Good morning! Last week we read about the lame man being healed and the Sanhedrin asking Peter and John “By what power or what name did you do this?” Yesterday we read, Peter full of the Holy Spirit stated, “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” Join me as we continue reading Acts chapter 4.

BIBLE VERSE – Acts 4:13-17 NLT
“¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. ¹⁵ So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. ¹⁶ “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.””

REFLECTION
Peter and John didn’t have a fancy degree or education, but they had Jesus as their teacher, God as their authority and the Holy Spirit working in them. Their message was bold and powerful, so powerful that it could not be denied. Yet the Sanhedrin tried to cover it up and silence their message. The Sanhedrin was so bold to say we must tell them “speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

Peter and John were called to fulfill a purpose. Their divine appointment led them to share the Good News, heal the lame man and to unexpectedly speak to the top leaders in the town. The Sanhedrin was composed of 71 members – the supreme court and an administrative body of Jews including the high priest. God was on the move, the Holy Spirit was activeand the name of Jesus was being proclaimed.

Peter and John could have allowed fear to hold them back or force them to give in, but the Holy Spirit gave them power and a sound mind to be bold.

Sisters and brothers I do not know what you are going through. I do not know what you are facing, but I do know if you call on the name of Jesus, you will receive strength and power to endure any circumstances. In Isaiah 40:29-31 the word says: ²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

• What has the Lord called you to do or to be bold about? ____________
• Will you trust Him? _________

Sisters and brothers remain encouraged. Continue to follow Christ and be bold. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and direct your path. With Jesus all things are possible for those who believe. So keep trusting, allow for plans to change and accept divine appointments because God is the master planner who changes things.

PRAYER
Father God thank you for today’s message. Lord even when we are about to give up and turn away, you point us to your word that centers us and renews our faith. Lord you have been so good that we cannot begin to explain the level of our gratitude. You have been faithful in everything. Only you know the depths of our hearts, our desire to serve you, the road blocks we face and the fear/indecision in our hearts. Lord we need you. We need your wisdom to guide us in uncertain times. We need your strength because we are getting a little weak. Lord as chaos and confusion continues, we know your word brings peace and clarity. Remind us of your promises, faithfulness, protection and provision. Lord we do not want to hold Your truth to ourselves. Use us to share the Good News with others. Lord we pray for those having or recovering from surgery. We ask that you be with them and heal them. Lord be with the doctors and nurses. Lord guide them on how to care for and treat those patients. Lord we pray for those suffering from cancer, going through chemotherapy and/or have been told their cancer is incurable. Lord strengthen them. Give them peace and relieve their pain. Comfort them and their families. Lord, prepare our hearts and minds today. Humble our world leaders and give them an obedient heart to serve your purpose in their position. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus, the name above all names, Amen.

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