Filled With the Holy Spirit

SCRIPTURE

Confession of Peter
Acts 4:8-13 (NRSV)

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is
'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.'
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus.


DEVOTION

I love today's scripture reading! As someone who cares deeply about evangelism (e.g., sharing the good news with others), I am extremely proud of Peter's bold witness before the religious leaders of his day.

Although he knew, good and well, that his testimony might be ridiculed or dismissed, he spoke passionately, giving glory to God, and sharing the good news that although Jesus died on the cross, he was resurrected on the third day!

I don't know about you, but there have been many times in my life when I have had to choose whether to be silent, or bold, about my testimony. I would imagine that you know what I am talking about because Christians all over the country have shared with me how much courage it takes them to share Jesus on the job or with family, friends, and neighbors.

As human beings, it is natural for us to want people to like, respect, and admire us. That is why it is easy to stand up in church and give our testimony there. We know that we are before friends who will encourage and support our witness for Christ.

Unfortunately, it is this same desire to be liked which makes it so hard for us to stand in front of a stranger, or a non-Christian friend or neighbor and declare to them the Good News Message, "Christ has died! Christ has risen! Christ shall come again!" We simply don't know how they will respond!

It is at times like these that we must call upon the power of the Holy Spirit which equips, enables, and inspires us to be bold witness for Jesus no matter what the cost!

Today's scripture passage says, "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them..."

In the United States of America, we are celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Whilst he was a gifted speaker and courageous freedom fighter, we must never forget that first and foremost he was a follower of Christ!

It was his relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, that gave him the Holy Ghost boldness to speak truth to power, to face dogs and hoses, and to march for miles and miles in order to secure basic human rights for people of color in the United States.

Rev. King was great because he served one who was greater than himself.

Let us always remember that in order to share good news--and be good news--we must first be filled with the Holy Spirit of God! When we allow ourselves to be filled up with all the love, joy, and peace of Jesus, we will find that it is quite easy to share our faith stories with others and to speak up for the cause of mercy and justice everywhere.

Sometimes, I think that we make things too hard. We are not afraid to talk to strangers about the weather, news, or local gym. So, why should we be fearful of telling them about our friend, Jesus, and/or inviting them to our local church?

On today, I want to invite you to be bold in your testimony. As you pass through your home, work place, and community, please look for opportunities to tell somebody that Jesus saves and He saves to the utmost!

You'll be glad that you did...


Won't you pray with me?

Holy God, please fill me up with your Holy Spirit so that I will be bold in sharing the good news. Please forgive me for those times that I have remained silent, when I should have spoken up for you. God, I know and believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again on the third day. Thank you for forgiving me of my sin and gifting me with eternal life. Please empower, enable, embolden, and inspire me to be a witness for you. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


SPECIAL NOTE

If you just prayed that prayer for the first time, today, you are saved! Let me encourage you to tell a Christian friend that you just put all of your hope in Jesus. Ask him or her to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand and to find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make new friends who will walk with you on your Christian journey!

Congratulations and Happy Re-birthday! Your salvation is our GOOD NEWS, please go and share the GOOD NEWS with others!

PRAY FOR BOLDNESS!

SCRIPTURE



Acts 4:13-31 (NRSV)

The believers pray for boldness

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another. They said, "What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it. But to keep it from spreading further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name." So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard." After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.

After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant:
'Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth took their stand,
and the rulers have gathered together
against the Lord and against his Messiah.'

For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.


DEVOTION

Oh yes!

Today’s scripture reading fills me to the brim with excitement. It is thrilling to read about the early Christians and their desire to experience the “Holy Ghost Boldness” necessary to declare the good news about Jesus, no matter what the cost.

See, Christians were being persecuted by religious and civil authorities. In the case of Peter and John they were prosecuted for preaching and healing in the Name of Jesus!

