Scripture
Acts 11:25-26 “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching great numbers of people.”
Observation
1) Barnabas opened another door of ministry to Saul. His mentoring was long term. His commitment to Saul was consistent. It was for the long haul.
2) This passage reveals the importance of the teaching ministry. They stayed a full year teaching the people the Bible.
Application
Prayer and teaching the Word are my priorities. I want to be the spiritual leader of the congregation and leave most of the administration to qualified men. I am a shepherd. I am the pastor. My focus is on prayer and teaching the Bible.
Prayer
Show me the way. Reveal to me how I can teach the Bible more. Help me to be creative, consistent, and competent in my teaching. I want to increase in my effectiveness as a Bible teacher. I desire to see lives transformed by the Word of God. I ask that you confirm the word with signs and wonders following.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June 16 devotional
Scripture
Acts 10:31 “He told me, Cornelius, your prayers have been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God.”
Observation
Cornelius was the first Gentile to receive salvation. God choose him for two reasons.
1) He prayed
2) He gave gifts to the poor.
Cornelius got God’s attention because of those two things. They are still the things that gets God’s attention today.
Application
I devote myself to prayer and giving. These things are eternal. They are acts of worship. They matter to God.
Prayer
Develop faithfulness and generosity in me. I desire to be a man of prayer. I desire to be a giver. May I be found faithful.
Acts 10:31 “He told me, Cornelius, your prayers have been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God.”
Observation
Cornelius was the first Gentile to receive salvation. God choose him for two reasons.
1) He prayed
2) He gave gifts to the poor.
Cornelius got God’s attention because of those two things. They are still the things that gets God’s attention today.
Application
I devote myself to prayer and giving. These things are eternal. They are acts of worship. They matter to God.
Prayer
Develop faithfulness and generosity in me. I desire to be a man of prayer. I desire to be a giver. May I be found faithful.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June 15 devotional
Scripture
Psalm 133:1-3 “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life forevermore.”
Observation
1) Unity is the environment that God uses to pour out his spirit
2) Unity is more than the absence of division, dissension, strife or a party spirit
3) Unity is one vision, goals, and direction. Everyone is going the same direction working together to fulfill God’s will.
4) When the church or a family is in unity everything is wonderful and pleasant.
5) Unity is as important as the anointing. It is as refreshing as the anointing oil over Aaron.
Application
I need to promote unity in my family and in the church.
I must work to be in unity with the leadership of the church.
I need to teach the real meaning of unity.
I protect the unity of the church by confronting anything that threatens the unity of the body.
Ask God to bring and continue the unity of his church.
Prayer
Bring unity to my family.
Bring unity to First Assembly
Give us one vision, direction, and goals.
Remove any division, dissension, strife, and party spirit.
May we be one.
Psalm 133:1-3 “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life forevermore.”
Observation
1) Unity is the environment that God uses to pour out his spirit
2) Unity is more than the absence of division, dissension, strife or a party spirit
3) Unity is one vision, goals, and direction. Everyone is going the same direction working together to fulfill God’s will.
4) When the church or a family is in unity everything is wonderful and pleasant.
5) Unity is as important as the anointing. It is as refreshing as the anointing oil over Aaron.
Application
I need to promote unity in my family and in the church.
I must work to be in unity with the leadership of the church.
I need to teach the real meaning of unity.
I protect the unity of the church by confronting anything that threatens the unity of the body.
Ask God to bring and continue the unity of his church.
Prayer
Bring unity to my family.
Bring unity to First Assembly
Give us one vision, direction, and goals.
Remove any division, dissension, strife, and party spirit.
May we be one.
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14 devotional
Scripture
Acts 9:27-28a “Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus. Barnabas also told them what the Lord has said to Saul and how he boldly preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. Then the apostles accepted Saul.
Observation
Barnabas was a friend and mentor to Saul. He helped Saul by:
1) Introducing him to the apostles. He opened doors for Saul that he could not open by himself.
2) Barnabas defended Saul. He told the apostles about him seeing Jesus on the road to Damascus.
3) Barnabas promoted Saul’s ministry. He told them about how he boldly preached Jesus.
The result was the apostles accepted Saul because of Barnabas’ influence. Barnabas used his influence to benefit Saul and the kingdom of God.
