Daily Devotionals

Read Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

PAUL

Good leaders have affection for people. Paul writes, "Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God...” (1Thessalonians 2:8). Is that great, or what? Paul didn't shrink from sharing his emotions with his flock. That strong man, an apostle of Christ, looking back on the Thessalonians said, "Oh, what an affection I had for you. How dear you were to me." Those are affectionate words of intimacy.

Read Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

PAUL

Good leaders are sensitive to the needs of others. Paul compared his ministry toa mother who tenderly cares for the needs of her children. I love that word picture. I watched my wife nursing our children when they were tiny, without giving one thought to her own needs. It has been my joy as well to witness my grown daughters caring for our grandchildren too. It's a precious sight to behold.

Read Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

PAUL

Read Acts 16:16-40; Philippians 2:1-18

PAUL

Paul had an attitude of genuine thanksgiving: "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak" (Colossians 4:2-4).

Read Acts 16:16-40; Philippians 2:1-18

PAUL

Paul commands believers to possess the attitude of strong determination. He confesses, "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

Read Acts 16:16-40; Philippians 2:1-18

PAUL

Read Acts 16:16-40; Philippians 1:12-18

PAUL

Paul is under house arrest in rented quarters; he refuses to focus on that. He is far from home, and his future is uncertain; he doesn't let that concern him. Heis bound to a Roman guard every day; no problem. Because he has made Christ the object ofhis life, contentment has replaced frustration. He's taught himself to live above his circumstances. The benefits?

Read Acts 16:16-40; Philippians 1:12

PAUL

Few people in the first century had a deeper understanding of God's grace than the Apostle Paul. Redeemed from a life of vicious brutality as a rigid legalistic Pharisee, the man turned the corner, repented, and through Christ's empowering became a gentle soul, gracious and affirming. Understanding. Forgiving. Approachable. He reached the place where he was willing not only to offer hope to the Gentiles but to live among them, though he himself would bleed pure Jewish blood.

Read Acts 16:11-15

PAUL

Whether you are travelling as a missionary or in the midst of your personal profession, God would have you travel as Paul travelled. I observe four enduring principles that will help you maximize your effectiveness for Christ, wherever you may go.

Read Acts 16:1-10; 17:1-11

PAUL

A man from Macedonia had said, “Come over and help us.” God had in mind a seller of purple, an exploited slave girl, and a rugged, brutal Roman jailer. When you travel as God would have you travel, like Paul, you’re sensitive to doors that open and at peace with doors that close.