Product of Your Environment
Posted on November 10, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13
There’s a saying “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” The issue is the substance in which your proclamation is made of. The question then becomes, do your claims hold water? What is the attitude of your deliverance of the message?
As a kid I remember my Mom and Dad being able to know who I was hanging around with by my attitude and actions. It’s true what is said “Bad company corrupts good character” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Acts chapter 4 is a testimony of the power of God displayed in common men who were in good company with Jesus. The boldness we display should be recognized as something that is not of ourselves, if it is self-promoting or grounded in falsehood it will be unfruitful. Our actions, if directed by God, are done in power as a message that will pierce the heart and soul of a person. The results of our stance depend on our time spent with Jesus.
The encounter in Acts 4 is the result of a healing miracle done in the sight of all men. I believe when our message is not from ourselves, people will see the healing power of God in our lives and there is no refuting the claim.
Our boldness, if from God, should follow the pattern seen in the end of the chapter.
Testimony, verses 23, “And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.”
Praise, verse 24, “So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them”.
Oneness with Believers, verse 32, “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common”
So spend time with Jesus today and be impacted by His word. God is willing to speak through you. Be a “product of your environment,” people will know Who you’ve been hanging around with… Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano. Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 10; Proverbs 10
Daily Quote: “The Bible does not say we should aim at numbers but rather urges us faithfully to proclaim God’s message in the boldness of the Holy Spirit. This will build God’s church God’s way.” – Jim Cymbala
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
