March 31, 2015: Acts 10:34-43

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Acts 10:34-43

34 Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, ³⁵but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. ³⁶You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. ³⁷That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: ³⁸how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. ³⁹We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; ⁴⁰but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, ⁴¹not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴²He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’ 

Reflection:

Growing up, I was incredibly shy.  I had a huge distaste for public speaking.  I think my mom's favorite story is when I was in 5th grade, we had to do state reports.   This meant 1 person from each class chose a state and then a person of fame from there.  Then, they would parade the younger grades through the states.  We each had to give the report about the state as the character.  Somehow, I ended up as Calamity Jane.  My mom convinced me that when I gave the report I could not be myself, but had to become her.  She wasn't shy.  She had no fears.  I made it through the report.   It turned out not to be as bad as I had dreaded.  Sometimes, when we hear that we should be witnesses for God, go forth and proclaim the word, preach and testify, we become like my 5th grade self. We become shy.  The thought of doing this might bring dread.  However, we really aren't ourselves, we are God's children.  We are a Christian.  Christians are to share the good news, Christians are to die to themselves and live in Christ.  Maybe, we need that push to become fearless.  What better time than this? Sharing the good news of this week is a great message! 

Reflection Questions:

Morning: When have you been afraid?

Noon: What would give you courage to share the good news?

Evening: Where do you see God in these conversations?

Prayer: Help us Lord to be fearless.  Help us to truly become Your children.  Let us know Your good news and not be afraid to share with others. Amen.