Check out all the previous Acts readings here.
Acts Reading Plan | Week 3 | Day 3
Prayer
Pause. Breathe in and then very slowly out. Do that three times. This helps your mind become more present. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” As you pause to spend time with Jesus, thank Him for removing your sins, and ask Him to speak to you as you open His word.
Bible Reading: Acts 3:17-21
Read these verses three times slowly.
“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
Reflection & Questions
Everywhere you look people are tired. We are a society looking for rest and refreshment. Whether it’s drinks, furniture or even cars – if you look closely, you’ll notice almost everything is marketed with the promise of refreshment. However, our problem isn’t in our circumstances, it’s in our souls. Dissatisfaction has taken up home inside us and no ‘thing’ will kick it out.
As Peter continues to talk to the crowd that gathered after healing the lame man, he tells them exactly how refreshment will come into their lives. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Peter is very clear: It is in getting right with God that our souls find refreshment. He is the Living Water that will truly refresh us.
Our ONEs need that true refreshment – it will transform their lives. And the way to it is simple: turn back to God. Jesus made the way!
- Are you in need of times of refreshing? Where are you seeking refreshment from? Does that need to change?
- As you look at ads or other marketing today, try to see if what they are promising is rest or refreshment.
Prayer
Talk to God in response to the reading. Pray for you and/or others who need “times of refreshing from the Lord.”
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
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Questions?
Ed Applegate
