Scripture: Acts 4:23-31
Summary: When Peter and John were released from prison, they went to their friends and told them what the elders had said. The group "raised their voices together to God," asking God to help them speak God's word with boldness while healing and signs and wonders are performed in the name of Jesus. When they prayed the place was shaken and "they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
Thoughts: Peter and John not only told the elders that they couldn't keep from speaking about Jesus, but they went back to their friends and prayed with them. The result of this prayer was that all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and they all spoke God's word with boldness. Notice how God takes two men speaking about Jesus and multiplies it with the Holy Spirit! If we believe in Jesus and want to share his story with others, then through the Holy Spirit God can multiply the work that we can do. As human beings, there is very little that we can do on our own to change the world. But with the Holy Spirit multiplying our work, amazing things are possible! What can I do today to advance God's kingdom, that God might multiply?
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, come! Use me to change the world! Amen.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Acts 4:13-22 - I Cannot Keep from Speaking
Scripture: Acts 4:13-22
Summary: The people in power saw that Peter and John were uneducated, ordinary men and they were amazed. They told them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John told them that they "cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Thoughts: Peter and John were uneducated and ordinary men. And yet, they could preach to a crowd and 3000 people come to follow Christ! (see Acts ch 2) So when the people in power put them in jail overnight, you might expect them to be afraid. But they are not afraid. Instead, when the elders tell them they must stop talking about Jesus, they refuse, saying they cannot keep from speaking about what they have seen and heard. How brave these apostles were! But what does this scripture say to us today? We are not threatened if we speak about Jesus Christ. But that doesn't mean that we take every opportunity that we have to do so. Jesus Christ changed my life. Because of that, I should be just like Peter and John, unable to keep from speaking about Jesus and how he has changed my life. The grace that God has shown me, through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, has changed my life. How am I going to respond to that grace?
Prayer: God, make me fearless to share what I have seen and heard so that all may know about your Son and thus know Your love. Amen.
Summary: The people in power saw that Peter and John were uneducated, ordinary men and they were amazed. They told them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John told them that they "cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Thoughts: Peter and John were uneducated and ordinary men. And yet, they could preach to a crowd and 3000 people come to follow Christ! (see Acts ch 2) So when the people in power put them in jail overnight, you might expect them to be afraid. But they are not afraid. Instead, when the elders tell them they must stop talking about Jesus, they refuse, saying they cannot keep from speaking about what they have seen and heard. How brave these apostles were! But what does this scripture say to us today? We are not threatened if we speak about Jesus Christ. But that doesn't mean that we take every opportunity that we have to do so. Jesus Christ changed my life. Because of that, I should be just like Peter and John, unable to keep from speaking about Jesus and how he has changed my life. The grace that God has shown me, through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, has changed my life. How am I going to respond to that grace?
Prayer: God, make me fearless to share what I have seen and heard so that all may know about your Son and thus know Your love. Amen.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Acts 4:5-12 - By What Name Do You Heal?
Scripture: Acts 4:5-12
Summary: After Peter healed the crippled beggar, Peter and John were arrested. Then the people in charge came to them, asking them by what power or name they had healed the man. Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and tells them that the man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified and God raised from the dead. He says that Jesus is the stone, rejected by the builders, that has become the cornerstone.
Thoughts: The scripture says that "their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem." These are the people who are questioning Peter and John about how they healed the man. Why are they asking them "by what name did you do this?" rather than being grateful that the healing occurred? If a true healing occurred, wouldn't that always be a good thing? I understand that they believed that there were evil spirits in the world, but would an evil spirit do a good thing like healing someone? Does this happen in the world today, where people in power question why a good thing was done, rather than rejoicing in the good thing? Often we get so caught up in trying to explain everything that we see that we miss the miracle that occurred. What miracles have you seen today that you tried to write off as something entirely different?
Prayer: Lord, help me to rejoice in the miracles that I see rather than trying to explain them. You work in mysterious ways that I usually do not understand, but that doesn't mean that Your work isn't good. Amen.
Summary: After Peter healed the crippled beggar, Peter and John were arrested. Then the people in charge came to them, asking them by what power or name they had healed the man. Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and tells them that the man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified and God raised from the dead. He says that Jesus is the stone, rejected by the builders, that has become the cornerstone.
