The believers continued to grow in numbers in Jerusalem because they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Word of God, fellowship, communion, and prayer. These four spiritual disciplines are very important in our spiritual walk. We cannot grow or mature in our relationship with God if one of these is lacking. Any church should have these four spiritual disciplines in order for it to become a healthy church, and I encourage you to find another church if you are missing one of these spiritual disciplines.
Peter and John went to the temple at 3 pm to pray. The Jews prayed three times daily: 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm. As Peter and John entered the temple gate, they saw a crippled beggar waiting for people to give him money. He was born crippled, and they carried him daily at the temple gate, called Beautiful, to beg alms from people entering the temple. Peter went to him and said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" Peter held him by the right hand to raise him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened, and he began to walk, praising God. People saw what had happened to him, and everyone marveled. (Acts 3:1-10).
There are things in this world that only the power of God can fix. Money, power, and the material things of this world cannot perform miracles, yet many people rely on them as if they are the answers to all their problems. Jesus, who lives in us, has no limits to His power, and nothing is impossible to Him. Everything in this world is temporary, even our very lives. The only thing that remains is our relationship with God. Peter and John did not have the luxuries and wealth of this world, but they had the answer to life, and that was Jesus. Be encouraged today that the Spirit of Jesus lives in us; no matter what we lack in this world, we have Him as our provider who will sustain us until the end. Let us continue to walk in our faith in Jesus, for He is always with us.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully and meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speaks to you). Who is the ultimate answer to life? Do I still trust in money, power, influence, and the material of this world over my Lord Jesus Christ? Why should I not worry if Jesus lives in me?
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I am encouraged to know that you are all I need. You are my everything. You are my provider and help in times of need. Please help me not to put my trust in money, power, influence, and the material things of this world but to put my trust in you alone. Please be with me now as I do my task today. Guide and give me peace in everything I do. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.