And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” (Acts 4:29, KJV) The church was born in the valley of the shadow of death. Besides oppression, persecution, false teachings, and disloyal brothers, they faced the constant threat of the same…
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. (Acts 28:30-31, NKJV) I have heard some say that the…
“No, I don’t want the blue one; I’d like the pink one instead, please.” “Can I have that burger with mayonnaise instead of mustard?” “Excuse me, but this is mine.” “Mommy, can I have that?” Every day, humans profess opinions, desires, and wants. We have no problem with speaking boldly…
“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41). The early church enjoyed a glorious beginning on the Day of Pentecost, and thousands were filled with God’s Spirit. The early church faced great difficulties and was…
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably…
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 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 of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. (Acts 3:1-3 Holy Bible, King James Version)
Peter and John were creatures of habit. That afternoon, about three o’clock, they made their usual trek to the temple in Jerusalem. They encountered a lame man begging at the gate. Nothing different there either. The difference came when Peter spoke in boldness. “Look on us.” That confidence in his new experience of being Holy Ghost filled at Pentecost emblazoned Peter with faith.
“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (v. 6)
The crippled man leaped up and praised God. And it all happened because Peter and John took time to pray.
Prayer: Lord, help me to follow Peter’s example and set aside a time to pray. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 from the NIV of the Holy Bible) I was recently invited to a dinner in a colleagues home. Upon arrival, I realized that there were several…
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days (Daniel 6:10, Holy Bible, New King James Version).
- Daniel showed no concern about the signed decree that prohibited petitions to anyone other than King Darius. Daniel had prayed three times each day before the decree and he made no changes the day the order to stop praying became effective. He did not hide in fear and whisper prayers in a corner. Daniel threw open the windows and prayed with boldness. He knew that his God, the one true God, would take care of him.
-
Prayer: Lord, give me Daniel’s determination to devote time to prayer without distractions. Amen.
- Devotion by Violet Carr Moore