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Acts Reading Plan | Week 4 | Day 2

Prayer

Psalm 145:17-18 says, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Take a moment to calm your mind and body and then pray. Thank God for his faithfulness and ask Him to guide you in His ways.

Bible Reading: Acts 4:18-22

Read these verses three times slowly.

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Reflection & Questions

The beauty of the healing of the beggar at the gate is that everyone knew him, and there was no denying what had happened. “All the people were praising God for what had happened.” This healing was a significant moment in the early church that turned into a movement. In fact, given the beggar’s age, we can pretty confidently say that Jesus would have walked by this man when He was in Jerusalem. But Jesus didn’t heal him. This man was set aside for Peter and John to heal and for the early church’s momentum. It was an undeniable move of God!

Your story of coming to Jesus cannot be denied either. Your witness to what Jesus has done and is doing in your life cannot be explained away. When you feel you can’t share what Jesus has done because of fear, or because others put you down, remember what Jesus has done, and respond like Peter and John: “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” And then see what God will do with YOUR testimony!

1. How has Jesus worked in your life? What prayers has he answered that you know was Him?
2. How does Peter and John’s response to the religious leaders apply in your life?

Prayer

Thank God for His work in your life. Confess where you’ve let fear stop you from speaking about Him to others. Pray for the Spirit to guide you and give you the power to be His witness!

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?