“Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.'” – Acts 3:4-6

St. Francis was born at Assisi in Umbria in 1181. Born into a wealthy family, he had a falling out with his father and forsook his inheritance and became a monk. In 1219, he joined the Crusaders and left to preach to the Sultan of Egypt. “Sire,” said a number of the priests of Mahomet to the Sultan, “thou art an expert in the law and art bound to maintain and guard it. We command thee by Mahomet, who gave it to us, that the heads of these men be cut off ” Francis, whose Chnistlike spirit had made a deep impression upon the Sultan, replied to the Sultan: “Your priests will not talk with me; perhaps they would be more ready to act. Have a fire lighted, and I will go into the fire with them, and you will see by the results which faith is the truest and the holiest.” When Francis began to speak, there were a number of priests standing round him, but before he had finished, they had quietly left. The idea had filled them with horror. The Sultan, perceiving their absence, remarked, “I do not think that any of my priests are inclined to face flames and torture for the defense of their faith. “

Are you living a life of faith, trusting fully in Jesus Christ? Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He rewards those who trust in Him.

God’s Word: “He who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in God can go all things.” – Alphonsus Liguori

God’s Word: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” – Psalm 37:5-6

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2002, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN ACTS pkennedy@devotional.com