As I started reading in the book of Acts today I wanted to slow down and really see what it was saying. In chapter 2 verse 24 we get the beginning of Peter's sermon, “But God released Him from the horrors of death and raised Him back to life, for death could not keep Him in its grip.” We need to see how incredible this was, Jesus was raised from the dead back to life so He could finish His leadership training with the team that would spread His word.
The next two verses are amazing to realize and remember as we step out in faith and live boldly for the Lord shining His light. Verses 25-26 say, “King David said this about Him: ‘I see that the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts His praises! My body rests in hope.” When we realize that He is with us and we have His strength always the hope in us becomes what drives us. A friend and leadership coach, Ronnie Doss shared this, "let's not focus on the light at the end of the tunnel, let's be the light at the beginning of the tunnel." When we realize that He is with us we can shine in all situations or circumstances. Then when we're asked about our faith we can share about Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection which is the reason we have eternal life.
Look how we can make sure we have the Holy Spirit in us; in verse 38 it says, “Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This gift is for all of us that open our hearts and ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior. To repent is to show surrender and to show surrender is the start of obedience. When we live out what we learn and apply it to our lives we become committed to it and when we are committed to something we desire to see it through in our lives. We need to let all this grow in us so we understand all that God wants us to do, then as we grow and are faithful, God will give us more understanding. We can't try and get this understanding on our own, God is perfect and He will give us what we need as we keep saying, not my will be done but yours. Are we ready for this? We can be by opening His word and asking Him in prayer to open our hearts, then living it out daily. Amen