Mark Sorensen ”For if your life is just about satisfying the impulses of your sinful nature, then prepare to die. But if you have invited the Spirit to destroy these selfish desires, you will experience life. If the Spirit of God is leading you, then take comfort in knowing you are His children.” Romans 8:13-14 (the VOICE)
I had a powerful night with our community group last night. We are taking several weeks to work through the BASIC video series that is led by Francis Chan. I love that Chan brings such an authenticity and truth that is just so hard to not be convicted by. Actually, change that. He brings the Gospel message to the surface and the Holy Spirit speaks powerfully through his leading.
Last night’s discussion was based around the Holy Spirit. The discussion was really centered on how God still speaks today through the Holy Spirit but, too often that voice is drowned out by the white noise that we allow to overpower that voice as we work throughout our day. We read Acts 3 and looked at the story of Peter and John walking into the temple and encountering the crippled beggar asking for money. Read this passage. Two things I love about this chapter. One, notice Peter and John’s approach:
“Peter gazed intensely at him—so did John. ‘Look at us.'” (Acts 3:4 VOICE)
Seems pretty simple, right? They saw him. In fact, the Voice translation said that Peter gazed intensely at him. I imagine a few seconds of awkwardness as this beggar lifts a hand for change and Peter just stares at him. It leads me to wonder how many I walk past that need to be seen but I miss them. Peter and John don’t miss the opportunity. In fact, they rise to the occasion. Read further…
“The man looked up at them, assuming they were about to give him some money. Peter said, ‘I want to give you something, but I don’t have any silver or gold. Here’s what I can offer you: stand up and walk in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Anointed One.’ Then Peter took the man’s right hand and lifted him to his feet. Instantly the man’s feet and ankles grew strong. He jumped and walked, accompanying Peter and John into the temple where he walked, jumped for joy, and shouted praises to God.” (Acts 3:5-8 VOICE)
Beautiful. Peter says, “This is what you think you want, but let me give you something better. Get up, walk.” This is the power of the Holy Spirit working through Peter’s promise by Jesus and living into this authority.
You see, the incredible thing is that this very same power that Peter tapped into is the same power that is promised to us today. So, my prayer is simple. See people in need. And then, in seeing the need, through the power and the authority given to God’s children through the Holy Spirit, meet that need. Be bold. I loved that someone in our community group said last night, “I would rather look foolish in the eyes of the world, than safe and complacent in the eyes of Jesus”.
Jesus promised power. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit and commissioned us to be witnesses for him when He said, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
We have Kingdom building to do, friends. Let’s get to work.