Whilst most of us do not live in countries where we are forbidden to believe in Jesus, I am sure that we have all had experiences of timidity when faced with the opportunity to declare that God loves the world so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

It seems that the good news message does not easily roll off of our tongues in places where we fear judgment, condemnation or ridicule.

Whilst the Holy Spirit may be prompting us to share good news with the man on the bus, or the woman in our workplace, or our grandchildren who have gone astray, we find it difficult to muster up the courage necessary to say, “Jesus loves you this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”

Perhaps we fear that we will be intruding in people’s lives or that we will be “forcing” our opinions on others.

This is not so my friends! As we joyfully and humbly share our faith with others, we are doing nothing more than sharing the heart of God with a person in need.

It does not take a rocket scientist to notice that “what the world needs now is Love.” Too many of our friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and enemies suffer from the mistaken notion that nobody loves them and that this world is all that exists for them.

Look around you my friends! We are surrounded by hurting, lonely, depressed, anxious, worried, concerned, angry, frustrated people who need a relationship with JESUS!

No matter what the personal cost, we must find the Holy Ghost Boldness to speak words of life to our spiritually dead and dying friends!

So, let us be like the early church. Let us gather together and pray that God will give us courage to speak The Word with boldness and to preach, teach, and heal in Jesus’ Name!

I believe—by faith—that everyone who prays a prayer like this will be anointed with the Holy Spirit and emboldened to share the good news that God loves, gave, and saves!

To GOD be the glory, great things GOD has done!

Won’t you pray with me?:

Holy God, please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit. Please make me bold in my declaration of the good news! Please use me to preach, teach, counsel, heal, and pray in Jesus’ Name! Where I am weak and afraid, please make me strong and courageous! I know so many people who need a relationship with you! I also pray for my Christian brothers and sisters in nations where it is still forbidden to speak the Name of Jesus. Make them bold and courageous in their declaration of the good news and please inspire me to pray for them daily. Lord, please use me as an instrument of your peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.



THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html

IF WE ARE THE BODY...

SCRIPTURE

Acts 4:1-4 (NRSV)

Peter and John arrested

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand.

DEVOTION

Today’s GOOD NEWS Bible passage makes me giggle…

While I never advocate purposefully “annoying people” while spreading the Gospel, it seems that sometimes it is a natural extension of the work we do in Jesus Name.

Today’s Bible passage reminds us that not everybody is going to be as excited about Jesus as we are! The GOOD NEWS about Jesus will be an annoyance to the “crabby people”* who are invested in the “doom and gloom” message embedded in contemporary society.

For folks who like the status quo, and prosper from it, the GOOD NEWS message about Jesus Christ will feel like a pebble in their shoe.

After all, when people put all their hope in Jesus, they are removing it from another entity. They are switching dance partners or crushing false idols under their feet!

For example, when a workaholic puts all of her faith in Jesus, she doesn’t work as often on Sunday morning. When a father puts all of his faith in Jesus, he leaves work on time to get to his daughter’s softball game. When a single woman puts all her faith in Jesus, her dating behaviors change in a way her boyfriend might not appreciate. (smile) Come on, somebody!

Putting our faith in Jesus shakes up the status quo and the crabby people don’t like it; it annoys them!

In the case of Peter and John, the crabby people expressed their outrage by arresting Peter and John and putting them into jail. But, do you know what? The “damage” was already done and over 5,000 souls who had heard their GOOD NEWS message believed and became followers of Christ!

It is my fervent prayer that my life mirrors that of Peter and John. I want to be so full of the GOOD NEWS message that I just have to share it everywhere I go, no matter what the consequences may be! In the past, when I have erroneously tried not to speak on behalf of Jesus, it has been “like fire shut up in my bones!” I have found that I just can’t keep it to myself.

When I think about The Truth that God loves, gave and saves, I get so excited! When I meditate on the fact that God loves us so much--and so unconditionally--that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and to gift us with eternal life, I just have to tell somebody!

