SCRIPTURE:
Acts 16:25-26 NLT - Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

OBSERVATION:
In Acts 16, we see three notable events unfold, each leading to the salvation of others. God would use each of these events to bring others to Himself through what each was going through.

We see that after parting ways with Barnabas, Paul brings Timothy along on his missionary journeys.

This shows us that God uses all things in our lives—even the complicated stuff, like strained relationships. Timothy became a young apprentice to Paul and was often called “his son in the faith.” Through this challenging situation, “good” was evident.

We also see that the Holy Spirit twice kept Paul and Silas from preaching the good news in certain towns (vs 6-10). Often, when God changes “our” plans, we don’t see them as divine appointments but as inconveniences to getting what “I want.” The result was a great move of God, greater than Paul could ever have imagined.

Lastly, we see that when Paul heard the Macedonian call (vs 9), he and Silas ended up in prison, not what he had expected. Yet it was what God would use to save many.

All three of these events ended with the same outcome – furtherance of the Kingdom of God.

Should that not be our ultimate goal, no matter the discomfort, changes of plans, and heartache we sometimes experience? Seeing those come to salvation and a relationship with Jesus Christ is worth our “minor” inconveniences.

APPLICATION:
What things in our lives, like imprisonment and earthquakes, can God use to set people free? This is not something we often consider when we go through difficulties. By no means am I trying to trivialize what you may be going through, but rather to help you and me realize that God can use these things — and the way we respond to them — to draw others to Himself.

Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison for freeing a demonic girl (vs 16-20). How unfair is that?

But while in prison, Paul and Silas, rather than grumbling and complaining, worshiped. When they did, we saw something amazing happen:

Acts 16:25-26 NLT - Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

What are the doors that need opening and the chains that need to fall in your life? What about those around you?

Instead of grumbling and complaining, try worship and praise, and see how God may use your “earthquakes” and “imprisonment” to lead others to salvation. You may hear, as Paul and Barnabas did, those watching say:

Acts 16:30 NLT - …"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for using everything, even my toughest circumstances, as opportunities to share Your love with those around me. May I find my strength, peace, and Joy in You, not in my circumstances. And may those who observe see a God who loves, saves, and is gracious and merciful to everyone who comes to Him.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 15:41 NLT - Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

OBSERVATION:
Why does God allow disputes, contentions, and sharp disagreements while at the same time strengthening the Church? Because He chooses to use flawed men to carry on His work.

At the end of Acts chapter 15, Paul and Barnabas argue. It was a sharp contention (NKJV), a strong disagreement (NLT). We may never know who was right and who was wrong, we may never know. Yet God still used it—and uses us—flawed individuals.

What makes this “initially” so tragic is that there had already been a sharp contention within the church over whether Gentiles should convert to Judaism, be circumcised, and follow the law. Legalism tried to trump the grace of God, but grace won the day.

You would think that such a trivial dispute, compared with what had just happened, would be easy to resolve. Yet we see Paul and Barnabas part ways.

Paul was not pleased with John Mark because he believed Mark had abandoned them without cause (Acts 13:13). This did not sit well with Paul. Barnabas, as John Mark's cousin and constant encourager, felt it was important to give John Mark another chance to join the missionary work.

This disagreement was not about doctrine, legalism versus grace, circumcision, or church management. It was about an individual.

At some point, Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark reunited.

2 Timothy 4:11 NKJV - Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

What matters is that they allowed God to work, heal, and change everyone involved, including Barnabas. Don’t let disagreements keep you from growing and encouraging.

This could have stopped the most important thing—a growing church—but division and contention never foster healthy growth.

APPLICATION:
This contention between Paul and Barnabas could cause us to overlook one important truth about this passage:

Acts 15:41 NLT - Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

God had plans for all four men—Paul, Silas, Barnabas, and John Mark—for evangelism and for strengthening the Church. We do not always understand why God moves people around, and we should never treat disagreements as final. God uses these moments for His glory, working in the hearts of those involved to bring restoration.

“God chooses to use crooked sticks to draw straight lines,” as one of my spiritual mentors often says. He’s right.

Don’t let frustration with others derail the mission God has called us to: evangelism, encouragement, and strengthening the Church.

Who should you reach out to today to make things right? There is work to do, and everyone is important—God uses even the John Marks and Pauls of life to accomplish His purposes.

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me see the value of every person in ministry. All have a place, and though I may not always agree with them, remind me that You use me—a crooked stick—to draw straight lines. You use me despite who I am and choose to allow me to be part of Your Church, ministry, and work.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 14:15-17 NLT - "Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings--just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts."

OBSERVATION:
Why is it that we, as humans, tend to worship everything—including other humans—instead of the living God? We are often drawn to those who are attractive, intelligent, strong, and charismatic, believing they are more than they are.

Not much has changed over the generations. It began in Egypt, when the people of Israel were in bondage, and continued when they begged Aaron to make a golden calf to worship. Later, the nation of Israel demanded a king instead of allowing God to lead them.

Saul was the people’s choice—tall, dark, and handsome—all the qualities they believed made a great king. Yet Saul proved to be the opposite of what the people needed. That is often where the problem lies—we want anything or anyone other than God Himself. Why? Misunderstanding and misinformation.

Because we have not seen God physically, some find it hard to believe. Yet they fail—or refuse—to recognize the evidence of His presence all around them.

In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas came to Lystra to preach the Good News. Among the listeners was a man, crippled from birth, who believed their message. This was significant because the people of Lystra were steeped in Greek mythology. According to their legends, Zeus and Hermes once visited mankind in human form, but only an elderly couple welcomed them. As punishment, the gods destroyed everyone else. Ever since, people have sought to “appease” the gods, hoping not to miss them if they return.

This crippled man had spent a lifetime trying to appease gods who could not save him. But when he heard the truth about Jesus, he believed—and was made whole.

Acts 14:9-10 NLT - and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. So Paul called to him in a loud voice, "Stand up!" And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.

There was no hesitation—he jumped and was instantly healed. Years of fruitless appeasement were replaced by a single moment of faith in the living God.

Yet the crowds, instead of worshiping God, began worshiping Paul and Barnabas, calling them Zeus and Hermes. In their ignorance, they tried to sacrifice to them, unwilling to miss what they believed was another divine visitation.

APPLICATION:
Who or what do you serve or worship? If it is anything other than the true and living God, it is merely an attempt to appease. Like the crippled man, how long have you searched for fulfillment, only to be left empty and hopeless?

Hope has come through Jesus Christ. From the beginning, God has revealed His goodness—even when we failed to recognize it. The appeasement we strive for was already accomplished on the cross. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant the debt was fully paid.

Don’t miss Jesus, as the people of Lystra missed the truth. He came in the flesh and paid for your sins. His hand is extended—will you, like the crippled man, believe and stand up? Only Jesus can make you whole, and He offers this gift freely.

Ephesians 2:5, 8 NLT - that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) ... God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

Take a moment to reflect on all that God has done for you. As Paul said, the evidence of His goodness is all around you. His hand is stretched out—will you take it today?

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the cross and for the gift of salvation You secured there. Help me lay aside all the things I try to worship or appease, and turn to You alone, the true and living God.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 13:41 NLT - 'Look, you mockers, be amazed and die! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.'"

OBSERVATION:
In Acts chapter 13, we see amazing things continue as the Gospel spreads. Saul and Barnabas were set apart for a special work—the Gospel to the Gentiles. God was doing a great work, even if some didn’t recognize it. Luke quotes Habakkuk 1:5 in reference to this:

Habakkuk 1:5 NLT - “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.”

Not only were Saul and Barnabas called for this special work, but Saul also received a new name—Paul. From this point on in Acts, Saul is called Paul. He was given a new heart, a new name, and a new mission.

Sometimes we forget that God is still at work. We don’t see the fruit, but He is doing something so great that if He told us, we wouldn’t believe it. Paul added a striking phrase to Habakkuk’s quote, inspired by the Holy Spirit:

“Look, you mockers, be amazed and die!”

This is a bold statement—essentially saying, “Get out of the way; God is on the move!” Mockers always try to stop what God is doing, but Paul’s message is clear: God cannot be stopped.

Earlier in the chapter, we see Elymas the sorcerer trying to keep Sergius Paulus from believing. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked him, and God struck Elymas blind. As a result, the governor believed. (Acts 13:8–12)
God always deals with opposition to His work. Even today, He continues to move powerfully, whether or not we recognize it.

APPLICATION:
The Gospel—the Good News—is still being proclaimed, and despite our unbelief, people are being saved. Luke tells us that when Paul and Barnabas preached, almost the whole city came to listen. The same is true today: around the world, people are coming to know Jesus.

Acts 13:49 NLT – “So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region.”

God is still working, even when we don’t see it or refuse to believe it. We can join His ongoing work by doing the following four things:

• Share the message of salvation (v. 26)
• Proclaim the Good News—God has done it! (v. 32–33)
• Announce forgiveness of sins through Jesus (v. 38–39)
• Encourage believers to rely on grace (v. 43)

We have been appointed to this work—let’s remain faithful to it. As we do, we will experience what the early believers experienced:

Acts 13:52 NLT – “And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

PRAYER:
Jesus, even though at times I don’t see the fruit. Thank You that You are STILL working, saving, and rescuing those who are lost around the globe. In my moments of doubt, remind me that You are still on the move. May I be faithful to share the message, bringing the Good News, proclaiming forgiveness of sin, and urging believers to continue to rely on God’s grace.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 12:5 NLT - But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 12 opens with tragedy and tension. James, one of the twelve apostles, is martyred by King Herod Agrippa—a man driven by politics and popularity. Seeking approval from those who despised Christians, Herod also arrests Peter, intending to execute him. Yet God uses this dark moment to teach the early church (and us) a timeless lesson on the power of prayer.

Prayer is powerful, yet we often don’t use it enough. Why is that? Is it because we don’t truly understand it—or perhaps because we don’t approach it the right way? Could it be that, like Rhoda and those gathered to pray, we sometimes struggle to believe when God answers?

These are difficult questions to answer, but one thing we do know is that God calls us to pray—with passion and persistence. Both can be challenging, yet they remain vital to a life of faith.

The church’s response was simple yet profound—they prayed. Not casually or occasionally, but earnestly.

The NKJV translates “earnestly” as “constantly.” Both words convey the idea of stretching to the limit—reaching out with everything you have.

Their prayers were not powerful because they convinced a reluctant God, but because they reflected hearts that cared deeply about what God cared about.

This challenges us to examine not only whether we pray but also how we pray. The problem is often not a lack of prayer but a lack of passion in our prayer.

APPLICATION:
What are you passionate about? What stirs your heart, occupies your thoughts, and shapes your words? That same intensity should mark our prayers.
Like the early church, we can take our prayers to God, not trying to persuade a reluctant God. Instead, we can pray with the heart of God, with the same passion He has for those we are praying for. And even if, like Rodah and those praying, we say, “You’re out of your mind,” when God answers those prayers, and we see the fruit of the prayer, we can rejoice with those we have been praying for.

When we pray with God’s heart, we move beyond requests into a relationship. We stop trying to convince Him and begin aligning with Him. Like the early church, we pray not to change God’s mind but to reflect His heart.

Even if our faith feels small—like the believers who doubted Peter was really at the door—we can take comfort in this truth:

Pray today for God to give you His heart—for people, for situations, and for His will to be done.

Passionate prayer doesn’t persuade God; it changes us instead.

PRAYER:
Jesus, give me Your heart in prayer. Stir my spirit with passion for what matters to You. When I grow weary or faithless, remind me that even small prayers, prayed with Your heart, can move mountains. Align my desires with Yours so my prayers agree with heaven.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 11:22-24 NLT - When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God's blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 11 continues the story of the Good News spreading to the Gentiles. After Peter’s encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, the gospel began to break down cultural and religious barriers. When Peter returned to Jerusalem, some Jewish believers criticized him:

Acts 11:2-3 NLT - …But the Jewish believers criticized him. "You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!" they said.

Peter explained what had happened and reminded them that the same Holy Spirit who had
fallen on the Jews had also fallen on the Gentiles.

Acts 11:17 NLT – “And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way?”

This revelation silenced their objections and opened their eyes to God’s heart toward all people.

Acts 11:18 NLT - When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, "We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life."

Soon, the gospel reached Antioch—a major city known for business, culture, and deep immorality.

In this unlikely place, God was at work.

Acts 11:20-21 NLT - However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

I love these verses because they start with a “however.” You could say that, despite all of this, God sent the message of His Son to those who needed it most – the truly lost!

When news of this reached Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas—whose name means "son of encouragement." He saw God’s grace at work and responded with joy and exhortation:

Acts 11:23–24 NLT – When he arrived and saw this evidence of God's blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

APPLICATION:
Barnabas didn’t criticize what he saw. He didn’t dwell on immaturity or the remnants of their past lives. Instead, he rejoiced that God was moving and saving people. He celebrated grace and encouraged growth.

We can learn from his example:

• See the evidence of God’s work. Even when it’s messy or imperfect, recognize His hand at work.
• Celebrate new life. Rejoice when people come to Jesus, no matter how rough around the edges they may be.
• Encourage growth. Help new believers “stay true to the Lord.”

 
In doing so, Barnabas modeled true discipleship—rejoicing in salvation and nurturing faith.

For us, it’s a call to do the same. Rather than grumbling about spiritual immaturity, we can be encouragers who build others up in Christ. The world needs more Barnabases—joyful, Spirit-filled believers who help others grow in faith.

PRAYER:
Jesus, give me the heart of Barnabas. Help me rejoice when the lost come to You, no matter where they come from or what they look like. Fill me with joy at the evidence of Your work, and help me encourage and disciple others to “stay true to the Lord.”

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 10:42-43 NLT - And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all--the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 10 marks the beginning of the Good News being preached to the Gentiles. Many in that day were God-fearing—those who recognized the one true God, worshiped Him, loved others, and gave to the poor—yet had not converted to Judaism. Because they were uncircumcised, the Jews did not accept them and called them God-fearers.

