Day 19

There will always be God, forever with me and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

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Scripture

“The Lord said to Paul, ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’” — Acts 18:9-10

Observation

Paul is in Corinth preaching that Jesus is the Messiah. He was being judged for this and even beaten. Paul was faithful to God and stayed in Corinth for another year and a half preaching. This decision did not come without trials. Paul continued to be attacked and judged. Not all believed in Jesus as the Messiah. Paul continued to speak though, just as God instructed. He went on from Corinth traveling place to place preaching.

Application

I find that there are times when it feels easy to trust in God’s will for my life, and other times when it can feel more challenging. I love how Paul consistently focuses on the word of the Lord, takes action on it, and shares that if it is God’s will, it shall be done. The more I pray and ask God to be the center of all my decisions and ways, the better I’m able to honor and trust in the plan he has for me. There will be trials, just as Paul encountered. And there will always be God, forever with me. For that, I’m eternally grateful.

Prayer

“God, I pray that you’ll continue to speak to me and provide me the strength and focus to do your will above all else. This is not always easy God, and I thank you for putting remarkable, supportive people in my life. Please continue to teach me, guide me, and help me grow with you. In your name I pray, Amen.”

Scripture

Get to a place where you can focus and read the daily Scripture passage several times. Take time to read and allow God to speak to you. Write down the one or two verses that stick out. Even consider rewriting the verse(s) in your own words.

Observation

Make a basic observation about the scripture you just read. What stood out? Was something repeated? What is the author trying to communicate? What does the Scripture passage teach you about God? What does it teach you about humanity?

Application

Ask, “What does this verse(s) mean for my life?” How might this verse affect your heart — how you feel? How does this verse challenge your thinking? How does it affect your will, asking, “What changes do I need to make in my life as a result of this passage of Scripture?”

Prayer

Write out a prayer to God. Scripture is God speaking to you, take this moment to speak back. Take a moment to say, “Thank you,” confess to Him what needs to change, or ask for something that is on your heart.