The first man and woman—lord and lady of this earthly kingdom—forfeited their authority through their disobedience. That is how Satan became “the prince of this world” (John 14:30).

But when they come home, they get to feast. The refrigerator and pantry are theirs to pillage and they don’t have to ask permission.

I am praying to the One who gave his life for me. Just let your heart linger there for a moment; picture the event in your mind. I am praying to the One who gave his life for me.

One solar flare releases more energy than ten million volcanoes. (This is helping me realize God is powerful enough for whatever need I am praying over.)

Oh, how it helps me to remind myself, I am praying to the One who gave his life for me.

Apparently, our greatest need is for his kingdom to invade our lives and our worlds.

I love the phrase “So . . . they went.” It’s such an understatement. These men set in motion a series of events that changed the world. Because they “went” anointed with the power of God.

What I love about the story is not only the miracle but the relationship Ananias has with Jesus—notice his comfort level in arguing with Jesus about the plan(!). You get the impression Ananias and Jesus are friends, comrades, partners in this young revolution called Christianity.

This resolves the issue in a way nothing else can remotely touch or settle. You should not, must not, please, please do not evaluate the loving-kindness of God toward you by the swirling tornado of events—especially by whether or not he seems to be answering the prayer at hand.