Saturday, March 31, 2007

God can take the ugliest, least significant to change it into the most beautiful gem

(today's devotion is brought to you by Samantha, Wan Lin and Shauna)

Scripture Reference: Acts 2:1-21


Even as this whole passage speaks about how the holy spirit revealed himself to the people, what was significant was more of Peter addressing the crowd. This is the famous Simon Peter who denied Jesus three times, with a spirit of timidity and of fear. Read John 18:15-18, 25-27.

Peter had been an unstable leader during Jesus’ ministry, letting his bravado be his downfall. But Christ had forgiven and restored him (John 21), not caring about his past mistakes and recovering his covenant with him. In Acts, this was a new Peter, humble but bold.

His confidence came from the Holy spirit, who made him a powerful and dynamic speaker addressing the crowd. He was actually standing up against accusations that speak about the people being drunk. Isn’t it amazing that God can still use a servant as imperfect as him? Even after he denied Jesus infront of all men?

Today, this scripture speaks to two groups of people:

1) Have you ever felt that you’ve made such bad mistakes that God can never forgive and use you? No matter what sins you have committed, God promises to forgive you and make you useful for His kingdom.

Because, today our God is not one that focuses on the past mistakes, He focuses on loving his sheep and renewing His covenant with them. There is never a mistake committed too big that God cannot forgive. Would you repent now in a prayer before God and allow him to forgive you and use you effectively to serve him?


2) Have you ever felt like you are lousy and not good enough to stand up and do the works of God? Do you find yourself judging your standards by the standards of the world just to realize that your self-esteem is so low and that you cannot do anything for God?

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Cor 12:9 . If you are already that good, how can others see God’s mighty power in You? Today be bold, be strong and courageous, and reject all negative thoughts implanted by the evil one!! Pray now! God yearns to see you standing up proud for His works!

No comments: