The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 16:21 (NLT)
21 The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 123:1 (ESV)
1 To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
The Word of God for encouragement:
Acts 3:6 (ESV)
6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!"
My observation:
One of the things I notice about Peter and John is that they had learned from the life of Jesus the value and the power of prayer. They believed in prayer, and they practiced prayer.
Acts 3:1 (ESV)
1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
The practice of prayer will prepare you for service. In your own strength you will not be adequate for the mission, but with prayer, you will have access to the power of God. Divinely ordained opportunities await those who will pray. Pray before you go, and pray as you go.
Acts 3:2 (ESV)
2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.
Notice that Peter and John did not have money, but they were not without power. They relied upon the power of God; the name of Jesus. As we pray and go, we can rely upon that same authority, and upon his mighty power.
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the privilege of being a servant of God, and to have a purpose for living.
Father God, I thank you that when I go, I can go knowing that I have been sent by the Savior to do the work of God in this world. Father, thank you for the purpose, privilege, and the power that you give to those you send.
Father God, I pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you would unleash, and pour out your power in our day like you did in the first century through Peter and John. In the name of Jesus, let all of God's people say, Lord, do it again. Amen.
Acts 3:16 (ESV)
16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.
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8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
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