Application
I need to make mentoring a priority. I need to pour my life into a few men with potential to do great things for God. I need to open doors for them. I need to teach them. I need to defend them and promote their ministries. Saul became the greatest missionary ever but it began with Barnabas helping him. Everyone needs the help of someone else.
Prayer
Show me how to do this correctly. Give me men to pour my life into. I desire to raise up a generation of ministers. Make this more than just a momentary thought but make it a reality.
Acts 9:27-28a “Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus. Barnabas also told them what the Lord has said to Saul and how he boldly preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. Then the apostles accepted Saul.
Observation
Barnabas was a friend and mentor to Saul. He helped Saul by:
1) Introducing him to the apostles. He opened doors for Saul that he could not open by himself.
2) Barnabas defended Saul. He told the apostles about him seeing Jesus on the road to Damascus.
3) Barnabas promoted Saul’s ministry. He told them about how he boldly preached Jesus.
The result was the apostles accepted Saul because of Barnabas’ influence. Barnabas used his influence to benefit Saul and the kingdom of God.
Application
I need to make mentoring a priority. I need to pour my life into a few men with potential to do great things for God. I need to open doors for them. I need to teach them. I need to defend them and promote their ministries. Saul became the greatest missionary ever but it began with Barnabas helping him. Everyone needs the help of someone else.
Prayer
Show me how to do this correctly. Give me men to pour my life into. I desire to raise up a generation of ministers. Make this more than just a momentary thought but make it a reality.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June 13 devotional
Scripture
Acts 9:11 “The Lord said, Go over to Straight Street to the house of Judas. When you arrive, ask for Saul of Tarsus. He is praying to me right now.”
Observation
1) A sign that Saul had changed was that he prayed. Other Christians knew that Saul was one of them because he did what they did. Prayer is normal for the believer. Saul was saved and he prayed.
2) Saul immediately knew how to pray. He did not take a class or attend a seminar on prayer. Saul was now a child of God, so he prayed. He experienced a heart change and now understood how to communicate to his father. Prayer is natural for the believer.
Application
Prayer is the priority. Nothing I do is more important than spending time with my father. Talking to him, sharing my thoughts, fears, dreams, and concerns. Listening to him. Hearing his instructions and will. Prayer is my life line. Spending time in prayer and in the Bible is how I grow. It is how I know the father. Prayer is everything.
Prayer
Develop in me a heart of love towards you. Love is the motivation to pray. If I love you I will desire to know you. Develop self-control in me that I will discipline myself to spend time with me. I need more of the fruit of love and the fruit of self-control.
Acts 9:11 “The Lord said, Go over to Straight Street to the house of Judas. When you arrive, ask for Saul of Tarsus. He is praying to me right now.”
Observation
1) A sign that Saul had changed was that he prayed. Other Christians knew that Saul was one of them because he did what they did. Prayer is normal for the believer. Saul was saved and he prayed.
2) Saul immediately knew how to pray. He did not take a class or attend a seminar on prayer. Saul was now a child of God, so he prayed. He experienced a heart change and now understood how to communicate to his father. Prayer is natural for the believer.
Application
Prayer is the priority. Nothing I do is more important than spending time with my father. Talking to him, sharing my thoughts, fears, dreams, and concerns. Listening to him. Hearing his instructions and will. Prayer is my life line. Spending time in prayer and in the Bible is how I grow. It is how I know the father. Prayer is everything.
Prayer
Develop in me a heart of love towards you. Love is the motivation to pray. If I love you I will desire to know you. Develop self-control in me that I will discipline myself to spend time with me. I need more of the fruit of love and the fruit of self-control.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June 12 devotional
Scripture
Acts 8:14-15 “When the apostles back in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new Christians to receive the Holy Spirit.
Observation
1) The Samaritans accepted the message of Christ and were new Christians
2) The church sent Peter and John to teach the new converts.
3) They had been saved but had not received the Holy Spirit.
4) The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a second experience after salvation. These verses plainly reveal this.
5) Vs. 17 says “They received the Holy Spirit.”
Application
The doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is clearly taught in the Book of Acts. It is a second experience after salvation that empowers believers for service. It must be taught and practiced in First A/G. It is who we are and what makes us distinct. It must be proclaimed boldly without compromise. We need to be empowered to fulfill God’s will in this community.
