Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Tues. Devo - "Sweet Hour of Prayer"

Read Acts 3
Peter and John are in the temple praying and it is the 9th hour. I looked up what happened at the 9th hour and that was the hour God answered his own prayer on the cross. Jesus died which completed his mission here on earth. Before the 9th hour it was total darkness. The light shines again and Jesus dies fufilling the will of God.
At the ninth hour Cornelius is praying and has a vision where a man in bright clothes comes to him and gives him instructions. Let's see what "light" is fixing to come on and what prayer is going to be answered.
There is a man who has been lame since birth who daily goes down to the gate of the temple to beg for alms. The name of this gate is "Beautiful" which translates "belonging to the right hour or season (timely)" He was there because today was his time to be healed. He was begging for "alms" which means "a compassionate deed". I'm sure he got anything from money to animals that people were bringing to sacrifice but Peter and John were newly filled with the power of the Holy Spirit so they had something much better to give him....life! Notice they didn't get him "saved" first. They met what he thought was his greatest need. Once that was met and he was still empty, he could receive the best thing they had to offer - Jesus. Also, the miracle aroused the attention of the crowd. Anyone can speak the truth, but when you can valitify the truth with evidence it becomes much more powerful. God chose to heal this man because all the people knew this lame man would be there year after year when they brought their sacrifices. Because he was well-know his testimony would reach far and wide.
So Peter, the same Peter that denied Jesus 3 times before he died is now boldly preaching the light of the gospel to all Jerusalem. That is the power the baptism in the Holy Spirit gives you. Only, he was not the same Peter. He now has power. As you read his sermon you see that he didn't hold back anything. He accuses them of killing Jesus and tells them to repent.
Lord, we are living in the 9th hour of prayer. God is hearing our prayers and answering them with signs and wonders which open the door for us to boldly proclaim Jesus. Don't go without the power of the Holy Spirit. Have faith and pray!

1 comment:

9th Hour said...

Thanks for the commentary on what happened in the 9th Hour...it's of special interest to me as well!

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