5-Day Devotional: Living Boldly in the Spirit
Day 1: Boldness Begins with Being with Jesus
Reading: Acts 4:13-20
Devotional: The religious leaders were astonished by Peter and John—not because of their credentials, but because "they had been with Jesus." Boldness in faith isn't about having all the right words or impressive qualifications. It flows naturally from spending time in Christ's presence. When we prioritize our relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and worship, transformation happens. Our lives begin to reflect His character in ways that astonish others. Today, consider: How much time are you spending with Jesus? Your boldness doesn't come from trying harder but from knowing Him deeper. Make space today to simply be with Jesus, allowing His presence to fill you with courage for whatever lies ahead.
Day 2: Praying for Boldness, Not Comfort
Reading: Acts 4:23-31
Devotional: When threatened with persecution, the early church didn't pray for safety or comfort—they prayed for boldness. This radically challenges our typical prayers. We often ask God to remove obstacles, ease our burdens, or make life comfortable. But a church that pleases God asks for courage to face challenges, not escape from them. After their prayer, the place shook, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke God's word with boldness. Notice the pattern: bold prayer leads to Spirit-filling, which produces bold witness. What would change if you stopped praying for easier circumstances and started praying for greater courage? God honors bold faith that trusts Him in the storm, not just for deliverance from it.
Day 3: God Specializes in Ordinary People
Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Devotional: Peter and John were described as "ordinary men with no special training." The Greek word used was essentially "idiots"—people without credentials or status. Yet God used them powerfully. This is God's pattern throughout Scripture: He chooses the foolish to shame the wise, the weak to shame the strong. Your lack of qualifications isn't a disqualification—it's often God's starting point. He doesn't need your perfection; He needs your availability. Moses stuttered. David was overlooked. Gideon was fearful. Yet God worked mightily through each one. Whatever insecurities you carry about sharing your faith, remember: God specializes in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Your story of transformation in Christ is powerful, regardless of your education or background.
Day 4: Boldness Triggers Opposition—and Miracles
Reading: Acts 5:17-21
Devotional: Standing boldly for Christ will trigger opposition. Peter and John were arrested twice in one week. Yet their response wasn't fear—it was continued obedience. And notice God's response: He sent an angel to open the prison doors. Then comes Luke's understated account—as if miracles were so common among Spirit-filled believers that jail breaks barely warranted mention. When you know Jesus intimately, His miraculous intervention becomes expected, not exceptional. Opposition doesn't mean you're off track; it often confirms you're exactly where God wants you. The question isn't whether you'll face resistance when living boldly, but whether your faith is strong enough to keep going anyway. Today, ask God to help you see opposition as an opportunity for Him to show up powerfully.
Day 5: What Are You Bold About?
Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
Devotional: We're all bold about something—our children, grandchildren, favorite sports teams, or political views. We defend what we love and speak up about what matters to us. So here's the challenging question: Are you as bold about Jesus as you are about other passions in your life? Jesus calls us to be salt and light—visible, flavorful, illuminating presences in the world. This requires intentionality. It might mean wearing something that identifies you as a Christian, praying publicly before meals, or simply talking about what God is doing in your life. Boldness isn't a personality trait reserved for extroverts; it's the overflow of a transformed life. On a scale of 2-9, how bold are you about your faith? Whatever your answer, ask God today to increase your courage to share the hope within you.
Day 1: Boldness Begins with Being with Jesus
Reading: Acts 4:13-20
Devotional: The religious leaders were astonished by Peter and John—not because of their credentials, but because "they had been with Jesus." Boldness in faith isn't about having all the right words or impressive qualifications. It flows naturally from spending time in Christ's presence. When we prioritize our relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and worship, transformation happens. Our lives begin to reflect His character in ways that astonish others. Today, consider: How much time are you spending with Jesus? Your boldness doesn't come from trying harder but from knowing Him deeper. Make space today to simply be with Jesus, allowing His presence to fill you with courage for whatever lies ahead.
Day 2: Praying for Boldness, Not Comfort
Reading: Acts 4:23-31
Devotional: When threatened with persecution, the early church didn't pray for safety or comfort—they prayed for boldness. This radically challenges our typical prayers. We often ask God to remove obstacles, ease our burdens, or make life comfortable. But a church that pleases God asks for courage to face challenges, not escape from them. After their prayer, the place shook, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke God's word with boldness. Notice the pattern: bold prayer leads to Spirit-filling, which produces bold witness. What would change if you stopped praying for easier circumstances and started praying for greater courage? God honors bold faith that trusts Him in the storm, not just for deliverance from it.
Day 3: God Specializes in Ordinary People
Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Devotional: Peter and John were described as "ordinary men with no special training." The Greek word used was essentially "idiots"—people without credentials or status. Yet God used them powerfully. This is God's pattern throughout Scripture: He chooses the foolish to shame the wise, the weak to shame the strong. Your lack of qualifications isn't a disqualification—it's often God's starting point. He doesn't need your perfection; He needs your availability. Moses stuttered. David was overlooked. Gideon was fearful. Yet God worked mightily through each one. Whatever insecurities you carry about sharing your faith, remember: God specializes in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Your story of transformation in Christ is powerful, regardless of your education or background.
Day 4: Boldness Triggers Opposition—and Miracles
Reading: Acts 5:17-21
Devotional: Standing boldly for Christ will trigger opposition. Peter and John were arrested twice in one week. Yet their response wasn't fear—it was continued obedience. And notice God's response: He sent an angel to open the prison doors. Then comes Luke's understated account—as if miracles were so common among Spirit-filled believers that jail breaks barely warranted mention. When you know Jesus intimately, His miraculous intervention becomes expected, not exceptional. Opposition doesn't mean you're off track; it often confirms you're exactly where God wants you. The question isn't whether you'll face resistance when living boldly, but whether your faith is strong enough to keep going anyway. Today, ask God to help you see opposition as an opportunity for Him to show up powerfully.
Day 5: What Are You Bold About?
Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
Devotional: We're all bold about something—our children, grandchildren, favorite sports teams, or political views. We defend what we love and speak up about what matters to us. So here's the challenging question: Are you as bold about Jesus as you are about other passions in your life? Jesus calls us to be salt and light—visible, flavorful, illuminating presences in the world. This requires intentionality. It might mean wearing something that identifies you as a Christian, praying publicly before meals, or simply talking about what God is doing in your life. Boldness isn't a personality trait reserved for extroverts; it's the overflow of a transformed life. On a scale of 2-9, how bold are you about your faith? Whatever your answer, ask God today to increase your courage to share the hope within you.