Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 31
Read Romans 2:17-3:18

We live in a world that puts tremendous emphasis on outward appearance. But when we follow the world and put so much focus on what we look like — what clothes we wear, what hairstyle we have, how much we weigh — we forget what matters most. How are our hearts? How are we living? God certainly looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). He judges them, He sees the problem, and He calls our problem sin. But He loves us and wants to make us holy.
Spend time evaluating your heart. Ask God to help you see your life as He does. God is more concerned with the “inner you” than He is with the “outer you.” Who you are on the inside will be lived out for all to see. Are there aspects of the “outer you” that need to change to match the “inner you”? Don’t let the world distract you from letting God cleanse your heart and lead your steps today.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 29
Read Romans 1:1-27

It’s been said that darkness is the absence of light. If God’s people would let their light shine brighter in the world, there would be less darkness to prevail. After all, Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). However, many Christians seem ashamed to take a stand and tell others about God’s beauty and majesty.
All of creation was designed to bring God glory (Romans 1:20). We must let the light of Christ shine through us, as it does throughout all creation. There has never been a greater need for the children of God to stand up with the rest of creation and proclaim the good news.
Don’t be ashamed to live for Christ today. Stand tall! Be bold! Remember that you were created to be an expression of God to a world that He loves, a world that desperately needs Him!

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 28
Read Acts 28:11-31

As Christians, we often spend much of our time going out and looking for people to share the gospel with. This is indeed a good thing, but we need to remain sensitive to the Spirit of God and to the individuals He places right in front of us for that very purpose. We might be walking right past the people God has brought to us while we’re busy looking for someone to share with. Have you ever been guilty of missing a blessing that is right in front of you?
Just as Paul shared Christ with everyone God brought into his life (Acts 28:30-31), be sensitive to the people God places in your life today. Keep looking for opportunities to share, but don’t miss the moments God’s already ordained that will unfold right before your eyes. Those God moments may sneak up on you when you least expect them!
God has a story He wants you to share with others. The destination of that story has no limits and is not for your choosing. Share it with someone who is in your path today.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 24
Read Acts 26:9-32

While he was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, Saul learned of God’s plan for his life through an encounter with the risen Christ. As a Pharisee, Saul thought he had already figured out what his role was in Israel — a defender of the Torah and an executor of God’s judgment. But that was not to be. God even changed Saul’s name to prove it! Do you already have your life figured out? If so, you may be ripe for a “Damascus Road” experience of your own!
When God calls and you answer, new insights, visions, and experiences will become more commonplace. God’s call will always take you beyond your comfort zone and into the vast unexplored reaches of His grace and mercy. The truth is, you are called to be God’s witness, just like Paul. Your response to God’s call may look different than Paul’s, but it is just as real. You can reach people others cannot, go places others cannot, and do things others cannot.
Hear God calling to you today. Ask Him to show you how you can reach people within your sphere of influence for Him. Wherever you are, be a witness for Him!

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 23
Read Acts 25:13-26:8

In Acts 26:4-7, we read the beginning of Paul’s testimony to King Agrippa. Throughout his early years in life, back when his name was still Saul, Paul devoted himself to what he thought was God’s plan for him — living as a strict Pharisee — until one day when he was traveling on the road to Damascus. That encounter with the risen Lord Jesus turned Saul’s world upside down and placed him on a path that was completely different from anything he had ever dreamed it would be.
Like Paul, you have the opportunity to become a witness of God’s love. As you are hold of Him and He renews you from the inside out, you will become a living testimony of a blameless life. You will be able to grow and mature into this kind of living as you surrender your heart to God and lean into the embrace of His love.
We cannot remain the same after an encounter with Christ. Seek Him daily and allow Him to mold you into the image of Christ. Meditate on things that are praiseworthy and of good report (Philippians 4:8). Focus on Jesus Christ and on His purposes and plans. When you do, you will be a powerful witness for Christ and your life will rise above reproach.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 22
Read Acts 24:17-25:12

Paul knew he could stand before God and men with a clear conscience. He was unafraid of both God’s and Caesar’s judgment (Acts 25:10-11). Paul had long been faithful in loving God and loving his enemies, and he knew God’s abiding love stood as a shield for him against the weapons of his enemies. Scripture declares the righteous will have boldness in the day of judgment because “love has been perfected” among them and “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:17-18). This truth is what emboldened Paul as he stood before the rulers of the world and proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ. Fearlessly, Paul stood his ground, secure in God’s perfect love.
The unrighteous, however, are not in the same position. They have never embraced God’s perfect love, and therefore do not dwell in His presence under the shadow of His protective wings. Their fear of judgment arises out of their sense of insecurity and a lack of confidence in their future. Intercede for them today, asking God to draw then unto Himself in love. And thank God for His protecting love by following Paul’s example of faithfulness and trust in God.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 21
Read Acts 23:23-24:16

Paul said he always strived “to have a conscience without offense toward God and men” (Acts 24:16). His resolve to obey God and reach people for Him was fueled by passionate love and a deep desire to see others come to know Jesus and His mighty love for them. Paul understood that action fueled by godly love led him to do what was right in God’s eyes. Jesus said to love others as you love yourself (Matthew 22:39). Could your motives withstand the “love for others” test? As you receive more of God’s love and allow Him to fill your heart with His love, they will. Throughout your day, check yourself: are your actions fueled by godly love?

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 20

Answer the following questions regarding your readings from this past week:

1.) Who in your life had offended you? Was it a mistake on their part, a consequence of their selfishness, or a personal attack? Think through the steps you need to take to forgive them.

2.) Have you “gotten over” your salvation? What do you need to do to bring yourself back to the humility of the cross (Revelation 2:2-5)?

Daily Walk Through they New Testament
October 30
Read Romans 1:28-2:16

We are quick to condemn others for grievous acts of unrighteousness, even while we have our own sinful practices. Jesus exposed this human tendency when He asked “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3). Each of us is accountable to God for our lives — public and private. God knows our secrets. Sin can be fun for a moment, but it never goes unpunished. It is foolish to take sin lightly (Proverbs 14:9). And as Christians, we have no excuse for sin in our lives — we know better!
If you’re resisting repentance, consider the words of Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Your sin will be found out. God already knows about it, and He’s waiting for you to agree with Him about what He already knows. It’s better for us to deal with our sins with God in private now, confessing them and receiving forgiveness, than to wait until God confronts us as Judge. But either way, God will hold us responsible for our sins.
What sin do you need to repent of today? Maybe you need to ask God to give you awareness of your sin. Whatever sin God reveals to you, admit it to Him. Allow Him to cleanse you. David gave us a model of a prayer of repentance in Psalm 51. He said, “I acknowledge my transgressions . . . Against You, You only have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight” (vs. 3-4). He asked God to have mercy on him according to His lovingkindness, to blot out his sins, and to wash him thoroughly.
It doesn’t matter what your sins are — God is merciful and will bless your obedience and repentance. You can trust God to be who He says He is. He is waiting on you to come to Him so He can start the process of forgiveness, healing, and redirection!

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 19

Read Acts 22:30-23:22

In his quest to discourage and even destroy the people of God, Satan often uses people. Ironically, most of those involved in this endeavor believe they are doing the Lord’s work. Such was the case of the forty who wanted to take Paul’s life. God, however, had other plans for Paul’s continued ministry. God came to Paul’s rescue and protected his life until his work was finished.
God stands by you! As long as you are in His will, nothing can happen to you unless God wills it to happen. You can be confident that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Get in God’s will. It’s the safest place on earth.