September 20                                 Ps 19 - 21

IN HIS PRESENCE

MEMORISE: 'Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.' (Ps 16:11)
READ: Acts 4:13-22

When Peter and John appeared before a council to defend their role in the healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate temple, which led to the conversion of thousands for Christ, their accusers observed that they were bold. Proverbs 28:1 Says the righteous are as bold as a lion. The spirit of God inside of you is the spirit of Boldness. You have the greater one inside you. He is bigger than any situation or circumstance you may be facing. You should not fear anything. It is his business to ensure no harm befalls you (1Pet 3:13).

Their accusers also observed that in spite of Peter's lack of education, he spoke as one with authority. Of course he had authority. He did not attend an earthly university but he was a graduate of the University of Heaven. His approval for the ministry did not come from any earthly theological school. He was certified from heaven. Where do you get your backing and authorization? If God could use un-learned Peter, he can use anybody. God finds it easier to use the uneducated than the educated, because the former willingly obey him, no matter how foolish it seems; whereas the latter allow their educational degrees to stand in the way of full obedience and service. That is why, if you are educated and want God to use you, you must be prepared to put your degrees aside and become a fool for Christ (1 Cor 1:25-27).

The third observation of the accusers was that Peter and John had been with Jesus. If you spend quality time in God's presence, it will show when you emerge. Situations and mountains will bow to you. The enemies who were chasing you will suddenly retreat. Moses spent 40 days in God's presence on mount Sinai. By the time he came down, his face was radiating the same glory God radiates (Exod 34:28-34). When was the last time you tarried so long in God's presence that when you came out, people noticed you had been with Jesus?

It is being with Jesus that makes the difference. When two preachers preach, when two singers sing, you can tell which of them has been with Jesus. Are you ready to stand out? Go into his presence.

ACTION POINT
Thank God for his mighty move
At the recently concluded convention.