The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
Acts 3:6
What is ironic is in this verse is that it contrasts what we have and what we don’t have. Many times those who are in need see their need as a financial one. While you may not have money you have something more powerful. Why do we see things in financial terms? Because we are conditioned by the world and its system. Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” The most frequent question I am asked is centred on hearing God and knowing His will. This story is all about the outworking of the Holy Spirit who lives within you. This was the moment in history when God drew near again. He placed HIs Holy Spirit within his followers, those who humbled themselves, repented, believed and were baptised. When that happens, the Holy Spirit of the Creator God takes up residence within you. Since Pentecost there was to be no more problem with access to God. Now He would be indwelling his followers. That is amazing. The Day of Pentecost was hugely significant in the history of the world. It was the day God had promised to pour out His Spirit on all flesh. The secret is to understand what happened on that day. Paul, the Apostle said, “Don’t you know the Holy Spirit is within you?” (1 Cor 3:16) That is a very important question.
Note throughout the Book of Acts how the Apostles took great pains to explain the source of what was happening. This is not happening because of us disciples; it’s happening by and through the Holy Spirit. Remember at the beginning of this series on Acts, I commented on the idea of “Acts”. Whose acts are described in the Book of Acts? Are they the acts of the early church, the acts of Peter and Paul, the acts of the disciples? No, they are the Acts of the Holy Spirit. These things are happening because the Holy Spirit is now within you. I often say to you or quote the notion that the Bible is the only book you can read with the Author present. That is amazing. But even more amazing than that is the notion that the Creator God is present within you. Once you grasp that fact then anything is possible.
I have already shared the story (not in Gems but via FaceBook) of my daughter Marissa (Riss) going to the supermarket and praying for the person behind the counter at the delicatessen and them being healed. You too can live and move and have your being in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Now I have another family story to share because we have been home with the family at the moment. This time it centres around our nine year old granddaughter, Nevaeh. [Nevaeh is Heaven backwards]:
Go and read the story, found in Daniel 3:8-30, for yourself. But more importantly take your cue from my nine year old granddaughter Vaeh and realise that God can and will talk to you when you ask Him. You have to learn to still your heart and mind to hear His response. Simply ask the Author of Life for the key to the thing you are struggling with. Since Pentecost, He now lives within you if you have repented, believed and been baptised. (See Gems 1371–1374)
Don’t tell me the SKY is the limit, when there are footprints on the MOON!
Anon
If you limit your story to the days between birth & death, you brace yourself for a sad ending. You are made for more than this life.
Max Lucado
The outpouring of the Day of Pentecost is not pie in the sky by and by; It can be your Monday reality.
Ian Vail
Learn to tune your heart to the flow of communication which comes from the heart of God. Children can do it, why can’t you?
Ian Vail
“Unless you become child like you will not see the Kingdom of God.” (I got it from Jesus)
Ian Vail