Acts 3 | Renewed Healing

Monday: Read Acts 3:1-10
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There are so many rich lessons in this passage: the power of community, evident in Peter and John's partnership and the lame man's support system; the boldness of Peter's faith; the joy of witnessing the miraculous. But consider this: Peter and John's encounter with the lame man wasn't a scheduled event. They were on their way to pray, likely engaged in conversation or reflection, when the beggar's plea interrupted their plans. Instead of ignoring him, they stopped, demonstrating a willingness to be inconvenienced, to shift their focus, because they believed God wanted to do something significant.

This willingness to be interrupted is a powerful challenge to us. In our busy lives, filled with routines and agendas, do we leave room for God's unexpected invitations? Are we so focused on our own plans that we miss the divine appointments disguised as interruptions? What if the person who needs a listening ear, the opportunity to offer a word of encouragement, or the chance to share God's love comes at an inconvenient time? Are we willing to pause, like Peter and John, and allow God to work through us, even if it disrupts our plans?

Spiritual Practice: Reflecting on God's Disruptions for Redemption

Inspired by Peter and John's willingness to be interrupted by the lame man, today we'll focus on reflecting on the times God has disrupted our own lives and how those moments can become powerful testimonies to help others break free from destructive patterns.

• Reflect on Patterns: Identify "rhythms of sin" that held you captive.

• Pinpoint Disruptions: Remember when God unexpectedly interrupted those patterns.

• Emphasize Transformation: Focus on how God changed you and brought freedom through those interruptions.

• Prepare Your Story: Structure one or two "interruption-to-redemption" stories to share with others.

• Pray and Share: Ask God for opportunities to share your story and have courage to do so, pointing to Christ's power to free.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 16:9, Acts 9:1-19 (Paul's Conversion)

Monday: Read Acts 3:11
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In Acts 3:8, we witness the incredible scene of the formerly lame man leaping, walking, and praising God. His joy was so overwhelming that he clung tightly to Peter and John, a gesture that continued even as Peter addressed the crowd. It's easy to imagine the man's fear that this miracle might vanish, or his heart overflowing with repeated expressions of gratitude. Also, there's no mention of Peter or John pulling away, suggesting they understood the depth of his reaction.

When the man eventually released them, the impact of their obedience would forever be part of his story. It's the story of how he was impacted by God's power and plan through two men who chose not to ignore him, as so many had for years, but instead took a step of faith and changed his life. The lame man's encounter wasn't just physical; it marked the beginning of a holistic transformation, an invitation into a life where God's restoration would touch every part of him.

Spiritual Practice: Remember Those Who Contributed to Your Story

• Identify Influential Figures: Think about the people who played a significant role in helping you see Jesus or grow in your faith.

• Recall Specific Actions: For each person, try to remember the specific actions they took that impacted you. Was it their words, their example, their support, or their teaching?

  • Reflect on the Impact: How did they help you understand God, experience His love, or grow in your faith?

  • Express Gratitude to God: Spend time in prayer thanking God for bringing these people into your life and for working through them to bless you.

  • Consider Contacting Them: If possible, consider reaching out to these individuals to express your gratitude and let them know the lasting impact they had on you.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Hebrews 13:7, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Wednesday: Read Acts 3:12-16
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Imagine the scene: a morning erupting into chaos as onlookers grapple with the impossible. Shock and awe ripple through the crowd, their eyes darting between the healed man clinging to Peter and John, and the two apostles themselves. Perhaps shouts of "Heal me next!" or desperate pleas of "How did you do that?" fill the air. But Peter, seizing the divine moment, directs all attention, all wonder, back to the true source of healing.

Have you ever been asked, "How do you stay so calm?" or "What's the secret to your marriage?" The world, believer and non-believer alike, craves the recipe for a truly fulfilling life, often searching for shortcuts and easy answers. Yet, in those moments of genuine curiosity, you, like Peter, hold the key: Jesus. He is the answer, the source of lasting peace, joy, and purpose, the only path to a life that truly satisfies 

Spiritual Practice: Focusing on the Main Character of Your Story

Reflect on your story and how Jesus was the answer. Maybe you never have shared your story before, but take time to reflect on how He specifically answered your prayers, impacted your life, saved your marriage, etc.

