Unstoppable! 'The Powerful Name of Jesus' — Acts 3:4-6

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Peter and John looked at [the lame man] intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!"
— Acts 3:4-6 NLT

Key Thought

The man who had been lame since birth was hoping for a few coins. What he received was the attention of two men of faith who believed Jesus could do more for this man than any amount of money could. They brought the power and presence of Jesus to bear on the man's situation. They believed the Lord Jesus could and would act powerfully in that moment just as he had when he was on the earth. Do we still believe in Jesus' power and presence when we pray in his name? I know that Jesus has dramatically answered some of my prayers for healing and deliverance in the lives of others. On other occasions, my prayers have not been so immediately or observably answered in the way I had hoped. I am not sure why the immediate results are different at different times other than the different loving choices of our sovereign God. I do know, however, that we are challenged to pray and expect God to work through the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, our Savior and Lord (James 5:13-18). Let's recognize that we can bring the power and presence of the Lord into our worst situations by praying in the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene!

Today's Prayer

Thank you, dear Lord, for this beautiful story about Jesus' powerful presence and grace. We ask, O Holy Spirit, that you will continually remind us that we can invite Jesus' power and presence into our situations and into the wounds and hurts of those we love. Please hear our personal prayers, today, for those who need healing and deliverance. We pray for them in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, and our Lord. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 19:1-7; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
  • Ephesians 5:15-21; Philippians 2:5-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 3:4-6 NLT — Peter and John looked at [the lame man] intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!"

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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