he would eventually stand before Caesar. But Paul found that the wheels of government turned slowly.
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! (Acts 28:30–31).
During this time he also wrote letters to churches in Philippi, Ephesus, and Colossae that are now part of the Bible. Paul did not leave a record of what he thought of the delay, but he didn’t question God. He used every moment to further God’s purposes.
If you are experiencing a waiting time, hold steady. Actively pursue godly goals. Read the Bible. Memorize Scripture. Establish a time of prayer. Encourage others.
Application:
- Personal Application: God’s timing is not always our timing. The two words to hold on to are trust and obey. God knows and He is in control.
- 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 never give up on God. We need to keep trusting and continue to obey Him. The right things will happen at the right time for God to get the glory. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the focus and patience to stay productive and alert in any seasons of waiting that we experience.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will not give up on God in seasons of waiting. Pray that they will stay focused and committed.
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, July 21, 2013.
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