Life Journal, January 28, 2011

Life Journal, January 28, 2011
Today's readings: Exodus 21, 22; Psalm 12; Acts 4

BE BOLD

Scripture

". . . And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

After this prayer, the meeting place shook and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4.29-31

Observation

God heard their prayer and answered it through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

WOW! That needs to be our prayer everyday. . . and then expect it to be answered.

But, it requires that we be willing to be used by God in amazing and supernatural ways and that we are willing to preach the Word of God with boldness. Nothing changes if we do not allow God to change us and use us. We must open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit and be willing to be bold.

Not as easy as it sounds. Afterall, what will others say?!?!

That is why we are called to die to ourselves--then it won't matter what others think.

So, today, I pray the prayer of the disciples and ask for Your Holy Spirit. I ask that You use me in miraculous ways and that I share/preach the word of God with boldness.

Prayer

"O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them--you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant saying, 'Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.'

"In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." May it be so, Lord.