God chose to use a man who was neither a Jew by birth nor by conversion to show that the Good News was for all people. He also chose to use a Jew known for his tendency to tell God “no”—Peter. True to form, Peter initially resisted the Lord’s command upon seeing a vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals.

Acts 10:14-15 NLT - "No, Lord," Peter declared. "I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean." But the voice spoke again: "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean."

Peter didn’t understand the vision at first, but soon a Gentile stood at his door—a divine appointment that would change everything.

Peter went at Jesus' command. His “no” became a “yes, Lord.”

Acts 10:28-29 NLT - Peter told them, "You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me."

APPLICATION:
This is where many of us struggle—“that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.”

We may find it hard to believe that certain people could truly be saved. They don’t look the part, act the part, or live the part.

Has our “properness” or self-righteousness kept us from sharing the Good News—or from rejoicing when others receive it?

Who do you secretly think is undeserving? If your first thought isn’t you, you might, like Peter, have a “no” problem.

Acts 10:34-36 NLT - Then Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel--that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

Peter finally got it—will we?

Acts 10:47-48 NLT - "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?" So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ…”

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me with my “no” problem. Remind me that You came to save the lost—of whom I was one. I had no claim, no lineage, no righteousness of my own—only the grace of a loving God who chose to forgive me, a wretched sinner.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 9:20-21 NLT - And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is indeed the Son of God!" All who heard him were amazed. "Isn't this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus' followers in Jerusalem?" they asked. "And didn't he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?"
 
OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 9 offers us a powerful lesson in perseverance, hope, and the truth that what is impossible for man is possible for God.

Saul was on a mission to stop the early church single-handedly. The movement had grown rapidly, freeing many from religious bondage. Believers were called The Way—the very words Jesus used to describe Himself:

John 14:6 NLT - …"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

But then everything changed. Saul encountered Jesus.

Acts 9:1-2 NLT - Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them--both men and women--back to Jerusalem in chains.

Yet something happened. Something that can only be explained as a “God thing.” Saul is saved!

Acts 9:4-5 NLT - He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" "Who are you, lord?" Saul asked. And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!

Why such emphasis? To show that no one is beyond God’s reach.

APPLICATION:
Who comes to mind when you think of someone “too far gone”? A mocker, an atheist, or a persecutor? If we’re honest, the first person we should think of is ourselves. We were undeserving, yet God’s mercy found us.

Ananias and others struggled to believe Saul could be saved:

Acts 9:13, 21 NLT - "But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! ... All who heard him were amazed. "Isn't this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus' followers in Jerusalem?" they asked. "And didn't he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?"

Even the “hopelessly lost” can see the light. Saul did!

I have often wondered—though it can’t be historically proven—whether the church was praying for Saul to “see the light” and to encounter the saving grace of Jesus Christ. While we may never know for certain, it serves as a powerful reminder that prayer works.

Conversations with those adamantly opposed to Jesus may not always seem fruitful, but prayer remains our greatest tool. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to work in their lives—to soften hardened hearts, open blinded eyes, and help those living in darkness see the truth, just as with Saul.

God can reach even the hardest hearts.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “God is the pursuer.” God’s grace relentlessly follows the lost, never tiring, never giving up. Francis Thompson called Him “The Hound of Heaven,” describing His chase as “unhurrying, unperturbed, deliberate, majestic.” C.S. Lewis said he was pursued by God “kicking and screaming.”

The Sauls in our lives need people who won’t stop praying—people who believe God still pursues, saves, and transforms.

Don’t give up. No one thought Saul could be saved—Jesus did it!

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for pursuing me with mercy and grace. Thank You for never giving up on me. Save those who are running from You. Open their eyes to Your light, as You did for Saul. Teach me to keep praying and never lose hope, for nothing is impossible with You.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 8:29-30 NLT - The Holy Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and walk along beside the carriage." Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?"

OBSERVATION:
In Acts chapter 8, the persecution of the early church was in full force, led by Saul. The persecution was so intense that all but the apostles fled Jerusalem. Yet God used this persecution to spread the gospel through men like Philip.

Philip went to Samaria—a shocking choice, since Jews had nothing to do with Samaritans. Even Jesus’ disciples were surprised when He said, “He needed to go through Samaria.” Most Jews went around it, but Jesus went through it—and Philip followed His example.

Revival broke out in Samaria, and the Lord used Philip mightily. But suddenly, the Holy Spirit said, “Go.” Not only “Go,” but “Go south”—into the desert. Why would God send him from a fruitful place to a barren one? Why leave a thriving ministry for one person? Because God wasn’t just leading Philip—He was also leading the Ethiopian. It was a divine appointment.

APPLICATION:
Years ago, during a mission trip in Mexico, a missionary shared a story about a friend who had a similar experience. While eating breakfast at a restaurant counter, he suddenly felt the Holy Spirit say, “Go and stand on your head by the jukebox.”

Confused, he ignored it—three times—until, after praying, he finally decided to obey, even though it seemed foolish. He stood on his head by the jukebox, embarrassed, then quietly returned to his seat. Moments later, the man beside him began to weep. When asked if he was okay, the man said he had been praying all morning for God to reveal Himself—and had prayed, “God, if You’re real, have someone stand on their head by the jukebox.”

Both men were stunned.

• Are we willing to go where the Spirit leads—even if it means leaving comfort or reputation behind?
• Are we willing to do what He asks—even when it doesn't make sense?
• Are we willing to speak when He opens a door—even if it begins with a simple question, like Philip’s?

Sometimes all someone is waiting for is a question or a word prompted by the Spirit. Listen to the Spirit’s leading. Go where He directs. Speak when He says to speak. You never know what miracle God is preparing.
 
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me listen, go, and speak—even when it feels unorthodox or uncomfortable. I know You lead only through open doors. Give me sensitivity to Your Spirit and boldness to act in faith. When I fail, remind me of Your grace and strengthen me to keep listening, going, and speaking for You.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 7:59-60 NLT - As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.

OBSERVATION:
What would your last words be if you were falsely accused, abused, and facing death by stoning? Honestly, I don’t know whether mine would be the same as Stephen’s.

Stephen followed the example of Jesus—the very One he had been preaching about to the religious council. When Jesus was put to death by the same group, He also spoke words of forgiveness from the cross:

Luke 23:34 NLT - …"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

Though Stephen’s ministry was brief, it was deeply impactful. He not only served the widows but also played a vital role in the early church. Thousands were being saved, the gospel was spreading, and God was using ordinary people like Stephen in extraordinary ways.

Acts 6:8 NLT - Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.

Stephen lived and was known for being full of grace and power. God truly did great things through him in a short time.

APPLICATION:
What can we learn from Stephen that we can apply to our lives today? I think he would tell us, “Follow me as I follow Jesus.” These same words were later echoed by Paul—the very man who once stood approvingly as Stephen was stoned (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Did Paul learn this by watching Stephen? Perhaps. The scene of Stephen’s death and his final prayer must have left a deep impression on Paul’s heart.
"Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!"

