Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be at the center of my heart and every moment of my day.
"When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, 'By what power or by what name did you do this?' Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is 'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.' Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition" (Acts 4:7-14).
Lord, as I begin my day and a new week I know I will put on various "hats" throughout my day and week by which I will be recognized. The "hat" of "father" when counseling my daughters and "husband" when with my wife. Throughout the week I will have on my "pastor" hat, "coach" hat, and "son" hat when I visit my parents. However, no matter what hat I am wearing or role people see me in, Lord, let me always be recognized as a "companion of Jesus." Let me be known as one who has "been with Jesus" (v. 13). Let me be so "filled with the Holy Spirit" (v. 8) that I speak with "boldness" (v. 13) and minister Your healing love and Your message of eternal salvation in the power and authority of Your name (v. 10-12) to whoever I am with no matter what hat and role I am in.
I thank You for the gift of Your Word and Your Truth. But at the same time, I want more. I want more of the gift of Your Spirit, the encounters of Your Presence, the intimacy of Your companionship. I want to "abide" in You, as You "abide" in me (John 15:4). So this week Lord, give me a hunger to spend more time in your Word. Give me a heart that longs for time with you in prayer. I want to be "mature in the faith because I know Christ"--because I know You, not just know about You (1 John 2:13).
My family, I pray you will be recognized every day as a companion of Jesus, because you've taken time to be with Him and know Him in his Word and in prayer. May you get so close to Him the fragrance of Christ will surround you everywhere He sends you in the power and presence of His abiding Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!
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