Understanding Power

Understanding Power

Acts 5: ¹² And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. ¹³ Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. ¹⁴ And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, ¹⁵ so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. ¹⁶ Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

============

“Don’t worry. I have your back” one leader told me. Not knowing how the system worked, I still wondered if I was going to get what I wanted. I acted extra “leader-ish.” Days seemed like weeks but the announcement finally came out. I was the new leader. When I saw how powerful the person was who got me the position, I wanted to bring more people to them for promotions and guidance.

• There were times when I did not understand power.
• There were times when I saw power in action.
• There were times when I wanted the power I saw.

Many signs and wonders were performed by the apostles. After a while the people started holding them in “high esteem.” They knew something special was going on and they brought the sick and those who were oppressed by demons. The people believed and all were healed.

• GOD wants me to see HIM as the only source of power.
• GOD wants me to understand that all power comes from HIM.
• GOD wants me to recognize that every request has to go before HIS throne for permission.

Recognizing where true power comes from is a big problem. I mean I used to look at humans with titles, thinking they had power to oppress or help many people. BUT GOD opened my eyes to HIS unmatched power, showing me that there is nothing that is done without HIS permission.

This understanding made me dig a little deeper into a question. “Why do bad things happen?” GOD told humans the answer, but we fail to believe HIM. HE said He threw Satan out of heaven to this earth. When humans sinned, GOD cursed the earth and our relationship with HIM was broken. BUT GOD made a way back to HIM through JESUS. I recognize HIS power and accept it.

• Are you placing all of your belief in humans?
• Do you spend most of your time watching people with titles and degrees, placing your hope only in them?
• Will you turn to GOD and place your total hope in HIM today?

Unfortunate Unity

Unfortunate Unity

Acts 5: ⁵ Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. ⁶ And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

⁷ Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

⁹ Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” ¹⁰ Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. ¹¹ So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

============

When pledging to get into an organization, we all agreed to lie and steal on a number of occasions. I mean it was only for a short time. I could do and say what I wanted to as long as I was with the group. I fit in and we made it into the organization. In one meeting, we discovered money was missing. “How could this happen?” we all exclaimed.

• There were times when I showed unity but it was missing something.
• There were times when I showed unity but the actions were not above the level.
• There were times when I showed unity but I did not want to tell everyone why I was unified.

Ananias and Sapphira sold their land like everyone else, but held some money back for themselves and made it look they gave their all. This pledge ended up being a deadly vow they did not have to make. While they showed unity in their marriage, it was missing one key ingredient, namely GOD.

• GOD wants me to have unity in HIS word.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIM first before anything else.
• GOD wants me to make attempts to unify under HIM so all efforts will be blessed.

Unity is extremely important to GOD. When two or more people vow to stand for what GOD stands for, incredible things happen. Unfortunately when people act on their own, avoiding GOD’s unity, their promises are not heard and prayers end up falling by the wayside.

GOD wants belief in HIS SON to be unified by HIS followers. HIS power, HIS name and HIS position as GOD are all to be lifted to the highest reverence. Even if one person does not have as much faith as another, unity kicks in when by accepting the statement “I believe but LORD help the part of me that does not believe.” I am glad unity is possible through CHRIST.

• Are you right in a group but wrong in the eyes of GOD?
• Do you believe your efforts are unifying or divisive?
• Will you look to unify all your efforts under the way GOD says versus your solo actions so true success can blossom today?

Pledge is a Promise

Pledge is a Promise

Acts 5: But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. ² And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ³ But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? ⁴ While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

============

“I’m going to call you” were the words I used in vain. I may get around to it or maybe not. Soon this lackadaisical attitude spilled into other areas of my life. “Yes, I will pray for you” would come out of my mouth but what I was praying about immediately flew out of my mind and I would not pray.

• There were times when I would agree to do something and not follow through.
• There were times when I would volunteer for something, get bored, and stop showing up.
• There were times when I would not complete what I said I would complete.

