A Nugget from New Life Network
(excerpts from Chris Musgrove of Future Now)
Scripture for the Day – August 19, 2019
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Did you know that prayer can change a person, city, and nation? Did you know that prayer can heal the sick? Did you know that prayer is the door to meeting all of your needs? Let’s look at just one great example of how prayer changed the course of history. This particular event happened after Peter and John were jailed for healing a lame man at the Gate called Beautiful. It also appears that the healed man was jailed with them (Acts 4:3 and 4:14).
And being let go (from prison), 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 (the Anointed).’ “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. (Acts 4:23-31)
This prayer meeting occurred after Peter, John, and the healed man, were arrested and then let go the next day. Peter and John were told not to speak or teach anymore in the name of Jesus. But instead of crying and complaining about what they were going to do, they prayed. Instead of magnifying the problem, they magnified God. I believe that Saul’s (the Apostle Paul’s) conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 was a direct result of this prayer in Acts 4.
In Acts 4:29-31 they prayed, “Take note of their threats” and “stretch out your hand with signs and wonders. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together;…”
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.
We need this type of prayer in our churches, homes, and country today. We need the people of our day that are voicing threats and violence to have a Damascus Road experience like Saul of Tarsus (Paul). It’s going to take signs and wonders to turn the tide for these people, but it will never happen if we don’t pray and believe for it. Start praying for these people! They are lost and don’t even know it!!!
Grant your servants boldness Lord! Let us see signs and wonders once again!!