Stephen modeled five things we can strive to practice daily:

1. Follow Jesus.
2. Serve others.
3. Be filled, empowered, and led by the Spirit.
4. Be full of God’s grace.
5. Forgive—even in our final breath.

These are big shoes to fill, but with Jesus, they fit well.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for being the ultimate example of forgiveness and love. Thank You for men like Stephen, who answered Your call, relied on Your Spirit, and modeled Your grace. Help me live in such a way that I, too, can say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 6:8 NLT - Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 6 introduces us to a man named Stephen. We learn that he was a Greek believer, a Hellenist. Who were the Hellenists?

Stephen, we are told, was chosen as one of the seven to help distribute and oversee food for the Hellenist widows in the early church. He not only did this but was also a man greatly used by God.

Oftentimes, we think we are only useful in our profession or in what we are known for. Stephen had the gifts of helps and administration—certainly not the kind of gifts that get the spotlight. Yet without them, things in the church would not get accomplished.

We refer to those who have these gifts as under-rowers. In the Bible, the term under-rower (Greek: huperetes) describes a low-level servant who rows in the bottom of a galley ship. Without them, the ship would go nowhere. They keep it moving and are vitally important—in my opinion, more so than those in more visible positions in the church. They are often overlooked, noticed only when things go wrong, but without them, everything would stand still.

Because of the ministries and gifts of Stephen and the other six men, the church grew.

Acts 6:7 NLT - So God's message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

Can God use us to do great things, continue to spread the Good News, and see the number of believers increase greatly? Yes!

Oftentimes, we attribute church growth to the pastor, but it’s really due to the people in the church. If the pastor is following the design God made for his role as leader and shepherd, growth happens supernaturally, naturally, or simply Spirit-led.
 
Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT - Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Are you being equipped? If not, find a church where the pastoral staff does this. If so, be like Stephen. Serve as an under-rower and watch God use you for His glory. It may be as simple as overseeing food distribution or administration—yet these are of utmost importance to the Kingdom of God.

APPLICATION:
Like Stephen, when we take a step of faith and begin to serve, we soon realize that God not only wants us to be under-rowers but also witnesses for Him. God used Stephen to preach to the Jewish High Council and proclaim the Gospel—from under-rower to evangelist—because he was willing to serve, even in a small way.

The key to Stephen’s success was simple:

Acts 6:8 NLT - …A man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.

Full of Grace – We can be full of many things, but grace is one that never offends. Let God’s grace flow through you. Be a trophy of His grace. Let it change, mold, and shape you. Freely share it—what a gift we have been given.

Full of God’s Power – This power is the same power described in Acts chapter 2—the baptism of the Spirit. It’s what enables us to use the gifts God has given us in powerful ways. The word literally means “like dynamite.”

What’s left to do is stand back and watch God do great, amazing things—impossible for us but possible with His enabling power.

Be a Stephen today. The world is in desperate need of them.

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me walk in Your grace and power. Fill me again, use me, and continually remind me of Your amazing grace. May I be a Stephen in some way today.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 5:3-5 NLT - Then Peter said, "Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us but to God!" As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified.

OBSERVATION:
At first glance, Acts chapter 5 seems troubling. Did the early church force people to sell what they had and give it to the church? Was a socialist agenda being birthed in the early church? The answer is no and no!

The answer goes back to chapter 4. The Spirit of God was moving, the gospel was being preached, and the church was growing daily. Thousands were being saved! As a result, many decided to help this new ministry by giving. They began to sell what they had to see the gospel preached.

In particular, there was a man named Joseph who stood out among the others—not because of the size of his gift, but because of the work God was doing through him to encourage the apostles and the early church.

Acts 4:34-37 NLT - There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means "Son of Encouragement"). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

So, what was different about Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira? Pride!

We are given a clue in verse three about why and where this pride came from:

Acts 5:3 NLT - Then Peter said, "Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.

Satan, the father of lies and the originator of pride, was in the picture. Ananias had let Satan fill his heart—which led to his death. It was never about the land being sold or how much it was sold for; it was—and will always be—about the heart.

The church was in its infancy, and the Lord knew that “pride” would be its ruin.

APPLICATION:
This chapter ends with sobering advice from an unlikely source—a man named Gamaliel, known as the one who taught Paul (formerly Saul). His words remind us to keep our focus on God and avoid the trap of pride.

Acts 5:38-39 NLT - "So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!"

What great advice. If Ananias had heard it before, perhaps things would have turned out differently. Don’t fight against God—it never ends well. Don’t be guilty of pride—doing and planning things “on your own.”

Let us not be found craving attention, seeking to be seen as important, deserving special privileges, or desiring man’s glory. These traits are what the church’s enemy—Satan—is known for. Instead, let us take on the nature of Jesus, who needed no special attention or privileges and sought no man’s glory. He lived to please the Father—and did so well.
May all we do bring glory to Jesus. Anything else is just foolish pride.

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me seek Your glory rather than mine. In all I do, may You be exalted and self be set aside. When I desire “attention” or “praise,” remind me where that leads. Thank You for being the great example—may I follow You in all I do.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 4:12, 17 NLT - There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." ... But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus' name again."

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 4 continues the account of the man who was formerly lame and healed. Later in this chapter, we learn that he had been lame for more than forty years (v. 22). We aren’t told whether this was from birth—though it could have been—or whether a later event caused his condition. Either way, he was completely healed in an instant. His life changed forever.

After hearing about this miracle, we are told that the religious leaders disapproved. It seemed eerily familiar—something had to be done.

Acts 4:1-3 NLT - While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning.

In the religious leaders’ minds, this was “propaganda.” Where was the proof? They weren’t interested in the proof literally standing before them—the man they had passed by for forty years—but in the proof of Jesus’ resurrection. In their minds, unless they saw Jesus, it was propaganda. In reality, it wasn’t propaganda at all—it was Good News.

Peter, filled with the Spirit, began to speak. The religious leaders soon realized something was different about these two men—especially Peter. The Spirit-filled Peter was drastically different from the man Peter had been. Though they recognized that he and John were “uneducated,” meaning not formally trained in the Scriptures, they also recognized that they had been with Jesus.

What they perceived as untrained was actually the key to their success—and it should be ours, too:

1. Uneducated – They had not been burdened by the “religious traditions” of their day. They knew only the way of Jesus, for He had “educated” them in the ways of the Kingdom of God.
2. They had been with Jesus – When we spend time with Him, people notice. We become like Him, and others will say, “They have been with Him.”

Peter then delivered one of the shortest yet greatest sermons to these “religious” leaders—something they should have known well:

Acts 4:12 NLT - There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."

APPLICATION:
When does propaganda become Good News?

It happens when that which is seen as “information—especially of a biased or misleading nature—used to promote a particular cause, doctrine, or point of view,” becomes truth.

The religious leaders used the same word to describe the Good News, yet they refused to accept the truth, the testimony, or the transformation of the man standing before them.
Jesus even said to John the Baptist during his moment of doubt:

Luke 7:22 NLT - …"Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard--the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.

May we continue to do what the religious leaders accused Peter, John, and the Disciples of “propaganda” becomes an undeniable truth?