Prayer
Fill me afresh and anew. Give me a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit. Pour out your spirit upon all flesh: young and old, male and female, rich and poor. May all your people be empowered to advance your kingdom on the earth.
Acts 8:14-15 “When the apostles back in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new Christians to receive the Holy Spirit.
Observation
1) The Samaritans accepted the message of Christ and were new Christians
2) The church sent Peter and John to teach the new converts.
3) They had been saved but had not received the Holy Spirit.
4) The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a second experience after salvation. These verses plainly reveal this.
5) Vs. 17 says “They received the Holy Spirit.”
Application
The doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is clearly taught in the Book of Acts. It is a second experience after salvation that empowers believers for service. It must be taught and practiced in First A/G. It is who we are and what makes us distinct. It must be proclaimed boldly without compromise. We need to be empowered to fulfill God’s will in this community.
Prayer
Fill me afresh and anew. Give me a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit. Pour out your spirit upon all flesh: young and old, male and female, rich and poor. May all your people be empowered to advance your kingdom on the earth.
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11 devotional
Scripture
1 Kings 8:29, 32, 34, 36, 39, 43, 45, 49 “then hear their prayers from heaven where you live.”
Observation
At the dedication of the temple the main prayer request was that God would hear their prayers and grant their request. They asked God to hear their prayer from heaven where he lives.
Application
The church is to be a place of prayer. Prayer is to be a priority of the people of God. It is amazing thing that God hears our prayers from heaven where he lives.
Prayer
May I be faithful in prayer.
May I pray in faith.
May you hear my prayers and grant my request from heaven where you live.
1 Kings 8:29, 32, 34, 36, 39, 43, 45, 49 “then hear their prayers from heaven where you live.”
Observation
At the dedication of the temple the main prayer request was that God would hear their prayers and grant their request. They asked God to hear their prayer from heaven where he lives.
Application
The church is to be a place of prayer. Prayer is to be a priority of the people of God. It is amazing thing that God hears our prayers from heaven where he lives.
Prayer
May I be faithful in prayer.
May I pray in faith.
May you hear my prayers and grant my request from heaven where you live.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
June 10 devotional
Scripture
Acts 7:34 “You can be sure that I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries. So I have come to rescue them. No go, for I will send you to Egypt.
Observation
1) God sees
2) God hears
3) God saw Israel’s misery.
4) God heard their prayers
5) God decided to intervene on their behalf.
6) When God decides to act he sends a man/woman to be his representative.
Application
1) God sees my circumstances
2) God hears my prayers
3) God will intervene in my life
4) I can trust God.
5) God called and sent me to Henderson.
6) I am God’s representative to this community.
Prayer
I ask that you intervene in my life and family. There is a need I am asking you to intervene in. I believe for a miracle. I ask that you refresh and renew your call on my life. I am Christ’s ambassador. I want to represent you well. I desire for your kingdom to grow.
Acts 7:34 “You can be sure that I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries. So I have come to rescue them. No go, for I will send you to Egypt.
Observation
1) God sees
2) God hears
3) God saw Israel’s misery.
4) God heard their prayers
5) God decided to intervene on their behalf.
6) When God decides to act he sends a man/woman to be his representative.
Application
1) God sees my circumstances
2) God hears my prayers
3) God will intervene in my life
4) I can trust God.
5) God called and sent me to Henderson.
6) I am God’s representative to this community.
Prayer
I ask that you intervene in my life and family. There is a need I am asking you to intervene in. I believe for a miracle. I ask that you refresh and renew your call on my life. I am Christ’s ambassador. I want to represent you well. I desire for your kingdom to grow.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June 9 devotional
Scripture
Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.”
Observation
Without the blessing and activity of God, my work is useless. I can labor, strive, and work as hard as I can but God is the one who gives success. God is the one that gives live purpose and meaning.
Application
I need to not strive but to abide. Abiding in Christ produces much fruit. Time spent with him is never a waste of time. I need fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit and to be empowered by God to fulfill his will. This is not an excuse for laziness. It is a lesson on abiding. My labor is useless without God. My labor is productive with God.
Prayer
I acknowledge my need of you. I can do nothing apart from you but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I ask for a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit. Empower me today to expand your kingdom and fulfill your will.
Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.”
Observation
Without the blessing and activity of God, my work is useless. I can labor, strive, and work as hard as I can but God is the one who gives success. God is the one that gives live purpose and meaning.
