Saturday, April 8

Saturday, April 8

Reading:  Acts 4:18-22

Key Verse: Acts 4:18–20 (NIV) — 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Devotional Thought:  Talking about your faith is not always going to be welcomed by your co-workers, family, and friends.  They may not say it aloud, but you will (if you haven’t already) felt a silent but obvious hint to keep that kind of stuff to yourself.  And many of us do.

Instead of giving credit to the Lord for something he has done in our lives, we’ll keep it to ourselves knowing that we’ll just get that look from a kind but exasperated friend.  Instead of talking about a Bible reading that spoke to us or an experience we had at church, we’ll divert the conversation to politics, fashion, or sports.  Safe things.  Things we know will keep the peace.

Peter and John probably were tempted to talk about the weather, but they just couldn’t stop talking about Jesus.  Even when it meant threats of prison and punishment, they chose the gospel over safety.  They were witnesses and witnesses tell the truth even when the truth is not wanted.

Let others judge, but never let that keep us from speaking what God has laid on our hearts.

Action:  Be bold today.  Speak up about your faith in a venue where normally you are tempted to keep it to yourself.  Don’t worry about what others think, speak about what you have seen and heard.