Acts 4:13 NLT - …They could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

Let your life be a testimony to God. Be a trophy of His grace so that all who know and see you will recognize the change.

Acts 4:12 NLT - There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving me—one who was lost but now found, one who was lame but now made whole, one who was dead but now alive. May my testimony be a trophy of Your grace! May my life be seen not as “propaganda” but as Good News.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 3:7-8 NLT - Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 3 gives us a detailed account of Peter, John, and the man who was lame from birth, who was healed. It begins with the sad reality that this man was brought to the Temple daily.

Acts 3:2 NLT - As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple.

The Jewish historian Josephus described this gate on the Temple Mount as being made of fine Corinthian brass, seventy-five feet high, with huge double doors—so beautiful that it “greatly excelled those that were only covered over with silver and gold.”

This scene is not unfamiliar to you and me, except for the location. We often see people begging on street corners, in storefronts, and even in our churches. What do we do, and how are we to handle the situation?

Peter gives us two key points:

1. Be compassionate, kind, and honest.
2. Give them what is more valuable than money—the Gospel—along with help. Help does not always come in the form of money; food, clothing, and shelter are just as valid.

What strikes me most about this account is that for a long time, this man came to “church” and remained in this condition. Either he was content or desperate—yet no one would (or could) help him.

How many people come through our church doors feeling the same way? They may have been coming for a long time, so it just “looks” normal, even routine. Yet inside, they are lame, unable to walk in the way God intended fully. They, too, are looking for a hand up, not a handout.

This scene is not unfamiliar to you and me, except for the location. We often see people begging on street corners, in storefronts, and even in our churches. What do we do, and how are we to handle the situation?
Peter gives us two key points:
Be compassionate, kind, and honest.
Give them what is more valuable than money—the Gospel—along with help. Help does not always come in the form of money; food, clothing, and shelter are just as valid.
What strikes me most about this account is that for a long time, this man came to “church” and remained in this condition. Either he was content or desperate—yet no one would (or could) help him.
How many people come through our church doors feeling the same way? They may have been coming for a long time, so it just “looks” normal, even routine. Yet inside, they are lame, unable to walk in the way God intended fully. They, too, are looking for a hand up, not a handout.

APPLICATION:
The answer, I think, lies in the words that Peter spoke to this man:

Acts 3:6-7 NLT - But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.

The next time you see that person by the gates—the Church—take a step of faith so they can take a step of faith. Share with them what you have, something greater than silver or gold—the Good News of Jesus Christ. Encourage them with the Word of God, just as Peter did. In doing so, we, like Peter, are “taking them by the hand and helping them up.”

It took Peter, John, and the lame man to take a step of faith. Are we willing to do the same? Let’s be those who, more than giving a handout (though at times that is needed), give a hand up through our encouragement and the Word of God.

Look for the one person you can help up today.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for seeing me as I am and for giving me something more valuable than silver or gold—eternal life! May I look for those I can help up, whether it begins with a handout or a hand up? May I be faithful to notice those who come daily seeking relief. Give me the same compassion You gave Peter and John—Your heart for the lost, hurting, and desperate.
The answer, I think, lies in the words that Peter spoke to this man:
Acts 3:6-7 NLT - But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.
The next time you see that person by the gates—the Church—take a step of faith so they can take a step of faith. Share with them what you have, something greater than silver or gold—the Good News of Jesus Christ. Encourage them with the Word of God, just as Peter did. In doing so, we, like Peter, are “taking them by the hand and helping them up.”
It took Peter, John, and the lame man to take a step of faith. Are we willing to do the same? Let’s be those who, more than giving a handout (though at times that is needed), give a hand up through our encouragement and the Word of God.
Look for the one person you can help up today.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for seeing me as I am and for giving me something more valuable than silver or gold—eternal life! May I look for those I can help up, whether it begins with a handout or a hand up? May I be faithful to notice those who come daily seeking relief. Give me the same compassion You gave Peter and John—Your heart for the lost, hurting, and desperate.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 2:11 NLT - “…And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!"

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 2 begins with the fulfillment of the Feast of Pentecost.

Leviticus 23:15–22 gives the original instructions for celebrating Pentecost. It says that two loaves of leavened bread were to be waved before the Lord by the priest as part of the celebration.

With the sound of a rushing, roaring, mighty storm, the house where all those who believed in Jesus were gathered was filled. Then what appeared to be tongues of fire came and settled on them—everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit. Each began to speak in other languages, glorifying God.

This was indeed the first manifestation of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. The gift of tongues was used to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

We must, in our zeal and passion, be careful not to treat the gift of tongues as a sign of salvation, for those who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit were already believers. This “sign” was a means by which God used the disciples and all who were with them to preach the Good News to those in the city.
 
Acts 2:6-8 NLT - When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. "These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!

Though many that day were skeptical, even saying that these men were drunk, this was a fulfillment of what the Prophet Joel had spoken:

Acts 2:17, 21 NLT - “'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. ...  …everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.'”

So began the birth of the Church—God-breathed and Spirit-filled, bearing the message of the Good News: everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved!

APPLICATION:
How do we see this again—a new awakening? It starts with revival—not of the lost, but of the Church.

The word revival derives from the root revive, meaning to bring something dead or dying to life. It would seem that the Church today is either dead or on its deathbed. What can bring it back to life?

Acts 2:2 NLT - Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.

The Holy Spirit—the breath of life—is needed once again so that what is dead may be revived, the Good News will be preached, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Revival is not for the lost; it’s for the Church. If the Church is revived, the fruit will be the salvation of the lost, because the Church will be speaking in a language all can hear about the wonderful things God has done.

Let our prayer be that of the song by the late Keith Green, fulfilled in our lives today.

PRAYER:
Rushing wind, blow through this temple, blowing out the dust within. Come and breathe Your breath upon me—I’ve been born again.
 
Pour out Your Spirit once again, and begin with me. Revive me, fill me, and use me to speak of the wonderful things You have done!

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 1:20 NLT - Peter continued, "This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, 'Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.' It also says, 'Let someone else take his position.'

OBSERVATION:
The account of Matthias being chosen as one of the twelve in Acts 1 has sparked much debate over the generations. Was Peter hasty, presumptuous, or Spirit-led in declaring that someone needed to fill Judas's vacant position among the disciples?

Some argue that the disciples were told to return to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit's filling. Others believe that while they waited and prayed, their decision was Spirit-led. An empty spot among the twelve could have been seen as a victory for Satan. While casting lots—essentially rolling dice—might seem like a gamble, Peter and the disciples were sincerely seeking the Lord, not relying on presumption.

You could make a valid case for both sides. What we do know is that those gathered in the upper room were seeking the Lord and that Paul would eventually fill this apostolic role. Either way, God used it for good.

• The disciples obeyed.
• The disciples were in unity and fellowship.
• The disciples were in prayer.
• The disciples were in the Scriptures.
• The disciples wanted to do God’s will.
• The disciples used sanctified common sense.
• The disciples did what Jesus did.
• The disciples did what they could to rely on God.

