Good morning! Has anyone ever commanded that you stop doing something? Think about a time in your childhood when maybe a parent or guardian commanded that you stop doing something. Depending on the type of kid you were, maybe you pushed the envelope just a little to see what you could get a way with, especially if you knew grandma or another authority figure would save you from the wrath of not listening. Today we will continue in Acts chapter 4 where Peter and John were commanded to stop doing something. Join me as we continue in our reading.

Bible Verse – Acts 4:18-22 NLT
“¹⁸ Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!  ²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

²¹ After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. ²² For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.”

REFLECTION
I love the statement, “we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.“(v.20)

Sisters and brothers there will be many times when people will try to silence your testimony. They will try to minimize your experience about what God has done for you or called you to do. Don’t listen, just start praying and praising. Satan wants your praise silenced, he wants your voice taken away, he wants your experience(s) to hold you in bondage. However, you must anchor your self in faith and on the promises of the word. In Revelations 12:9-11 Satan was described as the accuser – it said he accused brothers and sisters before the Lord, both day and night. What is most significant is that they (the brothers and sisters):

“They triumphed over him
    by the blood of the Lamb
    and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
    as to shrink from death”

It took forty years for the lame man to encounter the healing power of Jesus. Trust God, in His time, in His way, and His will will be done.Sisters and brothers don’t stop praising, don’t stop sharing your story and know the blood of the Lamb that Redeemed you from your sins is the same one who defends you, protects you, heals you, cares for you and loves you. Let your praises and testimony roar.

• What is your testimony?_______

• What has God done for you and/or delivered you from? _________

• What do you need for God to set you free from? ___________

• Will you allow the Lord to break the chains that are binding you? __________

PRAYER
Father God we thank and praise you for all that you have done for us. Thank you for the ability to stand in faith and trust you to deliver us from the hands of Satan. We know this life will not be filled with cotton candy clouds and endless parties, but we do know a life without you will be detrimental. Father God we do not want to live our lives without you. Lord God we choose you to be the head of our lives, the captain of our ship, our light in the dark and our warrior who wins every battle. Lord go before us today and fight every battle that rages war against us. Help us to stand in faith even when we are exhausted, dismayed or are overwhelmed. Lord open our eyes so that we may remain consistent and focused on you. Lord we pray for marriages around the world and ask that you begin to repair the brokenness in them and from them. Lord improve communication and reignite love, forgiveness, hope, trust and compassion. Lord fill their homes with Your love and Your priorities. Be with those who are single, widowed or divorced and encourage them in their faith. Give them peace in their circumstances and remove the loneliness they may feel. Lord be with them and let them know that You are with them. Lord be with us all, cover us, keep us healthy and well. Lord in Your infinite wisdom feel free to alter our plans for your glory. We trust you as the master planner – have your way. In Jesus name, amen.

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