“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20 (NIV) Most people assume courage is a decision made under pressure. We picture Peter and John gritting their teeth to speak bravely. But look…
“But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!’” Acts 4:19 (NIV) One small phrase here changes how we should read this verse. Peter and John did…
“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18 (NIV) Maybe you already know what it costs to speak up. Maybe it cost you a friendship,…
“But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Acts 4:17 (NIV) What do you do with news you simply cannot disprove? The council…
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 (NIV) Nobody expected two fishermen to speak with…
“‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39 (NIV) Most of us think telling requires courage we lack.…
“They found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.” Luke 8:35 (NIV) He used to be the man nobody could hold. Chains had failed…
“‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’” Luke 8:39 (NIV) Somebody reading this has a story they keep small. You have one true thing God has done in your life. You mention it briefly, if at…
“They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.” Luke 8:26 (NIV) Some journeys only make sense for one person. Nobody sails toward a storm just to reach one man. Yet that is exactly…
“The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake…