The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (NLT)
Lord Jesus, this simple story indicts and invites my heart. Two unschooled, ordinary fishermen—Peter and John, were radically changed, all because of their real and robust relationship with you. What a great story; what a convicting picture.
I’m reminded that doing the right things for you isn’t the same thing as spending life-giving time with you. Thinking great thoughts about you isn’t the same thing as vital communion with you. Helping others understand the gospel isn’t the same thing as drinking deeply from the well of living water for myself.
Lord, fuel, renew, and delight my heart-relationship with you. May your beauty be tantalizing to me; your love be astonishing and your peace be centering. Jesus, when I’m in fellowship with you, nothing else really matters. Problems assume their right size, fears flee, worries shrink, hurts heal, anger melts, and hope grows.
Indeed, who or what do I have in heaven but you? You make heaven heavenly, glory glorious, and wonder wonder-full. Being with you, my lusts are tamed, my idols fall, and my heart is filled.
Absolutely nothing else thrills and satisfies my soul like you do, Jesus. My flesh and my heart will grow weaker, but you are the strength of my heart—my portion, banquet, and inheritance, forever. It is good, and it is enough, for me to be close to you—my sovereign Savior and loving refuge. So very Amen I pray, in your incomparable and compassionate name.