Ananias and Sapphira were aware of that everyone boldly sold their possessions to give to those in need. “How would it look if we did not sell?” they may have said to themselves. “How can we keep some of this and still look good?” may have been a thought. GOD spoke though Peter, condemning their choice.

• GOD wants me to be honest and say “No I cannot do that.”
• GOD wants me to keep my voluntary decisions as promises.
• GOD wants me to complete the things I start, not for myself, but as a vow to others.

Saying “I’m going to” voluntarily should not be done in vain to someone else. Saying “I’m going to pick you up” and not showing up could cause problems. GOD sees the large and small pledges and knows who will follow through and who will not.

HE wants me to say “Yes” to HIS calling, but only when I will follow through with HIS leading. If I say “Yes” but act like I said “No”, dire consequences could follow. I am thankful GOD gives me opportunities to say “Yes.”

• Have you volunteered and not followed through?
• Do you say you will do something so you will look good in front of people?
• Will you stop trying to please humans and seek to please GOD by doing what you say?  

Great Grace

Great Grace

Acts 4: ³² Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. ³³ And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. ³⁴ Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, ³⁵ and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

³⁶ And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, ³⁷ having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

============

Getting into the light, I could see that my tie was not matching. It was too late as I rushed to get to work. Unfortunately the traffic was thick that particular day. With stuffy nose, I went to the office medicine cabinet and took a decongestant so I could focus on the meeting.

In the middle of the meeting, my nose started bleeding. I had to excuse myself. “Could this day get any worse?” I said to myself. When I returned, the person who I met with said, “”Relax, the world is not falling apart as you may think. Let’s do this again later.”

• There have been many times I have messed up and received grace.
• There have been many times I have not had myself together and received grace.
• There have been many times I have not done the right things, been at the right places or said the right words and received grace.

The apostles preached about JESUS with “great power.” I can only imagine the excitement in their voices. Every detail they could remember was recorded in the minds of those who believed. They too became so excited they wanted to do something for those in need. Selfishness was thrown away and replaced with something else.

• GOD wants me to replace my selfishness with a desire to be generous.
• GOD wants me to trade in my fear of self-preservation and help other people.
• GOD wants me to remove my focus on just “me” and include “us” in the equation.

What is interesting is the progression that took place. Genuine preaching about JESUS excited the crowd to give directly to those in need in the community. From there, “great grace” followed. Their hearts were so full, they did not care about getting more, rather seeing the community flourish in time of need. I am grateful for GOD’s great grace HE has poured out on me.

• Are you in need of GOD’s great grace?
• Have you messed up in a huge way and think you are beyond grace?
• Will you look to GOD who’s grace is greater than any sin you could have done?
• Will you believe in JESUS who has the greatest grace just for you?

Boldness

Boldness

Acts 4: ²⁷ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. ²⁹ Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, ³⁰ by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

³¹ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

============

Tired of being bullied, we decided to walk out. Thugs had robbed us long enough and threatened our safety once too often. One acquaintance got a little too excited when all of the students got outside. He jumped on a car and began bouncing on the hood. The police grabbed him. I and others went to the station to explain what happened.

• When I feel empowered I act bold.
• When I feel protected I act bold.
• When I feel I have nothing to lose I act bold.

Peter, John and those who repented, for believing JESUS should have been executed, were now praising GOD and praying to HIM earnestly. They had been threatened once too often and had to do something about it. They asked GOD for boldness to speak up about JESUS even though the government and church leaders would persecute them.

• GOD wants me to be bold about HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for boldness.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for healing, knowing it only comes from HIM.

Boldness means speaking up even when the situation may have negative consequences. Boldness for CHRIST means living for HIM even when others try their best to prove away HIS daily power by labeling it as something else.

One can speak only what is in one’s heart. If GOD is not there, then of course HIS name will never be mentioned. BUT GOD wants my heart to be “Filled with the HOLY SPIRIT” so I can speak boldly about JESUS, the CHRIST who saves all who believe. I am grateful for JESUS.

