But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” — Acts 4:17-20

Peter is a different man, isn't he? Just 50 days prior, he denied Jesus adamantly multiple times. But not this time. This time he is willing to take some big risks and say some big things.

Have you ever had an experience like that? A moment where you regretted not speaking up for what is right and righteous? And then, given a second chance, you speak and act a little differently. Given this second chance, we always have a little more conviction in our voice.

But let's not be confused. Peter did not just leave a Tony Robbins seminar where he walked on fire and is so pumped up by his own personal convictions and stamina that he speaks his mind to these men of the cloth. No, not at all. Rather Peter is a man who right now is filled with the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is speaking through him. And the Spirit will not be kept silent. It's the Spirit of God, speaking through a willing man, to men of the cloth, who were supposed to be representing the Spirit of God but were not. And the Spirit was letting them know that their time was done and a new High Priest was appointed. And Jesus, the High Priest, was going to take their place permanently, and it was about him that Peter spoke.

I think we live in a time where Christians need to speak up. But as we speak, we need to make sure it is not our strength and our convictions in which we are putting our trust. Instead, we need to let the Holy Spirit speak through us — which to the world looks a lot like we're speaking, but we're not. And as this Spirit speaks through us in his way, we should ensure that we are bringing attention to God and not to self.

So as you feel compelled to speak up about all that is happening in your life and the world, take a moment to make sure it's the Holy Spirit speaking and not you. And then, by all means — speak and do not make the mistake of being silent.

ASK THIS: Where do you need the Holy Spirit to speak in your life today?

DO THIS: Check your motive. Pray. And let the Spirit speak.

PRAY THIS: Spirit, speak through me with conviction in your time and your way.

PLAY THIS: Holy Spirit — Kari Jobe.Check out other all Vince Miller's videos and audios for small groups at: https://beresolute.org/

Get Vince's most widely read resources The Daily Devotional at: https://beresolute.org/mdd

Check out more ALL IN products like the one Vince is wearing at:
https://beresolute.org/product-category/all-in-hats/
____________________________________________________________________________________
Connect with Vince socially:
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/millervince
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/vinceleemiller
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincemiller
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/vinceleemiller