“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!  The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.  God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.  We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:28-32)

    The apostles had a strong conviction to spread the word of God, regardless of the risks.  But they had a couple of things working in their favor—the Holy Spirit, which gave them power, and the witness of people who listened to their message and responded.  This was enough to encourage them to continue on their mission.  You and I can pray for personal strength from the Lord to be a strong witness for him.  In doing so, we may very well be doing some people a very big favor when they turn their hearts to the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be a witness for you, through our words, attitudes, and actions.  We pray for those who need you, and for them to know how much you love them.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.