APPLICATION:
How do we apply this today?

As we wait on the Lord for His promises to be fulfilled, don’t be hasty.

“Hasty” means acting with excessive speed or urgency. Don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions or make decisions. Don’t rely on emotions—rely on God’s Word. If He says “Go,” then go. If He says “Wait,” then wait.

Does this mean we’ll never make mistakes? No. At times, we may be hasty. But when we are, we should do as the disciples did:

• Obey
• Stay in fellowship
• Pray
• Read God’s Word
• Desire God’s will
• Use sanctified common sense
• Do what Jesus did
• Rely fully on God

This is not a cop-out but an encouragement to follow the lead of Jesus, the disciples, and the Holy Spirit. Then wait, trust, ask, and seek—the Lord will lead you, as He led Peter and the others.

PRAYER:
Jesus, in my haste and even in my presumption, help me listen and follow Your lead, the Holy Spirit’s direction, and the disciples’ example. May Your will be done, for You know what is best. If I am waiting when I should be working, help me go. If I am working when I should be waiting, help me trust Your leading.

SCRIPTURE:
John 21:25 CSB - And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.

OBSERVATION:
In John 21, as the gospel account concludes, John tells us that what he recorded was only a portion of all that Jesus did.

The Gospel of John suggests that much more could have been written and recorded. Unlike the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John highlights different aspects of Jesus’ ministry. Written many years after the first three, John’s account not only complements the others but also reminds us that far more could be said.

John writes: “I suppose that not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.”

Truly, He has done great things—greater than all the books ever written and all the libraries in the world could contain!

APPLICATION:
Paul reminds us that we are like living volumes, adding to the gospel's testimony:

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 CSB – You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are Christ’s letter, delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God – not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

The gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ—is written on our hearts.

Like John, we can testify to what He has done in our lives. We may not have been eyewitnesses to His earthly ministry, but we are eyewitnesses to His saving power and transforming work.

John 21:24 CSB - This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

Take time today to write down your testimony. The Lord may use it to encourage someone who needs to know that Jesus loves them.

Keep it simple: Jesus loves me and has saved me.

Give Him the glory: Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed me white as snow.

Let the book of your life be added as a testimony to what Jesus has done. The library of His works is still being written—and it cannot be contained!

John 3:16-17 CSB - "For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the cross and for the forgiveness I have received through it. May my life be a “volume” visible to all—Jesus loves me! Let Your grace, mercy, truth, peace, and longsuffering be evident to all who encounter me. May they say, “Truly, God has done great things.” Like John, use my testimony to bring You glory and to lead many to You.

SCRIPTURE:
John 20:19 CSB - When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be with you."

OBSERVATION:
In John 20, we see that after three days in the tomb, Jesus rose from the dead. But this is not the end of the story. He then met with His disciples to encourage them and open their eyes to what He had accomplished.

When Jesus appeared to them, His first words were, “Peace be with you.”
This phrase was a common Hebrew greeting—still used today. In Hebrew:

• Shalom = peace
• Aleichem = upon you
• Shalom Aleichem = peace upon you
• Response: Aleichem Shalom = upon you peace

Why would Jesus choose this greeting for His fearful, hiding disciples?

Jesus repeated this phrase two more times (Vs. 21, 26). Why? Because they needed a reminder. He not only brought the peace of God but also peace with God.

We are no longer enemies of God. Because of Jesus, we have peace with God, and with that peace, we can experience the peace of God—a peace only He can give.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

When Jesus said “Peace be with you” a second time (v. 21), He breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit. Just as peace comes upon you, so does the Spirit. Without the Spirit, peace is incomplete.

Why three times? Because they were afraid, and Jesus was willing to assure them again and again—and He does the same for us.

APPLICATION:
When, like the disciples, you lose your peace or struggle to find it, look to the wounds of Jesus.  Look to the cross. Peace was secured when He declared, “It is finished.”

Our peace depends not on us but on Him. He paid for it so we can have and experience it… Live in His peace today.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for Your peace—a peace found only in You. My sins have been dealt with; I am no longer an enemy—I have peace. Help me live in this peace every day. When I doubt, may I look to Your wounds—evidence of Your love, sacrifice, victory, and resurrection. You are the source of my peace.

SCRIPTURE:
John 19:1-3 CSB - Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on his head, and clothed him in a purple robe. And they kept coming up to him and saying, "Hail, king of the Jews! " and were slapping his face.

OBSERVATION:
John 19 continues the account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Pilate had Jesus flogged, and Mark 15 gives us further detail on the cruelty of the soldiers.

Mark 15:16-20 CSB - The soldiers led him away into the palace (that is, the governor's residence) and called the whole company together. They dressed him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and put it on him. And they began to salute him, "Hail, king of the Jews! " They were hitting him on the head with a stick and spitting on him. Getting down on their knees, they were paying him homage. After they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple robe and put his clothes on him. They led him out to crucify him.

It would be easy for us to resent the Romans for what they did to Jesus. But if we’re honest, we likely would have done the same if we had been there. Only John and a few others stood near the cross—everyone else had fled.

As Jesus’ suffering began, we see the depth of what it took to pay the debt of our sins—to bring Him to the point where He could say before His last breath:

John 19:30 CSB - When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished." Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.

The mockery, beating, and cruelty were terrible—but the rejection by His own people may have cut deeper.

The words of the chief priests and the crowd:

• “Crucify! Crucify!” (v. 6).
• “We have a law… He ought to die.” (v. 7).
• “Take him away! Crucify him!… We have no king but Caesar!” (v. 15).

The slaps, spit, and scourging were nothing compared with hearing His own people reject Him. Yet He endured it all—for joy—because it was the only way. One man must die for the nation, for all.
 
The words of Pilate, though spoken in mockery, were true:

• “Here is the man!” (v. 5).
• “Here is your king!” (v. 14).
• “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (vv. 19–20).

Written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek for all the world to read, Pilate’s inscription proclaimed the truth: the innocent One died for the guilty.

Above all the voices, we hear Jesus's final words:

John 19:30 CSB - When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished." Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.

The phrase “It is finished” in Greek means “paid in full.” Our debt has been covered. The price for sin has been paid.

So the question is: Is Jesus your King? If not, why not? What more could He do? Your sins have been atoned for. Will you accept the cleansing He purchased at the cross?

APPLICATION:
Today, you may be like the soldiers—mocking, rejecting, or slapping away the Savior.

Or you may be like the crowds and the religious leaders—declaring, “We have no king but Caesar!”—living as though you were the ruler of your own life, yet finding no true peace or rest.

But listen to the words of Jesus: “It is finished!” He does not hold your sin against you—He holds out His hand to you. Will you let Him be your King and your Savior? What more does He need to prove?

John 15:13 CSB - "No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.”

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving me! Be the King of my life, my Savior today and forever. Thank You that Your hand is not against me but stretched out toward me—to rescue me and grant me eternal life. Today, I choose to follow You—my King, my Lord, my Savior, my God.

SCRIPTURE:
John 18:4-5 CSB - Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, "Who is it that you're seeking? "Jesus of Nazareth," they answered. "I am he," Jesus told them. Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with them.

