Today’s Key Scripture

“This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, ‘Stand up straight on your feet!’ And he leaped and walked.”

— Acts 14:9-10

As Paul and Barnabas ministered from city to city, there was a newfound, unexplainable power in their preaching, as well as an authority and confirmation to their words and deeds.

When they came to Lystra, a man who had never walked heard them. Paul was watching the man while he preached but waited to speak until the man was ready for his miracle. The Holy Spirit gave Paul the perception to know when the time for the miracle was right. Then He gave Paul the authority to minister miraculously to that man.

And as Paul spoke, faith arose and came alive. Just imagine what the people thought, especially when the moment came and Paul commanded him to stand up.

Crippled from birth, the man leaped to his feet and began to walk!

The Bible tells us the extent of the wonder surrounding that miracle: “Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’” (Acts 14:11).

Allow the Holy Spirit to increase your authority too. He wants to empower you in ways you may have never imagined.

 

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, help me walk boldly in Your authority. In Jesus’ name, I choose today to live for You and You alone. Permeate my spirit, soul, and body as I am transformed into Your image. Jesus, You are my perfect example of how I should live my life. Allow me the strength and wisdom to follow in Your footsteps. Grant me the power and understanding to be pure, peaceful, caring, thoughtful, obedient, compassionate, and genuine like You, Lord. I pray this in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.