Arrested for Preaching

Acts 4:13-14 (TPT) The council members were astonished as they witnessed the bold courage of Peter and John, especially when they discovered that they were just ordinary men who had never had religious training. Then they began to understand the effect Jesus had on them simply by spending time with him. Standing there with them was the healed man, and there was nothing further they could say.

Peter and John had been arrested for preaching, teaching and praying for healing in the name of Jesus. The elders and leaders of the day were furious with them for healing a crippled man. Scripture says when Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered the council members they were amazed because they were ordinary men who had not been through religious training. However, they had been with Jesus and were now filled with the Holy Spirit.

Arrested for preaching - sounding a little familiar in the year 2021 isn't it? What seemed so safe and free in our nation suddenly became a repeat of what the disciples faced thousands of years ago. In this last year we've seen government authorities approve of sinners going out and living in sin at the strip clubs, approve of aborting a baby at full-term even, riots were encouraged but going to church to worship - fined or jailed. Really? No matter what comes our way though, we trust in God for favor, provision, protection, and blessing and never in the government or man. Paul wrote some of the new testament from prison and it wasn't even close to the prisons we have in America.

Above everything else in life, we must remember spending time with Jesus and being full of His Spirit is the key to enjoying our journey. Spending time in His presence is more valuable than anything the world has to offer. As wonderful as a formal education is, it cannot replace your time with Jesus. Sometimes we can become too "book smart" and know a whole lot about everything in our head but fail to rejuvenate our spirit man. Nothing is better than spending time with Jesus - it actually amplifies all other relationships because now you are full of His love and not drained from life's stresses. You can enjoy and appreciate the people God has placed in your life rather than dread being around anyone.

Spending time with Jesus will have an effect on you and others around you will take notice. They may not know what it is, but they will desire to have that same joyful spirit that resides on this inside of you. Do not grow weary during these crazy times. Trust in Jesus and place your confidence in Him alone and you too will live worry-free and joyful!

Psalm 62:2 (TPT) He alone is my safe place; his wrap-around presence always protects me. For he is my champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me?

Psalm 5:12 (TPT) Lord, how wonderfully you bless the righteous. Your favor wraps around each one and covers them under your canopy of kindness and joy.