Sunday, October 29

Acts 1:1-3

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. After His suffering, He presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

Devotional:

Luke’s former book (the gospel of Luke) was probably written to an official within the roman government, named Theophilus. Interesting note: the name Theophilus means “lover of God.” One of Luke’s purposes for writing his gospel was so that Theophilus might be absolutely sure of what he was taught about Christ.

Interestingly, Luke (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) also wrote Acts. Acts gives us a historical record of the early Church. Luke wrote Acts as a continuation of the Gospel story, to encourage and affirm believers in their faith, and to help Christians LIVE their lives unto God.

It is important to understand that God has given us His Word that we would know Him; and, more importantly, that we would come to be known by Him. And God has given us Himself so that we might live for Him and with Him. We have been given the opportunity – as lovers of God – to LIVE out our faith and join God in His mission of seeking and saving the lost.It would be a shame if any of us ever came away from an encounter with God… unchanged. Rather, by God’s grace, may we be transformed; a people – gathered and united as one under the banner of Jesus Christ – living lives of worship unto the King. May we continue to PRAY in new ways, LIVE in new ways, and GIVE in new ways. May we guard our hearts, not letting anything come between us and our Savior. Let us cling to Christ; and let momentum continue.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for growing my faith and establishing momentum in my walk with You. Thank You that You have made it possible for me to walk as closely to You as I desire. You have been so good to me. I want my life to be a life changed by – and for – Christ. I want to LIVE for You, Lord; help me to LIVE for You. I am Yours. Amen.

Application:

Today, schedule a block of time that you will spend with God tomorrow. Determine what Scripture you will read and plan to spend some minutes in prayer. Next, consider all the ways that we have prayed, lived and given over these past four weeks. How can you LIVE for God tomorrow?