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 18, we see the events leading up to the arrest and trial of Jesus. We see that Jesus knew exactly what was about to happen—even at the moment of His betrayal and arrest.

John 18:4 CSB - Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, "Who is it that you're seeking? "

The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus knew what was coming yet endured it with joy. Why? Because He loves you and me more than we will ever fully understand.

Hebrews 12:2 CSB - … For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
He endured so that we might be forgiven.

In this chapter, we encounter three men:

• Jesus – Savior
• Judas – Betrayer
• Peter – Denier

People often say Peter denied Jesus because he didn’t follow closely enough. That may be true—but where were the rest of the disciples? All except John, Judas, and Peter had fled.

John 18:8-9 CSB - "I told you I am he," Jesus replied. "So if you're looking for me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the words he had said: "I have not lost one of those you have given me."

All of this—even Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s denial—was part of God’s plan. It had to happen this way. Jesus had to be the Savior who was betrayed and denied. It was for our good, even if it’s hard to grasp.

This chapter highlights two key statements:

• “I Am He” – spoken three times by Jesus (vv. 5, 6, 8).
• “I am not” – spoken twice by Peter (vv. 17, 25).

In these statements, we see the contrast: Jesus declared Himself the Messiah, the Savior, the great I AM. Peter, on the other hand, had to learn his own weakness—he was neither the Messiah nor the Savior. He couldn’t even stand for Jesus in the moment and denied Him instead.

This takes us to what Paul said in Romans:

Romans 3:23 CSB - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;

This includes the fleeing disciples, the treacherous Judas, and the denying Peter. All fell short. All needed a Savior.

APPLICATION:
Maybe you find yourself in one of these groups:

• Like the disciples, you’ve run the other way.
• Like Peter, you’ve denied Jesus with words or actions.
• Like Judas, you’ve betrayed Him by living as if you don’t know Him.

No matter which, the truth remains the same—we are lost without Jesus. All of us need what only He offers: forgiveness.

We must reach the same conclusion as Peter: “I am not He.” I cannot save myself. I cannot pay for my sins. I cannot do enough “good” to outweigh my failures. Only Jesus can save.

When asked who He was, Jesus declared, “I Am He.”

This ties back to Exodus 3:14 CSB - God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you."

“I AM” signifies The Becoming One. Jesus became what we needed most—our Savior.

Come to Him today. Don’t remain like the disciples who fled, Peter who denied, or Judas who betrayed. Come to the great I AM.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving me. I have run. I have denied. I have betrayed. Yet thank You for being the I AM—the Savior of my soul. I am not, but You are. Be glorified in me so that others may see You as the Great I AM.

SCRIPTURE:
John 17:24 CSB - "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they will see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the world's foundation.

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 17, Jesus begins to pray—first for Himself. He knew His time had come; it was the final hours before His crucifixion.

As Jesus begins His prayer, He gives us a foundational truth of utmost importance: John 17:3 CSB – “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent – Jesus Christ.”

What Jesus was about to do on the cross would make it possible not only for us to have eternal life but also for us to know the Father truly. Jesus was about to accomplish what the Father had sent Him to do—propitiation.

Romans 3:21-26 NKJV - But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Propitiation is the turning away of God’s wrath—the just judgment for our sin—through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is “averting the wrath of God by the offering of a gift.”

This is clearly stated in Romans 6:23 (NKJV) - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Through this sacrifice, Jesus accomplished what He asked the Father to do: John 17:17, 19 CSB - “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ... "I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”

You and I have been set apart (sanctified) because of the truth of the cross. This is how we can be where Jesus wants us—with Him.

Without Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, there would be no sanctification.

To be “set apart” for holy use—especially for the temple—an object had to be cleansed and purified. Spiritually, we cannot accomplish this cleansing by our own efforts. Only the sacrifice of Jesus could atone for our sins.

The question is: Do you want to be with Jesus? Have you accepted the gift of salvation? If not, what are you waiting for? The work is complete—you simply need to believe.

APPLICATION:
Is your joy lacking today? Do you feel uncertain about your eternity? Jesus spoke these words to give us assurance: John 17:13 CSB - "Now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy completed in them.”

This completed joy was accomplished on the cross—eternal life, fully paid for. All we must do to receive it is to receive it.

John 3:16-17 CSB - "For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

This was Jesus’ mission—He stated it plainly in verse 3.

John 17:3 CSB - "This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent -- Jesus Christ.”

• Jesus – the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, meaning "God’s salvation."
• Christ – His title and mission; the Messiah, the Savior promised by God.

Romans 10:9-11, 13 CSB - If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, ...  For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Call on Him today—let your joy be complete. He desires nothing more than for you to be with Him. Nothing else needs to be done except to receive the free gift of salvation.

If you struggle with assurance today, remember: the Bible says we are saved if we believe—not if we do. Do you believe He has saved you because of the cross? If so, you are saved.

Walk in newness of life. Let the Holy Spirit change you through the Word of God. Grow in your relationship with Jesus—He desires that you know Him more.

Jesus truly loves you and me more than we will ever fully comprehend.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving me! May I always be a trophy of Your grace. May my life reflect the sanctification You have granted me—may it lead others to You. May You receive all the glory. Father, thank You for loving me—unending, unfailing, and undeserved.

SCRIPTURE:
John 16:33 CSB - "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

OBSERVATION:
In John 16, Jesus tells His disciples He is going away—but will return soon.

John 16:16 CSB - "In a little while, you will no longer see me; again in a little while, you will see me."

The disciples struggled to understand this. As often happens when we face suffering or trials, it didn’t make sense to them. Jesus was speaking of His death, burial, and resurrection.

John 16:19-20 CSB - Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, and so he said to them, "Are you asking one another about what I said, 'In a little while, you will not see me; again in a little while, you will see me'? "Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.

Three times in the rest of this chapter, Jesus speaks of joy:

1. Your sorrow will turn to joy (Vs 20)
2. No one will take away your joy (Vs 22)
3. So that your joy may be complete (Vs 24)

What the disciples didn’t know – often what we don’t know in the midst of the trial – is that our joy is not in wishful thinking but in hope – not that it will happen, but because Jesus made the promise and He keeps His promises.

The disciples didn’t yet know—and we often forget in our own trials—that joy isn’t based on wishful thinking but on hope rooted in Jesus' promises. And He keeps every promise.

Their sorrow would be transformed into a joy no one could take away—because He rose from the dead and is the Victor, their joy would be complete.

Jesus also reassured them with these powerful words: John 16:27 CSB - "For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”

We are loved by the Father—not because of our goodness, but because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Our debt is paid in full. This was His plan from the beginning.

As someone once said:

When the Father sees us through the lens of Christ’s blood, sealed by the Spirit, He cannot help but love us.

If nothing else brings you joy today, let this truth sink in—God loves you and has proved it.

John 3:16-17 CSB - "For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

APPLICATION:
Jesus ended this chapter with a reminder we need every day: John 16:33 CSB - "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

Trials will come. Suffering will occur. But be courageous—Jesus has overcome the world. He has paid the price for sin. Nothing can ever take it from us.

