Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 18

Read Acts 22:6-29

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God has a plan for every believer.
God’s plan for Paul was that of a pioneer missionary to the Gentiles. Paul revealed his witness of Christ to those who wanted to take his life (Acts 22:6-21). As he shared his dramatic conversion story and God-given mission to spread the gospel, one would expect a happy ending — that his listeners would repent and give their hearts to Christ. However, it was not a happy ending, and although Paul’s audience did not believe his message, he was responsible only for delivering the good news. His job was to be a missionary, and he left the results of his seed-sowing up to God.
God has a personal plan for you, just as He did for Paul, and He expects you only to take  on the role He’s called you to. Your plan looks different fro everyone else’s because we all have a niche in which we best bring glory to God. He has given us talents, gifts, experiences, and burdens that point the way to His special will for our lives. We need to set aside preconceived ideas & traditions to embrace His plan for us.
Ask God to reveal to you more of His plan for your life. Like Paul, offer yourself to God for His purposes and be willing to be faithful, even in difficult situations.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 17
Read Acts 21:26-22:5

As we serve the Lord, we are often misunderstood, both by believers and unbelievers alike. When Paul entered Jerusalem, he did so with Gentile companions who he had led to faith in Christ. Some assumptions were made, wrong reports spread throughout the town, and then the gossip blossomed into accusations that Paul was bringing Gentiles into the holy place of the temple. It simply was not true. But the damage had already been done — the rumor led to an emotional upheaval and the Jews demanding Paul’s death!
Paul’s heart was in the right place. He was trying to reach the Gentiles with the gospel while not offending the Jews. However, just as in the case of Christ, he was misunderstood in his ministry. How did Paul respond to being attacked? Did he respond in anger or shrink away to pout about getting His feelings hurt? No, Paul’s answer to this conflict was to proclaim the gospel boldly! Scripture tells us the hearts and minds of unbelievers can be blinded to the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4), so like Paul, we need to remember that even when the world misunderstands us, our mandate to share the good news remains the same. We need to love people as Jesus loves them.
When you are misunderstood, try not to take the insults personally. Find common ground with others, as Paul did, and show people the love of Christ by sharing Jesus and His Word — even in the face of mistreatment.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 16
Read Acts 21:1-25

In Acts 21, it appeared that Paul would be arrested and put to death in Jerusalem. Death would not in fact come to Paul at that time, but the journey and outlook for Paul was similar to Jesus’ — a Jewish plot to accuse the righteous, a handing over of the accused to Gentiles, a prediction of his suffering. Also, as in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see a strong resolution to do the will of God regardless of the consequences. Paul said, “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).
What courage and faithfulness Paul displayed! What is the secret?Faithfulness grows out of our faith. We move away from our sinful inclination to demand our own will, and we take on Jesus’ heart. We desire God’s will most. This is the resolution that sets us free. The key to Paul’s courage is that he had already resolved in his heart that without reservation God’s will had to be done in his life.
What about you? The essence of receiving salvation and belonging to God is surrendering your will to Him. It’s exchanging gods — Jehovah God instead of you. When we live this, we begin to realize we can trust His will just as we trust His heart.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 15
Read Acts 20:7-38

We can see the heart of Paul very clearly in this passage. Out of necessity he had to leave the church he loved on order to take the gospel to those who had never heard. Paul poured out his life with all humility to testify to the gospel of grace (Acts 20:19). Why the dedication? Why the passion? Perhaps it was because he never got over his salvation. The same humility that brought him to the foot of the cross on the Damascus Road compelled hm to stay near that cross, embrace the gospel (20:20), and finish well (2 Timothy 4:7). He said, “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).
What about you? Where is your passion? Find it at the foot of the cross.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 14
Read Acts 19:23-20:6

Few of us have ever been attacked by a mob like Alexander in Acts 19. However, it is very likely you’ve experienced a relational conflict and have even felt attacked by those you love and trust. When conflict arises, it is best to reconcile peaceably if we can. If we cannot, however, we should never seek revenge. Hebrews 12:14-15 says we should “pursue peace with all people,” helping them experience the grace of God. We should not allow “any root of bitterness” to spring up and cause trouble, because “by this many become defiled.” An angry, bitter attitude bent on “getting even” will hurt us and negatively affect our relationships.
When we seek revenge or even aggressively defend ourselves at the expense of others, we demonstrate a lack of faith in God. Romans 12:19 teaches us not to avenge ourselves, but to leave that up to our Father. God came to Alexander’s rescue, and He will defeat your enemies as well. God is able to defend you and will eventually make all things right. Resist revengeful impulses and honor God by recognizing that it is His prerogative to punish sin and His pleasure to protect and defend you.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 13

Answer the following questions in regards to our readings this week:

1.) Everyone needs encouragement. How can you be like Barnabas in your circle of influence? Whom do you need to reach out to and encourage?