Application
I need to not strive but to abide. Abiding in Christ produces much fruit. Time spent with him is never a waste of time. I need fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit and to be empowered by God to fulfill his will. This is not an excuse for laziness. It is a lesson on abiding. My labor is useless without God. My labor is productive with God.
Prayer
I acknowledge my need of you. I can do nothing apart from you but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I ask for a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit. Empower me today to expand your kingdom and fulfill your will.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 8 devotional
Scripture
Acts 6:2, 4, 7 “We apostles should spend out time preaching and teaching the word of God.”
“Then we can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
God’s message was preached in ever-widening circles.”
Observation
What are my priorities?
1) Preaching and teaching the word of God
2) Prayer
What was the result?
1) God’s word will be preached in ever-widening circles.
2) This would not have happened if the apostles did not make prayer and preaching and teaching God’s Word their priority.
Application
I have to keep my priorities God’s priorities. I have to fight to spend time to pray. It has to be number one in my life. I will abide in the vine so he can produce much fruit in me. I will spend time preparing lessons and teaching people the Bible. Preaching and teaching is a high priority of my ministry. I will let other people do the administration of the church so I can focus on prayer and preaching God’s word.
Prayer
It is not enough for me to know this, I have to do it. Father, develop self control in me. Enable me to keep the right focus. Enable me to spend time with you out of love not obligation. Place a love for God’s word in my heart. It is a privilege to teach your word to the few or to the masses. May your message spread in Henderson County in ever-widening circles.
Acts 6:2, 4, 7 “We apostles should spend out time preaching and teaching the word of God.”
“Then we can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
God’s message was preached in ever-widening circles.”
Observation
What are my priorities?
1) Preaching and teaching the word of God
2) Prayer
What was the result?
1) God’s word will be preached in ever-widening circles.
2) This would not have happened if the apostles did not make prayer and preaching and teaching God’s Word their priority.
Application
I have to keep my priorities God’s priorities. I have to fight to spend time to pray. It has to be number one in my life. I will abide in the vine so he can produce much fruit in me. I will spend time preparing lessons and teaching people the Bible. Preaching and teaching is a high priority of my ministry. I will let other people do the administration of the church so I can focus on prayer and preaching God’s word.
Prayer
It is not enough for me to know this, I have to do it. Father, develop self control in me. Enable me to keep the right focus. Enable me to spend time with you out of love not obligation. Place a love for God’s word in my heart. It is a privilege to teach your word to the few or to the masses. May your message spread in Henderson County in ever-widening circles.
June 7 devotional
Scripture
Acts 5:42 “And every day, in the temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message: The messiah you are looking for is Jesus.”
Observation
1) They taught the people every day
2) They taught in the temple- large group gatherings
3) They taught in homes- small group gatherings
4) Jesus was their message
Application
How can I accomplish this?
1) Teach the word in my daily devotional
2) Teach the word weekly in the Sunday morning service- large group gathering
3) Teach the word in homes in the connection groups
4) Always make Jesus the focus of the message
Prayer
Enable First Assembly to model after the early church. I ask that we can teach your word daily. I ask that we teach it in large group and small group settings. I ask that Jesus be lifted up.
Acts 5:42 “And every day, in the temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message: The messiah you are looking for is Jesus.”
Observation
1) They taught the people every day
2) They taught in the temple- large group gatherings
3) They taught in homes- small group gatherings
4) Jesus was their message
Application
How can I accomplish this?
1) Teach the word in my daily devotional
2) Teach the word weekly in the Sunday morning service- large group gathering
3) Teach the word in homes in the connection groups
4) Always make Jesus the focus of the message
Prayer
Enable First Assembly to model after the early church. I ask that we can teach your word daily. I ask that we teach it in large group and small group settings. I ask that Jesus be lifted up.
Friday, June 4, 2010
June 4 devotional
Scripture
Acts 2: 17-18 “In the last days, God said, I will pour out my spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophecy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophecy.”
Observation
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for everyone. God promised to pour out his spirit upon all people.
1) young and old
2) rich and poor
3) male and female
4) people from every race, tribe, and language
God breaks down every social barrier. He empowers every person to be a part of his mission, to play a role in his kingdom.
