Today is October 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 9.   
  

32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.  
  

The book of Acts are about the acts of the disciples after Jesus’ ascension to heaven. You could also call it the acts of the Holy Spirit because God continued to act through signs and wonders, including healing like the one in this passage. When you read about stories of healing in the Bible, what is your reaction? Is it belief? Is it faith? Or is it doubt?  

Miracles are indeed a spectacular way that one can come to believe but was not necessary for one’s faith and trust in Jesus. In fact, we see that Jesus was sometimes frustrated by people seeking miracles as proof of his authenticity. Yet there were many who were “never healed” yet believed in Jesus. Let’s listen again and consider the purpose of the miracle in this story.  
    
All those who saw turned to the Lord. Miracles like healing were called “signs” because they were pointers to the reality of God. All of us doubt and struggle to believe. Where is it you need a pointer today to the reality of God? To the reality that he loves you? To the reality that he is active in your life? As we close our time, ask God to again show you a sign today that he is with you and that he loves you, so that your heart might be turned toward the Lord again in faith and trust.

Music: Now Until Forever - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)