Daily Direction Reading PlanSample

Hurricane Katrina was one of the most destructive storms to hit the United States. Two thousand people lost their lives, and the economic loss exceeded $100 billion. The people of the area who survived—especially in New Orleans proper—are still struggling to restore their way of life. Just as they long to restore their past standard of living, so the human heart longs for spiritual renewal. The Apostle Peter referred to this spiritual refreshment in a sermon he preached, recorded in Acts 3. His audience was a crowd of Jewish people in the Jerusalem temple. He reminded them that they should not have rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Peter stated that they had rejected Him in ignorance, yet despite their rejection of the Messiah, his suffering was the fulfillment of what prophets had foretold. He called on his people to repent—to change their minds toward the Messiah. If they did, God would wipe away their sins and send them what he called “times of refreshment.” Peter was echoing the invitation Jesus extended when he said, “Come to me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest,” meaning “I will refresh you.” Still today, Jesus offers to refresh our minds and spirits. He offers to forgive any person who turns from their rebellion against God and acknowledges Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Yes, He still offers refreshment.