January 6, 2012

Acts 4:1-12 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 6, Genesis 11

Journal Entry

Scripture

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus [1] is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. [2] 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Observation

It is when filled with the Holy Spirit, that even despite being arrested and in custody, Peter boldly declares the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the source of power in which healing is done. He goes on further to bring attention that it is only by His name that men can be saved. Throughout this book of Acts, it shows regular ordinary people being filled with Holy Spirit and by so become true ambassador of God, declaring Jesus Christ as the source of salvation, bringing thousands of people to believe.

Application

It is so awesome to see such transformations brought on by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit provides strength to boldly declare the Lordship of Jesus Christ and allows us to function as intended, that is to be God's ambassador to rest of the world. Going back to this fundamentals, that of being filled with Holy Spirit and bringing people to believe, and placing them above all other desires and accomplishments of this life, rings so loudly and clearly. Instead of being focused on and being pressed down by everyday troubles, I want to seek to be filled more with Holy Spirit, allowing me to be more like Peter and other early church leaders, declaring to all those around me the fundamental truth about Lord Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings.

Prayer

Lord,
I pray that you'd fill me with the Holy Spirit, giving me the strength and boldness. That I may declare to all those around me your Son's name and the salvation He provides. Allow me not to get distracted by situations and circumstances, but rather focus on the greatest commission in my life, to bring the good news of salvation, to those in my immediate contact. In everyday life, regardless of circumstances, whether to friend or to foe, may I be used as your instrument, powered by the Holy Spirit. In your Son's name I pray. Amen.

--Peter K