Peter and John before the Sanhedrin

PRAYER PRACTICE

Breath Prayer – Take 2-3 minutes today to pray a simple breath prayer. Get somewhere quiet and relaxing. Breathe in deeply, and then breathe out fully. As you breathe in, ask God to fill you with His presence, grace, love, peace, etc. Consider using the list of spiritual fruit in Galatians 5:22-23. As you breathe out, offer to God the things you need Him to take from you – sin, doubt, shame, anxiety, fear, etc. Pray this way for just a few minutes, trusting God to work, and then begin reading today’s Scripture.

DAILY READING

ACTS 4:1-12

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Hindsight

by Nancy Gleeson

I’ve been watching a reality TV show that was filmed during the onset of the pandemic in 2020. I am reliving the confusion that existed when it all began and wishing the cast didn’t have to struggle to make sense of what was happening. With my 20/20 hindsight, I already know the significance of its affect on our lives.

With a similar vantage point, I think about the world just after Jesus was crucified, I realize that the Sadducees, leaders, and teachers of the law were facing something they didn’t understand that would greatly affect their future! Here they were thinking the crucifixion was the end of their troubles with Jesus, never expecting that Jesus’ death on the cross was actually a POWERFUL new beginning!

In these times, had anyone accepted that having been born in Adam, in sin, meant they would all die separated from God? They still needed to comprehend that our sinful nature is inherited, and we sin because of our sinfulness.  They needed to seek salvation which cleanses us but only with the ultimate sacrifice. 

Jesus had been appointed by God for this great purpose. Still, the people needed to understand that salvation cannot originate by any power among man. No one can be saved apart from God’s help. God made a way for the penalty of sin to be paid.  Only the Son of God, the only one born sinless, can save us.

It is Christ Jesus who promises the free gift of new life to all those who believe in His name. Salvation is a total gift from our Father in Heaven. It is undeserved and a complete work of grace and mercy. To this day, it is such an amazing thing to fathom, and forever, the gospel needs to be shared.

Like Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spread the good news!

Heavenly Father,
You are a merciful and loving God. I praise and worship only You. It is from You that I receive new life. Help me to rid myself of efforts to earn your favor. Allow me to rest in your grace. Help me to share the gospel with all those who are lost reminding them of your free gift of salvation. It is in Jesus’ name I pray.