Peter and John told the Sanhedrin: "Better for us to obey God than men!" (Acts 5:29) This meant: "Better for us to teach about Jesus' name than be intimidated by your threats" (see Acts 5:28). Because Peter and John stifled fear instead of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Thes 5:19), they received the Spirit in even greater abundance, for the Spirit is "given to those that obey" the Lord (Acts 5:32).
How can we apply this part of the Bible to our times? Should we say:
If we truly choose the better part (Lk 10:42), we will not sadden the Holy Spirit but receive an unrationed (Jn 3:34), lavish (Ti 3:6) outpouring of the rivers of the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:37ff). The Spirit is given to those who disobey the world in obeying God.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I obey You quickly, cheerfully, and completely. Come, Holy Spirit! |
| PROMISE: | "The One Whom God has sent speaks the words of God; He does not ration His gift of the Spirit." –Jn 3:34 |
| PRAISE: | Dr. Carlin performed thousands of abortions. He turned to Jesus and repented. Now he saves the lives of pre-born children. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College