Read Acts 4
Logan Aeschlimann
Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
In the court, Peter pointed to our Messiah—Emmanuel, the One who is our cornerstone. I am the first to admit that I often try to build my life on my own strengths and desires. What a gift this new year has been, flowing out of a season of Advent where I got to expectantly wait on the King. I have been searching for Him and have always found that Love is the One looking back at me. That has instilled so much confidence in me. Isaiah 9:6 has been my greatest reminder as I ask the Holy Spirit for boldness:
“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
The governments of the world rest on Jesus’s shoulders. When we go to Him, He gives us wonderful counsel, fights as a mighty warrior, loves as Abba Father, and defends us as the tireless protector of His children. His peace replaces all oppression, conquering sin and shame. This is the power Peter and John carried.
After their release, Peter and John returned to their community. Together, they acknowledged God’s sovereignty and prayed—not for safety but for boldness. Their courage came not from themselves but from the Holy Spirit’s outpouring.
Today, we have the same opportunity. The Holy Spirit invites us to live boldly in our true identity and walk in obedience, equipped with Christ’s peace and power. Step into Jesus’ invitation, knowing He gives you the authority to walk in obedience and bring His Kingdom to earth.
Prayer Prompt:
Confess the power of God and look to Him as the Holy One. Spend a moment thanking Him that the gift of prayer is the promise of His Presence being near you. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight a place He wants you to step into with boldness. Ask Him what He wants you to know about yourself as you move forward. Know that the God of the cosmos, who also holds your heart, is on your side. Don’t box the Holy Spirit in. You have the mind of Christ and have been given authority and dominion over the earth. He wants you to participate with Him to bring the Kingdom of Heaven here. He will invite you into opportunities you may never have thought were possible.
