Unstoppable! 'Refreshment Is Coming' — Acts 3:19-21

Sunday, February 21, 2021

[After accusing his audience of being ignorant of who Jesus was and killing him, Peter continued,] "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets."
— Acts 3:19-21 NLT

Key Thought

When we acknowledge our sin, turn away from our evil deeds, and turn to Jesus, true refreshment can come to us. The Holy Spirit can bring us life that is fresh, new, clean, and full of purpose! We can live knowing that Jesus will return for us and bring us home to our Father. In the meantime, Jesus is still present and available to those of us who live for him as he pours his fresh grace and power into our lives. No matter what we may have done — and whatever it was, it couldn't possibly be as bad as killing Jesus, when we come to Jesus as Lord, we are forgiven and our lives are redirected toward our future with Jesus as we live in each moment by his power and grace. We wait eagerly for the LORD God to send our "appointed Messiah" and Savior, Jesus!

Today's Prayer

O Father, thank you that both my present and my future are shaped by your grace for me in Jesus, the Messiah, through whom I praise and thank you. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Timothy 4:8
  • Hebrews 9:27-28

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, February 21, 2021

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Acts 8:30
"We should be abler teachers of others, and less liable to be carried about by every wind of doctrine, if we sought to have a more intelligent..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Amazing Things!' (Ps. 126:1-3)
"When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by J. Gresham Machen:
"Men love to be encouraged by false hopes; the world is full of quack remedies for sin."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Standing Firm in One Spirit' (Ph. 1:27)
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will....."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 3:19-21 NLT — [After accusing his audience of being ignorant of who Jesus was and killing him, Peter continued,] "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets."

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.

More Unstoppable!