Romans 8:35, 37-39 CSB - Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If sorrow fills your life, it may be because you’ve lost sight of the source of your joy—Jesus Himself. He loves you more than you will ever fully grasp. If you can’t find joy anywhere else, find it in Him, the giver of complete joy.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for complete joy—the joy of knowing You are victorious and have overcome the world. Father, thank You for loving me—not because I deserve it, but because of Your Son. Let my life reflect that joy so clearly that people ask, “Why do you have joy?”—and may my answer always point them to You, the source of it all.

SCRIPTURE:
John 15:9-11 CSB - "As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. "If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. "I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

OBSERVATION:
In John 15, Jesus instructs His disciples to abide (remain, CSB) in Him. In doing so, we will bear fruit. Along with bearing fruit, we are to love as Christ loves us. We are commanded to remain (abide, NKJV) in His love. But what does this look like?

First, fruit without love is just rotten fruit—no one wants to eat fruit that is spoiled or wormy. Bearing fruit should not be the sole priority; bearing fruit in love—Christlike love—is what truly matters.

Jesus gives us the recipe for love in the following six verses:

1. Remain in My love (v. 10)
2. My joy may be in you (v. 11)
3. Love one another as I have loved you (vv. 12–13)
4. Love—this is what I command (v. 17)

Remain in My Love - John 15:10 CSB - "If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love.
 
The Greek word for “abide” means “to remain.”

• In reference to place: to sojourn, tarry, not to depart.
• In reference to time: to continue, to endure.
• In reference to state or condition: to remain as one, not to become another or different.

In a sense, Jesus was saying that abiding and loving are actions. They must be visible, tangible virtues in our lives. Do not depart from love; continue and endure in love; remain in love, and don’t let it become something other than what Jesus demonstrated.

Jesus said, “Keep my commands.” His command, as we will see, is to love—because love fulfills His commands. Therefore, we must remain in His love.

My Joy May Be in You - John 15:11 CSB - "I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

True love brings a fullness of joy—His joy.

Someone once said that JOY means having the right perspective: Jesus, Others, You. This acrostic shows us how to love. If we follow it, our joy will be complete.

If we are truly loving, His joy will be in us—because He is love.

Love One Another As I Have Loved You - John 15:12-13 CSB - "This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. "No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.”

Big shoes to fill! He not only loved but laid down His life—crucified—for you and me. That is true love.

Remember the Apostle Paul’s words:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 CSB - Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends…

Love has never given up on us—so we should never give up loving others.

Love – This is What I Command - John 15:17 CSB - "This is what I command you: Love one another.
 
This command to love is in the imperative—meaning it must be carried out. This is the only command Jesus gave us: Love one another as I have loved you.

Paul told us it was God’s love that drew us:
Romans 2:4 CSB - Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Kindness is a fruit of love. His kindness led us to repentance. Repentance without love is not repentance, and love without repentance is not love—they go hand in hand.

APPLICATION:
Jesus told us to remain in His love. If our lives look any different—if we set conditions—have we strayed from His love? Jesus placed only one condition on His love: Believe. Come to Him.

Jesus did not say, “Clean yourself up and then come.” He said, “Come.”

When we love with any other condition, we are not loving as Christ loves.

Love as He loves you—why would we want any other kind of love for those around us?
Remain in His love.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your love—unending, long-suffering, patient, kind, and enduring to the end. Continue the work of love in me so that I may love as You have loved me.

SCRIPTURE:
John 14:1 CSB - "Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

OBSERVATION:
What is the cure for a troubled heart? Jesus gives us the answer—believe in Me.

The Greek word for believe means: To think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, to place confidence in.

All of these definitions are what Jesus said:

• Let your mind dwell in the truth.
• Be persuaded—convinced of who He is and what He has said.
• Give Him credit—He has never failed, nor will He.
• Have confidence in Jesus—trust Him.

He gives us the greatest assurance in the verses that follow:

John 14:2-4 CSB - "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? "If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. "You know the way to where I am going."

If Jesus says something, He will do it—He is NOT a liar—never has been, never will be. We can take Paul’s words to heart.

Philippians 1:6 CSB - I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Today, if you are struggling with a troubled heart, it may be that you do not believe.

APPLICATION:
What is the cure?

John 14:6 CSB - Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Even Thomas, one of His disciples, struggled with doubt—a troubled heart. He became known as “Doubting Thomas” and is famous for what he said to Jesus after His resurrection:

John 20:24-29 CSB - But Thomas (called "Twin"), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, "We've seen the Lord! " But he said to them, “If I don't see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe." A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don't be faithless, but believe." Thomas responded to him, "My Lord and my God! " Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

These are some of the final words recorded in the Gospel of John. Why? Because the Holy Spirit knew we would struggle as Thomas did.

Let Jesus’ words comfort you today. He gives us three promises to hold onto:

• I Am the Way – Are you feeling lost today, seeking direction? Has it led you to doubt? Believe in Jesus. Trust Him—He is faithful.
• I Am the Truth – Are you struggling to find truth in a world full of lies? Jesus is the truth—there is no lie in Him. Believe in Jesus. Trust Him—He is faithful.
• I Am the Life – Have you lost your sense of purpose? Jesus is the source of eternal, abundant life. Believe in Jesus. Trust Him—He is faithful.

Trust Jesus today—He is the way, the truth, and the life. All the answers we seek are in Him, including eternal life.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, that You are the way, the truth, and the life. I can trust You and believe You will do what You say because You are faithful. As I walk with You in faith, may others see You in me so they, too, might believe.

SCRIPTURE:
John 13:1 CSB - Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

OBSERVATION:
If you knew today would be your last day to live, what would you say or do? What final words and actions would you share with those closest to you?

In John chapter 13, we see Jesus sharing His final words with His disciples. He knew His time to depart had come—and He loved His disciples to the very end.

What an epitaph! Would this be said of you and me when we die?

Tragically, many may end up with an epitaph like this:

May this not be the case in our lives. May we follow the example of Jesus—and love to the end.

APPLICATION:
We can learn three lessons from Jesus about how He approached His final days and moments here on earth.

1) Wash Feet - Jesus gave us the greatest example of loving to the end—not just by speaking about it, but by demonstrating it.

John 13:4-5 CSB – "So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him."

Serve those you love—even if it means washing stinky, dirty feet.

2) Follow His Example - After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “Follow my example.”

John 13:12-17 CSB – "When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, 'Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you. Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.'"

If our Lord and Master washed our feet, should we not follow His example? We must be quick to show unconditional love.

Remember: a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

3) Love As You Are Loved - How will those around us know we loved them to the end? Jesus tells us:

John 13:34-35 CSB – "I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

This is the key—not just to a clever epitaph, but to leaving behind words and actions we will truly be remembered for.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for loving me to the end. At times, I imagine it must be difficult, yet Your unfailing love says otherwise. May I do as You did—love to the end. Help me wash others’ feet and love as You love. May the world and those closest to me see that I am Your disciple by the love I display. Work in me that love so it may be shown to all.