Good morning! We began our reading of Acts chapter 3 a few days ago. The story began with Peter and John in route, and on their way they encountered a lame man seated at the temple gate called Beautiful. Peter and John through the power of Jesus Christ had faith to heal the lame man. The lame man was healed because of their faith and his faith in Jesus Christ. Today, we pickup where Peter continued to explain and preach on what occurred. If you missed yesterday’s devotion or last weeks, go back and read those because it will help with today’s devotion.

BIBLE VERSE – Acts 3:17-23 NLT
“¹⁷ “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. ¹⁸ But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. ¹⁹ Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰ and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. ²¹ Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. ²² For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. ²³ Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’”

REFLECTION
Peter was preaching to the Israelites (Jewish people) who did not believe or know about Jesus. He was there to preach the Good News about Jesus so that they will know, understand, believe and repent.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (v.19)

Sisters and brothers, we have been given an opportunity to hear the Good News, turn away from the dead things in our lives that don’t produce life. To turn away from the things that constantly drain us and have nothing to give us but more worry and problems. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection to life, He made a way for us to repent of those ways and things that bring death, and turn to God, so that our sins will be wiped out/erased, and allow the Lord to refresh us and give us new life– knowing the Messiah will return and reign.

For those of you who are reading today and have not given your life to Christ, I don’t want you to leave this year without the opportunity to accept Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior. If you are ready, pray with me:

“Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. I believe you died and rose from the grave to save me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in You for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life. I confess you as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me.”     

If this is your first time reading or saying this prayer, I want to welcome you to the family of God. I encourage you to get involved in a local Bible believing and teaching church, and join a Bible study group where you can grow in faith and have faithful sisters and brothers encouraging and praying for you. Additionally, if this is your first time praying the prayer or you are recommitting your life to Christ sends us an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for the new and glorious way that remains forever. Thank you for newness of life in and through Jesus Christ. Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to save us from ourselves (our sins). Lord, you knew the extent in which we needed to be forgiven and saved. Thank you for making a way for us. Lord, we give ourselves to you to do something new in our lives. Lord, we are done with being stuck in our past, chained to our hurts and regrets. Lord, stretch us beyond average and lead us to focus on what you have called us to do. Lord, you are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Lord as we begin a new day we want to begin/restore our relationship with you. Continue your good work in and through us. In Jesus name amen.

——–

PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

Copyright ©️ 2022 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.