ACTS of the Apostles

Thursday, April 28 ACTS of the Apostles Learning How to be Daring and Dynamic

Read Acts 4:23-31

Focus Verse: Acts 4:29 “And now, Lord, look upon [consider] their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness…”

As you know from our previous readings and posts, Peter and John had been jailed overnight for preaching the resurrection of Jesus and for insisting that it was Jesus who had healed the lame man. The religious leaders tried to hush them up and even threatened them, but were forced to release the two disciples because all the people had seen the miracle. (And as Chris mentioned in her post - the leaders were marveling at these two daring men.)

When Peter and John returned to the other believers, they shared what the synagogue leaders had said. And that was when they realized that there would always be strong opposition when they spoke about Jesus.

Their only hope was if God would somehow intervene and give them a new boldness to stand strong and speak God’s truth... despite the risks. The group started praying fervently together. They praised God for making the heavens and the earth, reminding Him of how His Holy Spirit had opened the mouth of David to proclaim the truth. They then asked God to make them bold like David. Suddenly they felt the Holy Spirit anointing them and empowering them. From then on, they were able to boldly speak whatever God told them to.

This is living proof that God will anoint us with His Holy Spirit whenever we ask. We may not feel the walls and ground shake, but we will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God’s power has filled us to overflowing, strengthening and emboldening us. We can ask for a fresh anointing of His Spirit anytime we know that we are going to face a tough challenge. We can make it a habit to ask God to flood us with His Holy Spirit every day. That way we will be assured that whatever comes out of our mouth will be used by Him to touch others and to further His Kingdom.

Heavenly Father, we praise You because You are God and Sovereign over the whole world. You know exactly what we, Your children, are facing each day. You know the efforts of Satan to stop us from completing Your calling on our lives. Just like you did for David, Peter and John, flood us with your Holy Spirit so that we can speak boldly in whatever situation You place us in. Let us help to bring others into Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name and for the Father's glory, Amen