The Holy Spirit is here!
Last week, we discovered three things; what the Spirit can do through us, the powerful name of Jesus, and that salvation comes by no other name.
As we continue gathering our tools, there are a few more gifts we discover along the way.
Let’s read on in Acts 4;
“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…
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.
The Holy Spirit gives us more gifts, tools and resources that are invaluable as we bring the Kingdom of God here on Earth. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and invite Him into our hearts, that Spirit begins working within us. That same Spirit enables us to do those greater things Jesus told us about.
“We can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us.”
As we reflect on the scriptures from Acts 4, here are a few things to consider;
- The Spirit gives courage to the ordinary. If we are going to do what God has called us to do, we are going to need strength beyond what we actually have. The Spirit gives us this strength, bravery and courage. This could be speaking a kind word to a friend who is hurting, listening with a loving ear, boldly speaking in the name of Jesus and praying healing for our hurting friends. It could mean speaking up for those without a voice, standing beside the marginalized, or reaching out to the lonely. Let’s not forget giving to the needy in more than monetary means.
- “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!” Pay attention who you are listening to. Are you listening to the rulers and kings of this world, or are you listening to God?
- “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” They spoke about what they had experienced. There is power in sharing our stories of God working in our lives. What have you seen God do? When is the last time you shared what God has done for you? Sharing what God has done reflects the power of God working in our lives and encourages us. Commit to sharing your story with some today.
- Praise God. We should be praising God all the time! God has done and is doing many great things for us. There is power in praise. Look what happened with Peter and John from this Chapter. The were going to be seized but because they were praising God, others joined in and before long, they were all praising God. Praising brings honor to God and joy to us!
With God all things are possible!
Next week, we will wrap up this series on the power of the Holy Spirit. I am reminded that Christ had to go so that we could receive this power. We have been called to do the same things Jesus Himself was doing. If we going to do them, we need that Spirit. And, there is no greater work than sharing the love of God with all those around us.
Let us pray;
Good and gracious God, may we embrace the Spirit within us. Give us the courage we need to share our stories. And may we always praise You for the great things You have done. In Jesus name, Amen.
P.S. Leave me a comment below because I love hearing from you. Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe to my website. Post on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, let’s tell the world all the things God is doing in our lives. -M
