Scripture to Read: Acts 4:23–31
Peter and John had been released, so they returned to their friends to tell them all that God had done in and through them. Take a moment and reflect on all God did in and through Peter, John, the healed man, his parents, and even the religious leaders. If something like that happened today, people would be posting on social media, calling news agencies to report all that happened, trying to figure out how they might use this to their advantage, etc… But Peter, John, and all of the other believers they shared the story with did not sit and talk about it, but instead, according to Acts 4:24, And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord…. These followers of Christ prayed. They were not caught up in the fleshly hype, but they were all humbled that God chose to use them in such a miraculous way. They knew God deserved all praise, honor, and glory. They knew God deserved incredible thanksgiving. These Christians knew that what had happened was all orchestrated and carried out by God and God alone. What an incredible reminder to all of us that when God uses us, we must always come to Him first and praise, honor, glorify, and thank Him for the privilege to be used as part of His plan for His pleasure and purpose. These Christians knew that the only way to continue to be used by the Lord was to be filled with His Holy Spirit. The same is still true today for every follower of Christ.
Challenge & Application
• What did you learn from the example of the first Christians about how to respond to God’s handiwork in and through us?
• How has God challenged you through the devotion today and even throughout this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!