2.) Think back through the past 6 days of reading. When did you have a cause for pause? Reflect, remember, and respond. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent? What habits do you need to abandon and replace?

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 12
Read Acts 19:1-22

So much of history, culture, and truth has been redefined to fit our comfort. We tend to focus on things that make us feel good about ourselves and discard the rest, even if what’s discarded is truth. We all sin, and whether you want to call those sins mistakes, little white lies, or small slips, sin is still rebellion against Gos. Left unrepentant, sin gradually grows and ultimately destroys people in its wake.
Repentance is a difficult word and an even more difficult practice. While confessions admits wrong, repentance turns from and abandons the sinful behavior. Repentance requires both internal change and a new external practice. For example, people can confess that they need to eat right and exercise more, but until they actually do just that, there will be little improvement in their health. The same is true in dealing with sin. Confession, shame, embarrassment, or hope alone doesn’t change behavior. We must take action if we want a life change.
Share your struggles with someone you can trust so that they are no longer secret. Develop new disciplines or activities to replace sin with godliness. Win the war one battle at a time. Heed the words of Proverbs 28:13, which says, “Whoever confesses and forsakes their sin will have mercy.”

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 11
Read Acts 18:5-28

Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? Whether it is a fear of loss, failure, rejection, ridicule, or persecution, what fear grips you?
You may have heard the acronym that fear is  False Evidence Appearing Real. One of the biggest “false evidences” of fear is that you either are or will be all alone. However, the truth is that Jesus Christ is always with you. Fear is not something you just have to live with. Have you noticed how brave you can become when someone else is with you? Allow the promise of God’s presence to dispel fear and drive your courage to move forward in faith.
There are 9 accounts in the Gospels of Jesus saying, “Don’t be afraid.” Four other times, He encouraged His followers with the promise of His presence. We see the same message in today’s reading when the Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10).
God’s presence makes all the difference. His perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). Whatever God asks of you, you need not fear. He has promised you will not go alone. Focus on His presence and power to overcome your fear!

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 10
Read Acts 17:16-18:4

There are many similarities to the spiritual climate of Acts 17 and our culture today. People are searching. Culture has crafted a god of its own making. Let’s call it the American Jesus, which is not defined by Christianity but by a blending of various beliefs, thoughts, and desires. Similar to the epicurean and stoic philosophers of Paul’s day, the American Jesus says you can have it your way: pleasure and the absence of pain and disturbance. But that is not the message from the God of the Bible.
Just like Paul, we must tell others about the one true God, the One who is above all others. “The Unknown God” can in fact be known, and Jesus is the way to Him (Acts 17:23-24). There is no other life-giving message than the gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture. Everything people are searching for can be found in a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Just like the early believers, we too must share and declare the one true God. Live out the gospel today, not only in word but also in action.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 9
Read Acts 16:35-17:15

There’s a big difference between sorting through spam and sorting through personal e-mail. Communication from someone you know means more. God’s Word is His letter, His text, His communication with you that should be cherished until you are with Him for eternity.
In Acts 17:11, Paul & Silas led Jews in Berea through a process of spiritual growth. They taught, explained, and demonstrated the Word to the Jews, and the Jews received it “with all readiness.” Likewise, we should approach our personal time of Bible study with readiness to hear and receive from God. The Jews searched the Scriptures “to find out whether these things were so.” Similarly, we need to know what Scripture says, because it helps us to discern truth in the midst of a pluralistic society. It is also critical to search the Scriptures for ourselves and not just accept everything that people may tell us about what the Bible does or does not say.
God’s Word is also our weapon of choice, both on the offense and the defense in our spiritual lives. Jesus quoted Scripture when He dealt with temptation, doubt, and discouragement. He set an example for us to follow.
The more we get into God’s Word, the more it gets into us, and the more we allow the Spirit of God to speak to us when we need Him most. Let’s keep reading, meditating on, and living out god’s Word. Let’s allow His truth to change us from the inside out.