• How often do you argue against speaking about JESUS?
• Do you feel HIS name should never be mentioned?
• Do you think your conversations, thoughts and actions are pleasing to GOD?
• Will you stop being a tool against GOD and speak up for HIM today by mentioning JESUS’ name with boldness?

Great Report

Great Report

Acts 4: ²³ And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. ²⁴ So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, ²⁵ who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:

‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
²⁶ The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’

============

Excited that I got a good grade in a class, I ran back to tell everyone! I ran up the steps to my floor and ran down the hall. Not watching my footing, I slipped and fell hard with my arm extended as if I were going to catch a ball. Nothing was broken, I had to wear a sling for a few weeks. When people asked me what happened, I told them about my good grade!

• When something good happens I want to tell everyone.
• When something good happens I want to shout about it.
• When something good happens I want to raise my voice no matter who is around.

Great things were happening to the growing group who followed JESUS. Peter and John came back from being threatened by the church leaders and told the crowd what happened. When everyone heard, they screamed and shouted with praise!

• GOD wants me to mention the great things HE has done in my life.
• GOD wants me to be excited about what HE is doing right now in my life.
• GOD wants me to focus on what HE is doing so I can give a great report to someone who needs to hear it.

GOD spoke through David saying “Why did the rulers of the earth stand against our LORD?” I mean even death could not hold HIM. This is great news to share with those who can hear it. GOD wants me to mention salvation in the face of death and destruction.

Mentioning a great report uplifts those who are down. Unfortunately many conversations are not about JESUS or HIS salvation. Each negative word mentioned is a step further away from HIM. Soon the speaker cannot hear or even mention HIS true name. BUT GOD is the remedy. HE provides a way back to HIM by HIS grace. I am grateful HE accepts me back. HE is great!

• What words are you prominently speaking?
• Do you speak great news or negative news in difficult times?
• Will you turn to GOD and allow HIM to fill you with great news that is overflowing from your heart so you cannot help but to tell everyone today?

Fear

Fear

Acts 4: ¹⁸ So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. ²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” ²¹ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. ²² For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

============

After seeing the horror movie, I was a bit shaken. I drove home and traversed the seemingly longer walk from the garage to the house. It was dark. I got my keys to the house out of my pocket in preparation for a quick entry. “Boo!” said a neighbor, who jumped from out of adjoining bushes. I ran screaming, only to hear laughter.

• There have been times when I have been afraid.
• There have been times when I could rationalize why I was afraid.
• There have been times when I was so afraid that I could not think rationally.

Peter and John were threatened by the same church leaders who had JESUS killed. This intimidation would make most people cower in fear. But Peter and John had solidified who they serve, namely JESUS. They did not walk in fear.

• GOD says to me “The only healthy fear is the fear of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “I AM your protector, and your provider.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the only salvation.”

Humans threaten life and death. BUT GOD is the only one who can fulfill it. I mean HE says “There is an appointed time for everything”, including death. Very real human threats and situations can only thwarted by GOD.

HE wants me to have healthy fear which is fear of not doing what HE says to do. HE wants me to choose HIM over anything I can grasp onto in this life. JESUS is my Savior and purpose. Whom shall I fear? I may get scared, but the spirit of fear no longer holds me.

• Are you gripped with fear that does not seem to go away?
• Are you spreading fear by calling people foolish and stating threats people face?
• Will you trade your “spirit of fear” for the “fear of the LORD” by spreading peace today?

Name Dropping

Name Dropping

Acts 4: ¹³ Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. ¹⁵ But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, ¹⁶ saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”

============

“Tell them I said you can do this” a prominent person said to me. I went in to the meeting and pitched my idea. Most people agreed, but there were a few well respected people in the meeting who looked like they did not. When I used the prominent person’s name stating their agreement, even the naysayers changed their minds. “Why didn’t you say their name in the first place” they said to me.

