Today’s Reading: Acts 4:1-13
Today’s Verse: Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Acts 4:10 KJV
There is a fabulous change in the way someone feels when they are shown unconditional kindness.
Kindness that is done without expecting something back.
As followers of Christ, we are glad to help others and do it in His name.
The more we abide in the Word it becomes a natural thing.
We want to help people in need and acknowledge the Lord as the source of our generosity.
Peter and John are fitting examples. They were happy to help others in the name of the Lord.
They showed this when they healed a man with disabilities who was begging outside the temple in Jerusalem (Acts 3:1-10 KJV).
Peter told the man, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (v.6).
Peter “took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength” (v.7).
The man “leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God” (v.8).
Their kindness led to their arrest and appearance before the authorities.
The authorities asked, “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?”
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:7-10 KJV).
Peter wanted all to understand the reason behind this healing.
That there is power in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
This healing confirmed their testimony that Jesus is the Messiah. The One whom they had crucified.
Like these rulers we must be saved by the knowledge of His being crucified. The fact that He rose with all power in His hands. And that He has prepared a place for us to meet Him.
A lack of faith can lead to negative consequences. A sinful nature will make us miss the blessings from God. Our spiritual growth is blocked.
As followers of Christ, we should act in a way that all who see us will have a desire to form a relationship with Him. To have a Spirit filled life.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)
All are powerful ways in which we can genuinely speak to others about the Lord.
One act of kindness can teach someone about the love of God.
Let us boldly testify about Him. Telling anyone who will listen about His goodness. That He can make them whole in every area of their lives.
There is someone ready for a change in their lives. They just need to know and trust Jesus.
His desire is for all to live a good life. That is why He said He would supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19 KJV).
We all have different needs.
Anyone that receives Him, there will be a change in their life.
It will make them holy, heavenly, spiritual, and cheerful. It will raise them above this world.
A wonderful change that will be.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Lord, love is an important part of life. Help us to love through our words and deeds. We want to reach out to others and meet their needs. We know even the smallest show of love means a lot to someone who may need an encouraging word. Let us have a heart that feels for those lost in sin. That they begin to feel the love and mercy that can flow from within. Just one touch from You can make us whole. Thank You for all that You are doing in our lives.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen