Acts 4:13

 

Acts 4:13

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

These men had been with Jesus. Isn’t that what all of us want to be remembered for? Being with Jesus. Living for Jesus. Sharing Jesus.

Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men, but because of their boldness and courage, they were sharing the gospel message. I’m sure most of us have heard this quote before: “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” It, indeed, is a true statement!

Godsbless.ing: “This verse is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the Holy Spirit. Despite being uneducated by societal standards, Peter and John exhibited incredible boldness in proclaiming the gospel. Their unwavering commitment to sharing the message of Christ’s love and salvation astounded even the religious leaders of their time . . . This verse reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or education, to spread His word. It is not about our own credentials or eloquence, but about surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to work through us.”

Ask anyone who has been used by God if they felt qualified. I believe most of them will say no. Yet, in God’s miraculous way, He brings opportunities before us, and we find ourselves in situations talking about Jesus that we never thought possible.

Biblerepository.com: “The council realized something unique about Peter and John. Despite their lack of formal education and training, they displayed a wisdom and understanding that came from their relationship with Christ. It shows us that being with Jesus has the power to change us, making us bolder and more confident in our faith . . . Our relationship with Christ can empower us just like it did for them. In life, we may feel unqualified or inadequate for a task, but we can draw confidence from knowing that we are not working in our strength alone. Jesus equips us with what we need when we stay close to Him . . . One of the primary lessons from Acts 4:13 is the importance of spending time with Jesus. The more we immerse ourselves in His teachings, the more we grow in wisdom and the more confident we become in our faith. Our spiritual growth comes not only from reading Scripture but also from praying, worshiping, and being part of a community of believers . . . We also learn about the power of God transforming ordinary people. The Bible is filled with stories of those who were initially unqualified but went on to fulfill God’s calling.”

God opens a way that finds you able to accomplish things you felt unprepared for. When I was asked to talk about the note writing ministry at a conference where I worked, I thought, “How can I do that? I can’t talk in front of people. My mind goes blank.” Then God told me to write down, word for word, what I wanted to share. Trusting in His answer, I did stand up in front of people and told them about this encouraging ministry. I believed in it and could share boldly to a group of people because my word-for- word notes were right in front of me. All I had to do is read them. God directed. I followed. A miracle took place.

I had been with Jesus. You have too. Ask God to direct you so you can do miraculous things for your Lord.

By His Grace . . . 

Psalm 138:5

 

Psalm 138:5

“May they sing of the way of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great.”

What are the ways of the Lord? We have hymns on all topics of our God such as His Glory, His Love, His Grace, His Hope, His Majesty, His Power and so many other attributes! Why did David write the words he did? Charles Spurgeon said:

“This Psalm is wisely placed. Whoever edited and arranged these sacred poems, he had an eye to apposition and contrast; for if in Psalm 137 we see the need of silence before revilers, here we see the excellence of a brave confession. There is a time to be silent, lest we cast pearls before swine; and there is a time to speak openly, lest we be found guilty of cowardly non-confession.”

So, again, what are the ways of the Lord?

Bibleoutlined.com says: “It encompasses the teachings, actions, and nature of God as revealed in Scripture. The psalmist is inviting us to consider how God’s ways are often filled with compassion, justice, and mercy . . . When we sing praises, we are acknowledging God’s sovereignty and authority in our lives. It is a celebration of the good deeds and the character of God, who works endlessly for our benefit . . . When we gather to sing, we create a powerful atmosphere of worship that can uplift our hearts and encourage our spirits. As believers, we recognize that when we glorify God together through song, we are not just reciting words; we are engaging in an act of worship that honors Him.”

Most of us love to sing whether we have a lovely voice or happy voice or loud voice. Singing infuses our hearts with joy and makes us feel good. It increases what our memory retains. It’s easy to remember a tune and the words that go with it. It has many health benefits such as enhances lung function, improves respiratory function and enhances cardiovascular health and can reduce stress.

Most of us enjoy singing with a group of people. Sharing that moment of happiness and joy. In worship, singing creates a powerful atmosphere that uplifts our hearts and encourages our spirits. Singing is just downright good for you!

When I drove to work in the early morning I would burst into song when I saw a beautiful sunrise. “Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father through Jesus the Son, And give him the glory, great things He hath done!”

“May they sing of the way of the Lord!” Always be ready to sing to your God. For He hears your heart and will receive your offering with pleasure.

By His Grace . . .