Thoughts: The scripture says that "their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem." These are the people who are questioning Peter and John about how they healed the man. Why are they asking them "by what name did you do this?" rather than being grateful that the healing occurred? If a true healing occurred, wouldn't that always be a good thing? I understand that they believed that there were evil spirits in the world, but would an evil spirit do a good thing like healing someone? Does this happen in the world today, where people in power question why a good thing was done, rather than rejoicing in the good thing? Often we get so caught up in trying to explain everything that we see that we miss the miracle that occurred. What miracles have you seen today that you tried to write off as something entirely different?
Prayer: Lord, help me to rejoice in the miracles that I see rather than trying to explain them. You work in mysterious ways that I usually do not understand, but that doesn't mean that Your work isn't good. Amen.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Acts 4:1-4 Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Scripture: Acts 4:1-4
Summary: While Peter and John were speaking to the people the people in charge came to them and were very annoyed because they were telling people that in Jesus there was resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and put them in jail. But many who heard the word believed, about 5000.
Thoughts: Telling people about Jesus is always risky. Today, in many parts of the world, Christians are thrown into jail for talking about Jesus. Even in the United States, we can get in trouble with those in charge for telling people about Jesus. Perhaps we won't be arrested, but we might get put in detention at school or be asked to leave a public space because we are creating a public nuisance. It's risky to share our beliefs. We have to ask ourselves if it is worth the risk. While we do this, we might want to look at the end of this scripture and see what resulted from Peter sharing about Jesus. It says "But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand." We may not convert 5000 people at a time, but if one person hears and believes, it will have been worth it. Christ asks us to make disciples, not thousands at a time, but one at a time. You may never know who heard you and believed. It may be 20 years later before they turn and follow Christ. We have to let God use us and trust that God will use the results to further the kingdom of God.
Prayer: God, give me the courage to share the Jesus that I know with others. It's not fair to keep him to myself! Amen.
Summary: While Peter and John were speaking to the people the people in charge came to them and were very annoyed because they were telling people that in Jesus there was resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and put them in jail. But many who heard the word believed, about 5000.
Thoughts: Telling people about Jesus is always risky. Today, in many parts of the world, Christians are thrown into jail for talking about Jesus. Even in the United States, we can get in trouble with those in charge for telling people about Jesus. Perhaps we won't be arrested, but we might get put in detention at school or be asked to leave a public space because we are creating a public nuisance. It's risky to share our beliefs. We have to ask ourselves if it is worth the risk. While we do this, we might want to look at the end of this scripture and see what resulted from Peter sharing about Jesus. It says "But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand." We may not convert 5000 people at a time, but if one person hears and believes, it will have been worth it. Christ asks us to make disciples, not thousands at a time, but one at a time. You may never know who heard you and believed. It may be 20 years later before they turn and follow Christ. We have to let God use us and trust that God will use the results to further the kingdom of God.
Prayer: God, give me the courage to share the Jesus that I know with others. It's not fair to keep him to myself! Amen.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Acts 3:17-26 - A Time of Refreshing
Scripture: Acts 3:17-26
Summary: This section continues Peter's description of Jesus. He said that God fulfilled what had been fortold through all the prophets. Repent and turn to God so that your sins could be wiped out, that he may send the Messiah, Jesus. You are descendents of the prophets and the covenant that God gave to your ancestors.
Thoughts: This scripture says "Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." In this time, between Christmas and New Years, the thought of a time of refreshing is very appealing to me. Right now I long for the time of refreshing that may come from God's presence in my life. The scripture says that I have only to repent and turn toward God. So with Christmas behind me and the coming of the saviour so fresh in my mind, I turn toward the New Year and the uncertainty that it brings. And I pray that God's presence will bring me a time of refreshing, allowing me to face the New Year with hope and the promise that God will provide. Because God promises to be with us throughout each hour, each day, each year. God will indeed provide.
Prayer: God, pour upon me a time of refreshing. A time to wipe my sins away and begin again with the new year. For You make all things new, even me! Amen.
Summary: This section continues Peter's description of Jesus. He said that God fulfilled what had been fortold through all the prophets. Repent and turn to God so that your sins could be wiped out, that he may send the Messiah, Jesus. You are descendents of the prophets and the covenant that God gave to your ancestors.
Thoughts: This scripture says "Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." In this time, between Christmas and New Years, the thought of a time of refreshing is very appealing to me. Right now I long for the time of refreshing that may come from God's presence in my life. The scripture says that I have only to repent and turn toward God. So with Christmas behind me and the coming of the saviour so fresh in my mind, I turn toward the New Year and the uncertainty that it brings. And I pray that God's presence will bring me a time of refreshing, allowing me to face the New Year with hope and the promise that God will provide. Because God promises to be with us throughout each hour, each day, each year. God will indeed provide.
