Fear Is Inevitable | Luke 14:28

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” (Luke 14:28 NLT)   In this week’s devotions, we’re going to talk about facing and managing your fears. And we’re going to sta…

Free Refills | Acts 13:52

“And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52 NLT)   Imagine that you bought a new car, drove it around town for a few days, and really liked the way it performed for you. But suddenly it started sputtering and not running as well as it had in the beginning. Final…

A Good Time to Pray | Acts 12:5

“But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.” (Acts 12:5 NLT)   If you watched a lot of old Westerns back in the day, as I did, you know that the outlaws (who usually wore black hats) riding furiously across mountainous terrain with the stolen loot from the stagecoach…

A Purposeful Approach | Acts 11:23–24

“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.” (Acts 11:23–24 NLT)   Hats and T-shirts ofte…

Standing By | Acts 23:11

“That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, ‘Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.’” (Acts 23:11 NLT)   The apostle Paul was blessed with a tremendous circle of friends and fellow laborers for Christ. He ga…

Philip on the Spot | Acts 8:35

“So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.” (Acts 8:35 NLT)   According to Acts 8, Philip led a thriving ministry in the city of Samaria. Crowds flocked to hear him preach the gospel and watch him perform miraculous signs. Countless people believed his mess…

The Unlikeliest Hymn | Acts 16:25

“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” (Acts 16:25 NLT)   In this week’s devotions, we’re going to look at the book of Acts—specifically, the people, situations, encounters, and experiences that laid the groundwork for the c…

Where Is God When I Feel Lonely? | Acts 27:23–24

“For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’” (Acts 27:23–24 NLT)   One of the vexing ir…

What Makes the Bible So Special? | 2 Timothy 3:16

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT)   Martin Luther said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs a…

Does God Give Second Chances? | Galatians 4:4–5

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” (Galatians 4:4–5 NLT)   Some people are keenly interested in researching their family tree. Per…