Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything, but God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

---

Read

Acts 4:1-4 (NRSV)

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand.

---

Reflect

Speaking out isn’t always easy. We think about what we will say, but we also think about the possible reactions to our words. Sometimes we refrain from saying something because it will be unpopular, or we will be chastised for it.

We are fortunate to live in a country that allows us to speak our minds. If we do say something unpopular, we may be chastised, but we won’t be thrown in jail for it. This wasn’t the case for Peter and John. When they spoke of Jesus raising the dead, the priests were not happy about their message. They arrested Peter and John for what they said about Jesus.

However, because Peter and John were courageous enough to speak about what Jesus had done, five thousand people believed. Peter and John were not afraid of what would happen to them if they were preaching and teaching about Jesus. They knew that they were called by Jesus to preach the good news—no matter the consequence.

---

Pray

Dear Lord, please give me the strength to speak out about the injustice in the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Give me the knowledge to speak justly and with the love and kindness that you seek from us. Give me the wisdom to know your truth and to pass this truth on to all with whom I meet. Amen.

Go with God.