Application
I must seek fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit for me, my family, and church. I must preach and teach the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and give people an opportunity to receive. I must depend upon the Holy Spirit to empower me to fulfill God’s call upon my life and not minister in my own strength. The great need today is a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
I ask that you fulfill your promise and pour out your spirit upon all flesh. May it begin with me, my family, and First A/G. My heart’s cry is pour out your spirit! Send the power! Fill us afresh and anew! May First A/G never back down from being Pentecostal. May we operate under the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2: 17-18 “In the last days, God said, I will pour out my spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophecy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophecy.”
Observation
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for everyone. God promised to pour out his spirit upon all people.
1) young and old
2) rich and poor
3) male and female
4) people from every race, tribe, and language
God breaks down every social barrier. He empowers every person to be a part of his mission, to play a role in his kingdom.
Application
I must seek fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit for me, my family, and church. I must preach and teach the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and give people an opportunity to receive. I must depend upon the Holy Spirit to empower me to fulfill God’s call upon my life and not minister in my own strength. The great need today is a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
I ask that you fulfill your promise and pour out your spirit upon all flesh. May it begin with me, my family, and First A/G. My heart’s cry is pour out your spirit! Send the power! Fill us afresh and anew! May First A/G never back down from being Pentecostal. May we operate under the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
June 3 devotional
Scripture
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.”
Observation
Pride will destroy me and my ministry. It is the enemy of success. Humility is acknowledging my need of God. It is lowering myself and exalting God. I can do nothing apart from God but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Application
I humble myself before God. I acknowledge my dependence upon Him. I need you. I ask that you fulfill your will through me by your Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Purify me from pride.
Protect me from pride rearing its ugly head.
I humble myself before you.
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.”
Observation
Pride will destroy me and my ministry. It is the enemy of success. Humility is acknowledging my need of God. It is lowering myself and exalting God. I can do nothing apart from God but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Application
I humble myself before God. I acknowledge my dependence upon Him. I need you. I ask that you fulfill your will through me by your Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Purify me from pride.
Protect me from pride rearing its ugly head.
I humble myself before you.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June 2 devotional
Scripture
Psalm 120:1 “I took my troubles to the Lord, I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.”
Observation
1) I will experience trouble
2) I can take my troubles to God
3) I cry out to God. There is emotion in prayer
4) God will answer my prayers. This is a promise to stand on and live by.
Application
When I experience troubles, I do not pout or live in fear, but I take my troubles to God. I cry out to him. I pray with emotion. I am honest with God about my circumstances and my feelings. God is my very present help in times of trouble. He will answer my prayers.
Prayer
Help me. Show me the way. I bring my troubles, worries, and fears to you. I need your help. I need you now. I cast my burdens upon you because I know you care for me.
Psalm 120:1 “I took my troubles to the Lord, I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.”
Observation
1) I will experience trouble
2) I can take my troubles to God
3) I cry out to God. There is emotion in prayer
4) God will answer my prayers. This is a promise to stand on and live by.
Application
When I experience troubles, I do not pout or live in fear, but I take my troubles to God. I cry out to him. I pray with emotion. I am honest with God about my circumstances and my feelings. God is my very present help in times of trouble. He will answer my prayers.
Prayer
Help me. Show me the way. I bring my troubles, worries, and fears to you. I need your help. I need you now. I cast my burdens upon you because I know you care for me.
June 1 devotional
Scripture
John 20:31 “But these things are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life.”
Observation
1) The Bible is written that I may believe in Jesus.
2) Believing in Jesus gives me life.
Christianity is more than going to heaven and not going to hell. It is living an abundant life or life to the full. True life is found in Jesus.
Application
I will not settle for anything less than what Jesus provided for me. He came that I might have life, life to the full. I believe in him and will live the life he has for me.
Prayer
Jesus I believe you are the Son of God. I believe true life is found in you. I ask that you give me an abundant life.
John 20:31 “But these things are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life.”
Observation
1) The Bible is written that I may believe in Jesus.
2) Believing in Jesus gives me life.
Christianity is more than going to heaven and not going to hell. It is living an abundant life or life to the full. True life is found in Jesus.
Application
I will not settle for anything less than what Jesus provided for me. He came that I might have life, life to the full. I believe in him and will live the life he has for me.
Prayer
Jesus I believe you are the Son of God. I believe true life is found in you. I ask that you give me an abundant life.
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