AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: TIMES OF REFRESHING

TEXT: Acts 3

KEY VERSE: Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord Acts 3:19(TLB)

Why does it surprise you when miracles happen today? Why does everyone flock to anywhere there are miracles instead of turning to the one who performs the miracles? Our love for God has grown cold, and we no longer see his signs daily. That is similar to when Peter and John healed the lame man at the beautiful gate. 

When the people inside saw him walking and heard him praising God  and realised he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at The Beautiful Gate, they were inexpressibly surprised!  They all rushed out to Solomon’s Hall, where he was holding tightly to Peter and John! Everyone stood there awed by the wonderful thing that had happened. Acts 3:9-11

The people were inexpressibly surprised because of the miracles and because God used Peter and John to achieve this feat. Jesus had performed many miracles among them, but since his ascension, the Jews didn’t expect such things to continue to occur.

Look back at your faith journey and how it all began; you fell in love with Jesus because of the gospel. It was music in your ears to hear about the sacrifice on the Cross. Every time you had an opportunity to worship him, you ended up with tears of joy streaming down your face as you basked in the love of your saviour. Those were the days when you would skip your meals to be in the presence of Jesus, to behold his beauty in the scriptures and to worship him in Spirit and truth. 

Remember the days when the Holy Spirit was palpably present in every meeting, when Bible studies turned into revival meetings, and sinners were convicted and ran to the altar for forgiveness? In those days, love was genuine, giving was sacrificial, and there was no need for comparison or competition. We were all brothers and sisters in Christ, united by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Pleasing God and reaching out to others with the gospel was a priority; seeking God’s kingdom was not a verse to memorise but the passion of every believer. God always showed up in answer to prayer for healing, deliverance and salvation. Provisions always came at the nick of time to meet our needs, and no one lived in fear of witches and wizards. 

Let us not forget that miracles are not a thing of the past. God has not changed, and His power is still at work. Miracles should be the norm in the lives of all believers, as Jesus promised. Today, many of us may be living barren and unfruitful lives, but this can change. Prayer can be a source of joy, and Bible study can be enriching. Our hearts can be reignited with love for God, and our first love for Jesus can be rekindled. The Kingdom of God is not just about miracles and wonders, but they are a testament to His power and presence among us.

“These are some of the signs that will accompany believers: They will throw out demons in my name, they will speak in new tongues, they will take snakes in their hands, they will drink poison and not be hurt, they will lay hands on the sick and make them well.” Mark 16:17(MSG)

One day, the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God begin?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God isn’t ushered in with visible signs.  You won’t be able to say, ‘It has begun here in this place or there in that part of the country.’ For the Kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:20-21(TLB)

And many false prophets will appear and lead many astray. Matthew 24:11(TLB)

At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’  But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil.’ Matthew 7:22-23(TLB)

Peter gives us a recipe for receiving God’s visitation, repentance, and a change of attitude toward God. Faith in Jesus’ name produces miracles, not a place, denomination, or man. That name always works when we speak it in faith. God wants to show forth his power through you not just a few popular ministers, the world is waiting for your manifestation.

“Jesus’ name has healed this man—and you know how lame he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name—faith given us from God—has caused this perfect healing.Acts 3:16(TLB)

Everything that God made is waiting with excitement for the time when he will show the world who his children are. The whole world wants very much for that to happen.Romans 8:19(ERV)

The church may be thriving in terms of population and prosperity, but our love for God has grown cold. As Jesus warned, ‘These people honor me with their words, but I am not really important to them.’ (Matthew 15:8 ERV) The kingdom of God is advancing, and we have the opportunity to be a part of it. But this requires a change in our attitude of complacency and indifference. We must return to God in repentance and eagerly await His promise. As we do, we will see our prayers answered and experience the refreshing power of the Holy Spirit. 

Paul’s admonition to rejoice in the Lord is only possible when the Holy Spirit refreshes and releases that Joy in your heart. If your miracle is delayed, it will surely come according to God’s appointment and purpose because His Word never fails.

In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do.Isaiah 55:11(ERV)

Reflection Questions

1. What is God saying to you about your heart today?
2. What attitude needs to change for you to experience God again?
3. What will you do to restore your first love for Jesus?
4. Where do you need the refresh?

Photo by Shagal Sajid on Unsplash