Can They tell?

Acts 4:13 (New International Version) 13"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Peter and John were ordinary people like you and I. You and I have a lot in common with them. Just like you and I they responded to the call from Jesus to "follow him." They were with Jesus everywhere he went. They listened to his teachings, asked him questions, went through very hard times wondering if it all was real or just a social cause. They had hope only to watch it get deferred. They had a dream only to watch him die. They had major disappointment because things didn't turn out as they had thought they were going to turn out. Yet after all that they still followed the Lord. Jesus knew what they needed and gave it to them at the time they needed it. Notice the scripture says that the people saw the disciples courage and basically began to judge them to see what qualified them to be so courageous. Their assessment was that, "these men had been with Jesus." I ask myself this question, "Can people tell if I have been with Jesus?" Do my actions, words and faith reflect that I have been spending time in reading the word of God, praying and speaking confidently about my assignment in this life? I have to confess, I fail; that's why I need Jesus. The disciples failed and yet Jesus comforted them, encouraged them and they took courage that it would be OK. A man I had the privilege of meeting and praying for me was Derek Prince. Right before Derek passed on to be with the Lord his instructions to the church and people following his ministry was to "carry on."Let me encourage you today to spend the time with Jesus to get the courage you need to carry on and carry out your assignment. I am sure there are times it doesn't look like I spent time with Jesus. The battles make us all weary. Today choose to be with Jesus.
Howard's Helpful Hint: Centered people spend time with Jesus and are blessed with the strength and courage they need to carry on.