• When I use a person’s name to get something I am using their reputation.
• When I use a person’s name to invoke a response I am believing in their power to uphold what is said.
• When I use a person’s name to show credibility I am working within their authority to do so.

Peter and John confounded the church leaders with their bold way of speaking. They healed a lame man using JESUS’ name in front of everyone. The church leaders saw their popularity slipping away so they did as they did before with JESUS. They plotted against them.

• GOD wants me to align my heart with HIS when I use JESUS’ name.
• GOD wants me to truly believe in HIS power when I use JESUS’ name.
• GOD wants me to assess the situation and be led by the HOLY SPIRIT when I use JESUS’ name.

Using JESUS’ name should not be done lightly. I mean it’s not something that should be tried as a last resort, rather as a first level of defense to them who put their faith in HIM. JESUS’ name represents power beyond understanding. But it also represents grace, mercy and a surrendered life.

GOD wants every human to believe in HIS SON. This is HIS only goal. Anyone who loves, in HIS name, will be rewarded dearly. I am grateful the HOLY SPIRIT guides me to align my desires so I can represent HIS name.

• Are you using JESUS’ name and not seeing results?
• Have you prayed for something without surrendering your life to JESUS?
• Will you align your desires with JESUS and stop trying to get your way, but trust HIS will be done?

Not my parent’s belief

Not my parent’s belief

Acts 4: ⁵ And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, ⁶ as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. ⁷ And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: ⁹ If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, ¹⁰ let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. ¹¹ This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ ¹² Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

============

After failing a test, I wondered, “What is wrong with me?” I mean I can comprehend. I even got on the dean’s list once. Then it hit me… “My parents are to blame!” They raised me with GODLY values and I blamed them for being hypocrites. So I stopped going to church and increased my social life.

• There was a time when I used blame as my protector.
• There was a time when I got mad easily because of other people.
• There was a time when I had no accountability for my actions because other people were at fault.

Peter, who denied his relationship with JESUS only a month or so prior, spoke boldly about HIM because HE was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. No longer was HE in the shadow of JESUS but the center of attention, pointing to salvation through JESUS.

• GOD wants me to have my own relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek maturity in HIM whether my parents, family or friends agree or not.
• GOD wants me to be bold with HIS message of salvation and take accountability for “my” words and actions.

Growing up can be hard. Growing up in CHRIST can be even harder. I mean it seems like when I start following JESUS, more problems arise. BUT GOD clears those problems up and grows my faith in HIM.

After graduating and living on my own for a while I felt something missing. I tried filling it with lust and nightlife, but it was empty. I then sought after learning about GOD, this time for myself. I saw how HE sustained other people.

When a problem arose, I took a deep breath and relied on GOD this time. I was amazed at how fast the problem went away. I was being prepared for bigger, longer problems. I am grateful GOD matures me day by day.

• Are you looking at someone else’s faith and using it as an excuse for not believing in JESUS?
• Do you see hypocrisy in others so you feel justified in running away from GOD?
• Will you seek the “Chief cornerstone” from whom salvation is given, namely JESUS today?

Cannot Be Stopped

Cannot Be Stopped

Acts 4: Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, ² being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. ³ And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. ⁴ However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

============

“Grow people and take the high road” were words I placed in my heart as I led an organization. One person approached me and said “We are going to get rid of you and those who support you and I will wipe that smile off of your face.” I could see their efforts to put pressure on me increasing. I prayed “LORD, protect me.” One day they approached me and said “We are going to let you go.” Wait, I prayed. What happened?

• There were times when I prayed and expected GOD to do what I thought HE should do.
• There were times when I prayed against those who were doing wrong and it seemed like they won anyway.
• There were times when I prayed and it seemed like GOD just ignored the prayer and let those who were doing wrong, have their way.

The church leaders, who had JESUS killed to protect their wealth and status, saw the people getting excited about HIM. They figured they would put a stop to this by arresting the disciples. But it was too late. The people believed wholeheartedly in JESUS, never to return to religious bondage.

