Theme:   Is It Just Me?

Read: Acts 4:5-13; Phil 1: 1-21

Think: Pastor Dave talked about the boldness of the leaders of the early church – specifically Peter and John. In Acts 4, when the church was still new, Peter and John boldly addressed the people of their generation. The response of the leaders of their day? “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (v.13). That boldness was not due to years of seminary and some discipleship course work for the most devout… but it was training from much time spent in the presence of the Master, Jesus. Because of the time they spent with Jesus they had become passionate about what concerned Christ—the eternal destiny of people.

Peter and John were in danger most of the time. The religious leaders in Jerusalem warned them to stop talking about Jesus (Acts 4:18). When the apostles reported this to the other believers, they immediately held a prayer meeting like no other. What happened then is amazing!

The Christians began by praising God. Then they asked for boldness that they might continue the work the Lord set for them to do. The results were dramatic. The house shook, and the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit. They boldly witnessed, enjoyed spiritual unity, and gave unselfishly to those in need (vv.31-37).

I’ve never felt a building shake during a prayer time, but I have seen God’s power at work. Miraculous and amazing things have happened as God’s power was unleashed - broken marriages healed or a downward spiraling church brought back to life, physical ailments healed, new hope given to hopeless circumstances… And the best miracle of all, hearts turned to Christ!!!

When we come together and pray with expectation and with boldness, sincerely praising God and seeking His glory, great things happen. Prayer must always come boldly from the heart.

Do: As ordinary people, we can have an extraordinary impact for Christ if we shake off the ability to settle for the mundane and trust the Lord as we pray boldly in the Holy Spirit’s power.

Pray:  Lord Help us to always pray with boldness knowing that You can do ALL things and that You are good!  Forgive us when we retreat to what’s normal and comfortable, and help us to trust You to do all that You promise. Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.