Good morning! Have you ever asked someone a question and you weren’t prepared for the answer that they gave? Well in Acts chapter four we continue with Peter and John responding to the Sanhedrin. Join me as we read verse 5-12.

“⁵ The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. ⁶ Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. ⁷ They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’^[a]

¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”” – Acts 4:5-12 NLT

Since receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter was on fire – preaching the word of God to all who would listen. Now, Peter is in the presence of top leaders and has the platform to share the truth – the Good News. He clarified that Jesus is the stone the builders rejected, which Jesus is now the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22).

Peter’s divine appointments kept showing up. He could have been resentful of doing God’s work and then being put in prison, but Peter was not. Peter knew the purpose, he had already preached on three separate occasions and even in the midst of the trial he continued to boldly share the truth of God’s word. Peter remained focus in the face of adversity – declaring ‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.’ (v.12)

Sisters and brothers we will have plans, but God’s plans will prevail. Are you still angry with God for the time(s) when things didn’t go according to your plan? ________ Then I humble ask that you go to God and tell Him, but also allow Him an opportunity to respond. Will you allow God to change your plans so that He can use you on the job, in your home, at the store, in your church, etc.? ________ or

I do not pretend to know what God’s plans are for you, but His word says they are to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Sisters and brothers will you have faith and trust God to change the plan, to assign you divine appointments and share the Good News?

Father God thank you for your word and for your promises. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who directs and guides us. Thank you for giving us discernment and wisdom to seek you first in all things. Lord as we anchor ourselves to our faith in you, help us not to sway to the left or the right. Keep us focused on you and your plans for our lives. Lord use us and teach us how to respond to divine appointments to ensure you get all the glory. Lord in the areas where we struggle with in our faith or past disappointments or anger with an outcome, touch us and heal us so that we can move forward in you – whole, complete and usableby you. In Jesus name, amen.

Registration for our next women’s retreat will begin on Monday, May 25, 2020. In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 the retreat will be held online as a virtual retreat. The theme is Hope Anchored by Faith.

#LivingBeyondAverage #20/20Vision #Refocus #StayFocused

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