Authenticity

Today's Reading: Psalm 12 & Acts 4

Scripture:
"Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

Observation:
Authenticity. That is the word which keeps stirring in my heart as I play this verse over and over in my mind. The members of the early church had a walk with God that was not just petty religion. It did not consist of ritual and rights or rules and regulations. It did not produce stiff and stuffy people. It was not achieved by study and education.

They connected with the Spirit of God in a way that produced something of great power. People were flocking to the early church by the thousands. Here is the amazing thing; each person who made a decision to join the early church risked losing everything they had. Even their very lives were threatened. Still, there was something so remarkably great happening with the early believers that people were compelled to say yes.

Application:
My life has to be authentic. That is the bottom line of this message from God to me this morning. I often settle for way less. God does not want me to experience His word in concept or theory. He wants me to experience His word in action, power, movements and deeds. Things learned in this manner become a fiber in the tapestry of my heart. I cannot be separated from them and when they are viewed by others they reveal an image of God that is irresistible.

Prayer:
I can't live off the menu. I can look at the pictures. I can read the descriptions of the items. I can use my imagination to somewhat enjoy what my eyes are observing. But, I can't eat the menu.

That is what I feel like in my Spiritual life right now. There is a lack of authenticity and it is bothering me. I want to experience You in real ways that move past me simply looking and dreaming. I want to taste and know first hand of Your goodness.

As I read through the life of the early church, Your spirit was upon these people in extraordinary ways. That is my prayer this morning. I pray that You stir in my quiet times with You in a way that people will recognize me as being one who has been with Jesus. I pray that You stir in the routine of my daily life in a way so that every word I speak be spoken from a man who is filled with Your spirit. I pray that the results of my actions create a portfolio of signs and wonders that cause people to celebrate You and Your goodness.

Help me today to experience Your word in action, power, movements and deeds.