Today's Devotion

December 1, 2010

Prayer and Boldness

“And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou [art] God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:23-31 AV)

Preaching the Gospel of Christ will invite persecution. There is an ongoing war between light and darkness, and taking a side will make you visible. However, this is what we must do if we wish to be faithful stewards in God’s kingdom.

We are not left defenseless though. God will protect his own as He promotes His message to those in need. Notice how the disciples remembered God’s great power as they prayed. This rehearsing of God’s sovereignty puts the enemy’s threats in the right perspective.

Let us go forth each day remembering the Lord’s awesome power. And, don’t wait until you are in the heat of the battle. Why not put on the armor of God before you leave the house?

Many times we fail in crisis situations because we react in the flesh. Anger or fear gets the best of us and sin follows. However, remembering that we are entering a battle field each and every time we leave our homes will reduce the surprise element. Any good strategist knows to leverage the element of surprise if possible. Take it away, and half the battle is won.

Of course our motivation to see souls saved is also important. These men lived to preach Christ Jesus. God honored their love for Him and others. May we always have this same passion for people!