Unstoppable! 'Jesus' Power Is Still Among Us' — Acts 3:16

Sunday, February 19, 2023

[Peter continued,] "Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed — and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus' name has healed him before your very eyes."
— Acts 3:16 NLT

Key Thought

"In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen." I'm thankful when we include these words in our prayers. The danger we face today with this practice is that we can make the phrase so routine that we forget its significance. Peter and John knew that healing the lame man at the Beautiful Gate didn't occur because of their actions or power (Acts 3:5-7). Peter and John pointed to the presence, authority, and power of Jesus. The man was healed when they acted in faith, calling on the name of Jesus. Ministry, based on prayer while trusting in the name of Jesus, invites the risen Lord to be present and act with power, for his glory. When we pray in Jesus' name, we are invoking the power, authority, and presence of Jesus to act for his glory. When we serve and seek to bless in the name of Jesus, we do so for his glory and not our own. Jesus longs to be present and use his power and authority to bless. Let's call on his name in faith, and he will!

Today's Prayer

O Savior, thank you for still being present with us today when we call on your name. In your name, dear Lord, I ask that you move with power and authority in our world today to open new opportunities for your message to be heard and hearts to be touched. Pour out your Spirit in fresh ways to anoint and invigorate us, your people, to join you in your mission to save. O Father, may this be so, for your glory and not our own. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 2:5-11
  • Acts 19:1-17

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 3:16 NLT — [Peter continued,] "Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed — and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus' name has healed him before your very eyes."

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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