People in this world are desperate to know that God loves them and God that God cares. In the midst of the financial downturn, lost jobs, foreclosed houses, depressed 401ks, debilitating illness and disease, insufficient food and water, and/or the violence and war that are sweeping our world, people really need to know that God will never leave them nor forsake them and that God is on their side working for the ultimate good of all people!

If we must pay a price to share the GOOD NEWS with others, let us gladly pay that price! After all, we know that Jesus paid a very dear price to bring us the GOOD NEWS—He gave up his very life!

I don’t know about you, but I am not ashamed of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, for I know it be the power unto salvation for all who believe it! There is a song by Casting Crowns called, “If We Are the Body.” The lyrics ask, “If we are the Body of Christ why aren’t His arms reaching, hands healing, words teaching, feet going, and love showing?”

This is a good question my friends! Let us get to work sharing the love and grace of God everywhere we go!

Will you boldly share the GOOD NEWS with others today?

Amazing God, your love for us is utterly astounding! It is such GOOD NEWS to know and believe that you love, gave, and save! Please help me to be bold in the declaration of The Truth. My friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and enemies need to know that you love and care for them. I will share the GOOD NEWS today, and every day, as you enable me to do so. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

*the idea of crabby people comes from the book “A Place for You” by Daniel Erlander! Thanks!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Happy May Day to those celebrating!

Congratulations to the people who have recently put all of their faith in Jesus! We are so excited about your newfound faith in Jesus! You are in our thoughts and prayers!

If you would like to put all of your hope in Jesus today, please visit my blog entitled, “Putting All Your Hope In Jesus” located at http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/04/putting-all-your-hope-in-jesus.html

If you have additional questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus"
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html

You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda

Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews

You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.

EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right!

Thanks for reading and please come again. Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to all of our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.

From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com

I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY!

SCRIPTURE

Acts 4:23-31 (NRSV)
Prayer after Peter and John's release

After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant:

'Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth took their stand,
and the rulers have gathered together
against the Lord and against his Messiah.'

For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

DEVOTION

My friends, there are often challenges to be overcome when we desire to share our faith with others! We will sometimes encounter resistance from people who do not know--or believe--in the love of God revealed to us through Christ Jesus!

When we encounter this resistance, we must not become discouraged! When people misunderstand our intentions, become offended by our witness, or simply shut the door in our faces, we must not grow weary in well doing!

My mother once said to me that “you don’t beat people to the cross, you love them there.” As we love the brothers and sisters in our community, caring for them and serving them in the Name of Jesus, they will become more receptive to our witness.

As we share the GOOD NEWS through servant evangelism, we earn the trust of those who need to know Jesus. As we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, house the homeless, and visit the sick and imprisoned in Jesus’ Name, God softens the hearts of those we seek to serve.

When their hearts are ready, God will open the door for us to share our GOOD NEWS testimonies! God will bless our words--and our ways--romancing the hearts of our non-believing friends! And God will fill us with the Holy Spirit, giving us the boldness to preach, teach, pray, counsel, and heal in Jesus’ Name!

Let us always remember that saving souls, is the work of GOD, and GOD alone!

Our work is to be faith to the call to bare the GOOD NEWS that God loves, gave, and saves! No matter whom you are, or what your spiritual gifts, we are all called by God to declare Jesus’ death and resurrection until he comes again!

Be bold, my friends, as you use the gifts and talents that God has given you to share GOOD NEWS with everyone you meet and then trust God to do the rest!

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Now, ain’ta that GOOD NEWS?!

How will you boldly share your GOOD NEWS testimony today?

God, please fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I will possess the Holy Ghost boldness necessary to persevere in my witness to my non-Christian friends! Help me to love and serve them well so that they will experience your love and grow in relationship with you through Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.



ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have additional questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus" found at
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html

We are celebrating with the 11 people who have recently put all their hope in Jesus! Happy Re-birthday!

You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda

Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews

You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.

EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right! Thanks for reading and please come again.

Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to all of our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.

From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com