• Reflect on Your "Answer": Think about a specific time when you faced a challenge or had a deep need, and how Jesus was the answer or brought resolution to that situation.

• Identify the "Question": Consider what question your life circumstances might have prompted in others (e.g., "How are you staying strong?", "How did you overcome that?").

• Focus on Jesus: As you prepare to share, clearly identify how Jesus intervened, brought peace, provided guidance, or brought healing in your experience.

• Keep it Simple: Share your story concisely, focusing on the situation, your need, and how Jesus met that need.

• Point to Him: Conclude by making it clear that Jesus is the ultimate source of your strength, hope, or resolution.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Psalm 107:2, Revelation 12:11, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 1:8

Thursday: Read Acts 3:17-21
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Acts 3:19-20a (ESV), “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…”

It's a misconception that God is a distant, angry judge. Peter reveals a different truth: God invites us to repent, to turn from our sin, and in doing so, experience times of refreshing that come directly from His presence, from a closeness with the Lord. This refreshing, described in the original Greek as "relief from heavy burdens" and "the ability to breathe after a difficult situation," offers tangible relief and joy in our lives, not just a future hope.

Peter beautifully emphasizes the goodness of God and the immediate benefits of being in His presence. Through repentance, we gain not only a heavenly promise but also a present reality of relief and joy, a continuous refreshing that flows from the very nearness of God throughout our earthly journey.

Spiritual Practice: Refreshing Stories

In response to God’s invitation to repentance and the promise of refreshing in His presence, this discipline invites believers to regularly share their personal testimony—not just the story of salvation, but ongoing stories of God’s nearness, relief, and renewal. As we testify, we both reflect on God's goodness in our lives and become channels of encouragement to others who need hope and relief.

Recommendations:

• Write down your story and share it on social media (Celebrate!)

• Ask your Campus Pastor if you could share your story with your campus

• Pray and ask God who you can share your story with and do it

• Pray to see who you can encourage to be refreshed in the Lord

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Psalm 23:2-3, Isaiah 40:31, Matthew 11:28-30

Friday: Read Acts 3:22-26
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One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to evangelize, lead a Bible study, or share their testimony is fear—fear of rejection, fear of sounding unqualified, or fear of not being taken seriously. "What if they don’t listen? What if I sound dumb? What if...?" In Acts, Peter reminds us that God sent prophets—His messengers—long before Jesus came, and many of them were ignored, mocked, threatened, or even killed. Yet for generations, they faithfully pointed to the promise of Jesus, even when their words were unwelcome. Even Jesus Himself, the perfect Messenger, was met with both belief and unbelief.

The truth is, you may not feel gifted as a public speaker, but the call to “go and make disciples” wasn’t reserved for professionals—it’s for all believers. It’s wise and valuable to study the Word and grow in your ability to give an answer, but don’t let your current level of knowledge keep you silent. You don’t have to be perfect to be faithful. Your job isn’t to convince or coerce, but simply to obey. Even as you’re learning and growing, you have a story that points to Jesus—and that’s worth sharing. Whether it’s received or rejected, your obedience keeps the message moving forward—just like the prophets before you.

Spiritual Practice: Testifying in the Tension

This practice is about holding two things at once: the courage to share your story now, and the humility to keep growing in your understanding of God’s Word. You don’t have to wait until you feel fully equipped God can use your voice even as He shapes it.

1. Identify the Tension: Ask yourself honestly: What part of my faith do I feel unsure or unprepared to talk about? Write it down. This isn’t a weakness—it’s a place where God is inviting you to grow.

2. Study with Purpose: Choose one Scripture or topic related to that area and study it during the week. Use a study Bible, trusted resource, or ask a mentor or pastor to help guide you.

3. Name the Testimony: Reflect on a recent moment where you saw God’s presence in your life—an answered prayer, a moment of peace, a challenge He walked you through.

4. Step Out in Obedience: Look for a natural opportunity to share either that testimony or a truth you've learned, even if it’s just one sentence.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Peter 3:15, Romans 10:14–15, Psalm 107:2