Reading for today: Acts 4:23-31
When Peter and John went back to their brothers and sisters, they reported on everything that had happened, including the threats made against them. And then they had a prayer meeting.
Their prayer is interesting in its content, but their petition is particularly amazing. In light of what had happened to them, one would expect them to pray for protection against those who were persecuting them. But instead they pray for continued boldness to speak the truth and for miracles and signs to follow that truth.
They didn't want miracles for miracles' sake, but as opportunities to preach the gospel, and as signs so that the people would recognize that Jesus was indeed risen from the dead.
God responded to their prayer by shaking the place where they were meeting and filling them with the Holy Spirit (again!). New, fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit are part of God's wonderful provision for all believers.
That's why God's Word admonishes us (in the literal translation of Ephesians 5:18) to "keep on being filled with the Spirit." Our encounter with the Holy Spirit is not to be an experience, but rather an ongoing lifestyle of walking in the Spirit day by day.
I really want to be freshly filled with the Holy Spirit so that I am ready for whatever opportunities God may send my way.
Tomorrow: When your faith impacts your wallet
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