January 7, 2012

Acts 4:13-22 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 7:1-5, Genesis 12

Journal Entry

Scripture

18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.

Observation

Peter and John were initially perceived as common and uneducated men, yet they recognized as men who had power and authority because they were with Jesus and did the things that Jesus instructed (commanded) them to do. The fruit (a healed man) of their relationship of trust and belief in Jesus was evident and undeniable to the public. Peter and John's belief was not just a mental construct (something that wouldn't have made sense to them), it was true belief in the sense that they were willing to act as if it what Jesus told them to do was true and doable. Otherwise they wouldn't have attempted to pray and heal and speak boldly to the religious leaders. They knew the power of God in their guts and in their lives.

Application

I think this is a perfect time to take a look at what we actually believe by looking at our behavior. Our behaviors reveal what we truly believe. I need to take a look at what I believe about what God has said. What do I believe about: sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and his kingdom? Blessing those who persecute (bother, irritate, anger) me? Praying for healing? How freely sharing my true beliefs about Jesus and the impact on my relationships and career? Being generous and trusting that God will provide for me? What do I believe about God's ability to change hearts and minds? Change my heart and mind?

I will take a look at my life and see what I truly believe because my behaviors reveal what I actually believe.

Prayer

Father, Son, and Spirit, help me (us) to know your so truly that our behaviors reveal our trust in you and that we can take you at your word. Increase our faith to have eyes of faith that see your power and love at work that "we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."

Forgive me (us) when we lose our trust in you and your powerful goodness. May we see that you have never let go of us and you are still with us when we give into the temptation not to see who you truly are. Help us where we doubt and increase (grow) our faith so that our lives are changed from the inside out. May we all see Jesus show up in our behavior pointing back to our trust in you. We love you and are so grateful to you for loving us first. May we become more like you in this regard.

--Brother John L.