A Nugget from New Life Network
(excerpts from Future Now)
Scripture for the Day (February 14, 2017)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:12-14)
In Acts 3 we see the famous account of Peter and John going into the temple to pray and encountering the beggar that had been lame from birth. This is where Peter looked at the beggar and said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” The man was miraculously healed which landed Peter and John in jail.
There was a big hearing the next day with all the rulers, elders and scribes. They wanted to know by what power and by what name they had healed this man. Peter told them it was by the name of Jesus Christ who these same rulers crucified. That did not go over very well but they could not deny that the man was obviously healed so they let Peter and John go but commanded them not to teach or speak in the name of Jesus.
There was a major prayer meeting that occurred after Peter and John was let go. But instead of crying and complaining about what they were going through, they prayed. Instead of magnifying the problem, they magnified God.
Acts 4:23-31 says, And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.’ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
I believe that Saul’s (the Apostle Paul) conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 was a result of this prayer meeting in Acts 4. In Acts 4:29 and 30 they prayed, “Take note of their threats” and “stretch out your hand with signs and wonders.” Acts 9:1 says, “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples”. Then verse 3 says, “A bright light hit him and he fell to the ground.” Then Saul heard the voice of Jesus speaking to him. Folks, that is a sign and a wonder and I truly believe it was the sign and the wonder that they had prayed for back in Acts 4.
When persecuted, magnify God, not the problem, and God will show up big in your life also.
God, grant your servant’s boldness!
