A Daily Devotion for Wednesday, January 8
- ontrakk
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
Acts 9:10-19
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Psalm 25:4
Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
I had never noticed verse 16 from Acts 9: “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” I thought Paul used his suffering at times as a tool to convince or even manipulate others. He seemed to almost brag about it. But now that I realize where this suffering fits in, it makes so much more sense! Jesus made it clear from the beginning that Paul would suffer. It would be part of his individual calling. He knew this was part of the deal for him. And he was immediately transformed by Jesus! In my heart, this is right up there with the most amazing miracles ever. Again, we are reading about being called by Jesus. Paul was not allowed to miss his calling. I do not want to miss any calling from Jesus, no matter how small.
Holy Lord, lead me, I pray. Do not allow me to ignore what you would have me do for your kingdom. Amen
Becky, transforming
Acts 9:10-19/Psalm 25:4
This made me think of some of the times that I was given the opportunity to help someone and times that someone helped me or encouraged me. Were they put in my path or was I put in theirs?…probably both. Amani’s was chosen by Christ to cross paths with Saul, cure his blindness and baptize him. Did he wake up that morning thinking, “what does God have in store for me today?” This interaction immediately changed the trajectory of Paul’s life and his life changed the trajectory of the lives of countless others. I am not certain where God will lead me but I certainly pray that I will be open to what he has planned. Perhap…
Acts 9:10-19. Psalm 25:4. Where God Leads
Today's author ends her devotion with these words, "we never know how and when God might use us, so let us always be opens to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives." While today's writer realized how God had used her that day, there is also the knowledge that we might never realize how much we have helped someone. We should always do things for people with no expectation of hearing Thank You. We are such a culture of instant gratification that we often forget to just be good to others because we can.
Prayer: Gracious God, may I always simply follow your lead to help others. AMEN
Daily devotions ( upper room)
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Where God Leads
(focus:Elderly people in my community
Psalm 25:4
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
This verse is short and direct. Do I allow Him to show me the way through life’s twists and turns. How do I find the right way when the world offers endless distractions. Beautifully stated by David makes it sound simple: we walk with the Savior. We invite Him to guide us in truth. We all get lost sometimes. We may feel overwhelmed by responsibilities, confused by uncertainty, or misled by ways that seem good but leave us feeling empty. If we could only remember and ask, Lord ,…