• GOD wants me to see HIM at work even when people are against me.
• GOD wants me to see HE is in control when people are confronting me for serving HIM.
• GOD wants me to see HIS SON has won the war and the battle, even when it feels like I am losing.

GOD’s power cannot be stopped. HIS salvation cannot be stolen, even though sometimes it looks like the enemy is winning the battle and the war. BUT GOD steps in and saves. HIS love is a fire that cannot be put out.

After being released from that job, I wondered what I would do. Shortly after, many people from the old position called, asking for advice and prayer. I could be used to point people to GOD now more than before. GOD sustained me and grew my faith in HIM. I am grateful for the things HE puts me though so I can see HIM all the more.

• Are you going through a situation even though you have honestly been serving the LORD?
• Are people, who call themselves Christians, persecuting you instead of celebrating your service to the LORD?
• Will you praise GOD and serve HIM anyway, knowing HE hears you and is excited about what you are doing for JESUS?

Hearing Test

Hearing Test

Acts 3: ²² For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. ²³ And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ ²⁴ Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. ²⁵ You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ ²⁶ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”

============

Hearing aids were huge contraptions I was scared of getting when I heard we had to take a hearing test. What if I can’t hear? I said to myself. Nervously I slipped on the headphones and heard sounds, raising my hand at the faintest noise. I passed. But when I got in trouble and someone called my name, I ignored it. “Do you hear me calling you?” They said.

• There were times when I did not want to hear what others were saying.
• There were times when I tuned people out who were “on my nerves.”
• There were times when I listened to the information but was thinking about something else.

Peter spoke about Moses, Samuel and Abraham regarding prophecies they said about JESUS. “HIM you shall hear in all things, whatever HE says to you” was a statement to those who listened to JESUS. But those who did not listen would be destroyed.

• GOD tells me of HIS promise to save me from destruction.
• GOD tells me of HIS promise to protect me from eternal death.
• GOD tells me of HIS promise to hold onto me so the evil one cannot get me out of HIS hand.

Not listening to the fact that JESUS became a human, died for the sins of mankind, and was raised from the dead, is what sends a person to an eternal separation from GOD in a place of eternal increasing torment. GOD made it easy to believe, yet there will be some who chose not to.

GOD gave everyone free will to choose HIM. This is the only scenario where love can exist. I can choose to be with my loving GOD, who cares for me in every way, or not to. I choose JESUS as my Savior and I am grateful for HIS protection.

• Are you wrestling with how JESUS is GOD and became a human who died and was raised?
• Do you think there is no need to be saved from anything?
• Will you consider “love” as the reason GOD did all of this specifically for you?
• When human love has and will fail you, will you accept GOD’s everlasting love though CHRIST our Savior today?

Imperfect Perfection

Imperfect Perfection

Acts 3: ¹⁷ “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. ¹⁸ But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. ¹⁹ Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, ²⁰ and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, ²¹ whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. 

============

“Say you are sorry” the angry neighbor said to me and a sibling. The two choices that popped into my mind were to laugh at the statement, or to just say it and get it over with. I decided to do both. “I’m sorry, ha, ha, ha.” I said.. She knew I did not mean it. “I’m telling your parents.”

• There were times when I was forced to say, “I’m sorry” but I did not mean it.
• There were times when I was told to say “I’m sorry” but nothing was at stake for saying it.
• There were times when I was disciplined into saying “I’m sorry” but it only made me resentful.

Peter explains that the crowd was misled by the church leaders for killing JESUS. Now that JESUS is alive they should apologize for what they did. But this apology needs to be permanent, otherwise it will not be heard.

• JESUS wants me to admit I need a savior from being a sinner.
• JESUS wants me to believe HE is the only way to salvation.
• JESUS wants me to confess my sins so HE will be faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness, past, present and future.

Following JESUS does not mean I will never sin. I will do something “out of ignorance” or blatantly out of selfishness. BUT GOD saw all of my sins and “blotted them out” of HIS record. JESUS will be sent once again, but this time HE will come to bring back only those who believe in HIM. I am glad I do not have to be perfect because HE made me perfect in HIS eyes.

• Do you feel like you are making mistakes over and over?
• Does you have a sense of purpose that is not exclusionary or hateful?
• Will you surrender your strong will and believe that JESUS is the only being who can love you just as you are?

Mistakes Used Powerfully

Mistakes Used Powerfully

Acts 3: ¹¹ Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. ¹² So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. ¹⁴ But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, ¹⁵ and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. ¹⁶ And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

============

In a hurry, I stopped by the cleaners to pick up my clothes. No one was around so I left the car running. Unfortunately, habit kicked in and I locked the car as I got out. When I returned to the car I could not get in. I had to call the police. Afterwards, I warned people to turn off their car even at short stops.

• When I learn from my mistakes, I warn others.
• When I have felt the sting of a mistake I tell other people so they won’t do it.
• When I make a mistake that is costly, I plea with people trying to convince them not to fall into the same trap I did.

The crowd was amazed that Peter healed the man who was lame. They rushed at him and probably started worshiping him. Peter warned them of their behavior. He told them of their denial of JESUS and reminded them of their choice to keep a murderer alive. Peter also had denied JESUS, but was blessed with restoration. He could now tell them the power comes from JESUS.

• JESUS wants me to be open with my sins so others will feel free to admit theirs.
• JESUS wants me to tell other people that I have made mistakes so they will not be bound by theirs.
• JESUS wants me to be brave enough to admit sin publicly so the sin no longer has power over me or whoever hears it.

Saying I have made mistakes is often not easy. I mean who wants to say. “I have lusted” or “I have enjoyed porn” or “I have stolen” or “I have lied?” Most people would not if they were trying to keep up a façade. BUT GOD wants me to admit to all of that and more.

These sins no longer have power over me only because JESUS said “I forgive you of all your sins” to me. HE released me from the consequence of sin and I am filled with joy, I want to tell other people about my mistakes so they will do the same and be forgiven. I admit I have made a lot of mistakes that JESUS cleaned up.

• Are you hiding your mistakes?
• Are you nervous that other people will find out your deepest darkest secrets?
• Will you start small and build up to, what you consider, big sins, admitting them to others so they can see you are forgiven by JESUS today?

What I do have I give you

What I do have I give you

Acts 3: Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. ² And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; ³ who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. ⁴ And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” ⁵ So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. ⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” ⁷ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. ⁸ So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. ⁹ And all the people saw him walking and praising God. ¹⁰ Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

============

Desiring superpowers, I grabbed a towel and shoved one end in the back of my shirt as a cape. Holding my arms out in front of me, I circled the yard as if I were flying. I was invincible! Later, when I fell and skinned my knee, I went in the house crying.

• There were times when I wanted to feel special.
• There were times when I desired to be stronger.
• There were times when I wished I could be something more than what I was.

Peter had experienced GOD’s mighty power in his life on several occasions. He just witnessed tongues of fire and preached so boldly that thousands people believed. He was so filled with excitement that he told a lame man to walk and GOD healed him. This was done so others can see and believe in GOD.

• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM so HE can use me.
• GOD wants me to be ready to be used by HIM at a moment’s notice.
• GOD wants me to want others to see HIM, and not see me.

Wanting to perform miracles is nice, BUT GOD wants me to want the miracle to happen, whether through me or if GOD chooses to do it without a person. The goal of miracles is not to make a human feel special. GOD needs to be praised for that is where the power comes form.

Miracles cannot happen with half-belief. Peter had to be restored by JESUS and even then GOD had to show him that the power comes from HIM. Some people cry out things in the “name of JESUS” and nothing happens. GOD works through those who are fully restored. I am grateful GOD restores me.

• Are you calling on JESUS to heal and nothing is happening?
• Do you believe in GOD fully to restore you and that person to being whole?
• If you know you have a part of you that does not believe, then will you give the small part that does to someone today?