The Disciple

..."For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.     (Acts 5: 38b-42).

Oh, to be bold and courageous for Christ! How I pray that we will all be this way for Jesus...

Holy Father, Sovereign Lord, Blessed Spirit,
How I love you and praise your name. You are mighty, God. Your ways are so much higher than ours. Nothing on this earth can ever compare to your strength and beauty. As I read Your holy Word, I am taken back in time, to the apostles standing before the Sanhedrin. Did Your Spirit have to make these men walk, without being forced, to stand before their/Your accusers? Was Your holy fire burning in their hearts and eyes as they replied that they must obey You rather than men? Oh, Father! To be like them! To be brave and courageous, unashamed and bold! I long to speak about Your love and faithfulness. Were their voices shaking as You spoke through them? Did you dull the pain of the whip on their backs? Did Your Spirit fill their minds with Your truth with each lash? Did they see your face with every strike? Mighty God, You picked them up and stood within them once again. And You filled their hearts with joy and praise as they left their blood on the ground. Dear Lord, to be counted worthy of suffering disgrace for Your Blessed Name! How I long to be as bold as these apostles were... Help me to be, Lord. Put Your holy words in my mouth. I will eat them and they will be my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, O LORD God Almighty. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me to proclaim Your truth. Use me to speak the name of Jesus...

From the Father’s Heart...

If you just believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. You are My apostle, My disciple. Just as the apostles of long ago had My Spirit to speak through them, so do you. The same Spirit within them, is inside of you, Child. Remember that I am the same as I was yesterday. I will speak through you and give you My words. I will fill your heart with a burning love, until it is like a fire shut up in your bones. You will become weary of holding it in, until you cannot. Ask Me for boldness and courage, and see if I will not pour it into you. My Spirit will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. Come and take My hand, and follow Me. I will walk before you and guide you. My Word will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Remember that it is not by your strength that you can be My disciple. Only by My grace, My Spirit, and through My Son can you follow Me...

         Alison