Prayer: God, pour upon me a time of refreshing. A time to wipe my sins away and begin again with the new year. For You make all things new, even me! Amen.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Acts 3:11-16 Believe in the Miracle!
Scripture: Acts 3:11-16
Summary: After Peter and John heal the lame man, everyone is astonished. Peter tells them that they didn't heal the man with their own power, but with the power of faith in Jesus Christ.
Thoughts: Peter says "the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you." The disciples were able to do amazing things because they had faith in Jesus. Especially in this time of Advent, while we are awaiting the birth of the Christ child, I wonder what miracles we might be a part of. I have seen lives changed by Christ. So why is it that I still lack faith in the power of faith in Jesus? Why am I hesitant to trust that God will provide what I need: healing, food, shelter, work? What kind of miracle do you need in your life? How might you be a miracle in someone else's life during this season in which we wait for a glimpse of the child who changed everything?
Prayer: God who sent Jesus to earth to be God with us, help us to have faith in you. Help us to be a miracle in another's life this holiday season. Let us open our hearts to the child you sent. Amen.
Summary: After Peter and John heal the lame man, everyone is astonished. Peter tells them that they didn't heal the man with their own power, but with the power of faith in Jesus Christ.
Thoughts: Peter says "the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you." The disciples were able to do amazing things because they had faith in Jesus. Especially in this time of Advent, while we are awaiting the birth of the Christ child, I wonder what miracles we might be a part of. I have seen lives changed by Christ. So why is it that I still lack faith in the power of faith in Jesus? Why am I hesitant to trust that God will provide what I need: healing, food, shelter, work? What kind of miracle do you need in your life? How might you be a miracle in someone else's life during this season in which we wait for a glimpse of the child who changed everything?
Prayer: God who sent Jesus to earth to be God with us, help us to have faith in you. Help us to be a miracle in another's life this holiday season. Let us open our hearts to the child you sent. Amen.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Acts 3:1-10 - Look Intently at Each Other
Scripture: Acts 3:1-10
Summary: Peter and John are headed to the temple to pray and they come upon a man who has been lame since birth. He asks them for money but Peter tells him to look at them. He does and Peter tells him that he doesn't have money but tells him to get up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ. He begins walking and leaping and praising God and everyone who sees him is filled with wonder and amazement.
Thoughts: What strikes me today about this scripture is Peter and John's immediate response to the lame man. The scripture says "Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said 'Look at us."" How many times have you walked or driven past someone who needed help, trying to avoid eye contact? I have often found myself staring at the light, wishing that it would go ahead and change so that I didn't have to look at the man outside my car asking for help. Now I have heard before that it is not a good idea to give a beggar money because they will most likely go spend it on alcohol or drugs. But Peter didn't give the man money either. Instead he gives the man what he has to give. He heals him so that he can walk. If I want to live like the apostles did, what should I give to the next person that I see in need? Perhaps I can't give them money, but I could give them a package of crackers or a bottle of water. But the most important gift I can give them is to look at them. Just as Peter and John did, I can really see them and recognize them as a child of God.
Prayer: God, help me to be more like Peter and John. Help me to really see everyone that I pass today and be kind to them. Amen.
Summary: Peter and John are headed to the temple to pray and they come upon a man who has been lame since birth. He asks them for money but Peter tells him to look at them. He does and Peter tells him that he doesn't have money but tells him to get up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ. He begins walking and leaping and praising God and everyone who sees him is filled with wonder and amazement.
Thoughts: What strikes me today about this scripture is Peter and John's immediate response to the lame man. The scripture says "Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said 'Look at us."" How many times have you walked or driven past someone who needed help, trying to avoid eye contact? I have often found myself staring at the light, wishing that it would go ahead and change so that I didn't have to look at the man outside my car asking for help. Now I have heard before that it is not a good idea to give a beggar money because they will most likely go spend it on alcohol or drugs. But Peter didn't give the man money either. Instead he gives the man what he has to give. He heals him so that he can walk. If I want to live like the apostles did, what should I give to the next person that I see in need? Perhaps I can't give them money, but I could give them a package of crackers or a bottle of water. But the most important gift I can give them is to look at them. Just as Peter and John did, I can really see them and recognize them as a child of God.
Prayer: God, help me to be more like Peter and John. Help me to really see everyone that I pass today and be kind to them. Amen.
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