As I was reading Acts this morning, Peter and John had just been through the trial to answer the accusations of the council of religious leaders, over their healing of a blind man. They were beginning to experience some of the persecution that Jesus faced constantly.
What I see is no matter how hard pressed they were, because they had strong faith, stood firm on the word of God and were filled with the Holy Spirit, they were able to stand their ground and defend the truth with clarity and boldness.
Acts 4:8-11Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,
‘The stone that you builders rejected, has now become the cornerstone.
12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:29-35 (NLT)
29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.
At no time do I see them walking in their own strength. I see their utter dependence on the power of God to give them courage and the supernatural ability to heal in his name.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
And now there is unity. The people are one in mind, in mission and purpose. LOVE rules, God’s glory has pre-eminence, they are all walking boldly in their faith, living it, breathing it, speaking it , keeping it simple !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and then seeing the results
V 29b - "Give us O Lord, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.30 “Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
We don't need to worry about how we will do it, GOD WILL DO IT !!!!!!!!
We just need to get out of the way, let God clear out our junk, slay whatever hinders to let God's spirit have rule and reign in our lives and bodies.
We need a faith like Peter and John, and an utter dependence and desire for God's power and precense. Then we have prepared a place for him to flow though each of us, an open channel for his power to bring total healing, salvation, life, and hope to others.
God Bless anyone who reads this. FOTW
God Bless anyone who reads this. FOTW
