Impact Devotional Series. Anthony P. Acampora

      Impact Devotional Series

      Adding Fuel to Your Faith

      Copyright © 2016 Anthony P. Acampora. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401.

      Resource Publications

      An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers

      199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3

      Eugene, OR 97401

      www.wipfandstock.com

      paperback isbn: 978-1-4982-8358-8

      hardcover isbn: 978-1-4982-8360-1

      ebook isbn: 978-1-4982-8369-5

      Manufactured in the U.S.A. 3/3/2016

      Scripture references taken from the following sources:

      Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

      Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

      Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

      Scripture quotations marked “KJV” are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Public Domain).

      “Chaplain Anthony had a huge part in my recovery. . . . These devotionals have inspired so many ‘God incidents’ and shown so many people signs that helped with their recovery. As for me, it has taken away all questions and added to my faith in a way that will never be forgotten. A friend recently told me I’m a walking miracle because of the devotionals that inspired me to connect with God again and boosted my faith immeasurably.”

      —Matt Prince

      “I knew the first day Anthony joined Banyan Treatment Center he would be a blessing! As our Program Director and Chaplain, he not only brought leadership skills to the program, but he has also provided us with great guidance and direction we need to make the program a success. He is truly a Man of God and his Daily Devotionals are truly impactful. The clients and I love them, and we look forward to starting our daily group sessions with them. The devotionals provide the clients with great comfort and hope that sobriety is attainable, especially knowing they have an all-knowing, all-powerful God, who promised He ‘will never leave them or forsake them’ (Deuteronomy 31:6).”

      —Joan Bowla, MSW

      Clinical Coordinator and Primary Therapist, Banyan Treatment Center—IOP Christian Program

      I dedicate this book to my sisters, Lisa Turcotte and Bonnie Acampora. During an extremely difficult period in my life they were the ones who were always there for me. They demonstrated amazing, unconditional love, compassion, and strength. They did not give up on me, and I know their many prayers were answered. There is no way to ever repay them for all they did for me, but hopefully, this dedication will be a small token of my appreciation.

      “Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.”

      —Peter L. Acampora

      This was something my Father said to me many times while I was growing up in Connecticut. He was a devout Christian, amazing Father and friend who I truly miss. I also dedicate this book to my Dad - Peter L. Acampora. RIP Leeboy.

      Love,

      Tony

      Acknowledgements

      I want to thank the following people for all of their help and encouragement over the years:

      First and foremost I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is where my peace, strength, forgiveness, and destiny come from.

      Rob Kauffman, who has been a great best friend and encourager to me since junior high school.

      Jordan Berk, who I worked with for many years in New York City and California. He was my roommate in Bayside, Queens, New York, and has been one of my closest friends the past eighteen years. He is one of very few people I have ever met who shares my sense of humor.

      Tali Waxman, who has been a great friend the past ten years. She has such a huge heart.

      Lynn Dadio, who has been such an incredible source of inspiration to me.

      Pastor Rick Reichadt, who encouraged me countless times over the past ten years. He has taught me so much on so many levels, in particular regarding spiritual warfare. He has been and continues to be a tremendous spiritual support in my life.

      My nephew, Peter Daigle, who is wise beyond his years and has a heart of gold.

      My brother-in-law, Mario Turcotte, who has helped me in many ways throughout the years. He is a truly generous and compassionate person.

      International Evangelist John Ramirez and Champions Ministries Pastor Sandra Sarraga, who encouraged me to have the devotionals published.

      Adriana Aycart-Ospina, who helped so much with the initial devotional edits. She has been a great friend and source of much encouragement.

      Thanks to my editor, Clem Boyd, a real great guy, and probably the best editor since the guy who edited Hemingway. May God bless all of the above mentioned people, and I truly say thank you.

      Introduction

      I want to thank everyone who took the time to read these devotionals. It was truly a pleasure writing them. This series began as a result of a client’s request while I worked as a chaplain in a treatment center. “I like the Bible verses that you talk about,” she told me one day, “but I don’t really know where to find them, or sometimes I do not fully understand them. Why don’t you write something to explain the verses?”

      And so The Impact Devotional Series was born! The devotions initially went to clients, then many mental health and recovery clinic staff members, police officers, firefighters, students, friends, hospital employees, and now, to you. It is so rewarding to hear that these writings have made an “impact” in the lives of readers, and, most importantly, that God allowed me to play a part in bringing others closer to Him.

      I am very thankful for the incredible people at Wipf & Stock Publishers for publishing this book. If you would like to share how the devotionals affected you or someone you know, please visit the Facebook page Impact Devotional Series, or email me at [email protected].

      Until the next series, thank you, and God bless you and your family.

      Anthony Acampora