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A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.        Acts 22:12 (NIV)

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, 'Ananias!' 'Yes, Lord,' he answered. The Lord told him, 'Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.' 'Lord,' Ananias answered, 'I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.          Acts 9:9–19 (NIV)

What if Ananias said "No?"

You don't get more "Pauls" unless an Ananias shows up.

ACTION PLAN: Re-read the passage above and put yourself in the place of Ananias. Is there anyone you know that would be a real challenge to share with or pray for? Do you have a sense that God couldn't or wouldn't use you in their life? Admit to God the ways you have limited your own range of ministry by your perceptions of people – both good and bad. Ask God to use you in any way that he wants to.

The 4 marks of being an everyday Ananias:

          LIVE deep with Jesus.
          SHOW UP with expectation.
          RELATE with everyone.
          RISK it all for what matters most to God.
              R – RESCUED people RESCUE people
              I – INVITATIONAL fails
              S – SEVEN days
              K – KNEES in prayer

ACTION PLAN: During a quiet moment this week, think over the four marks of being an everyday Ananias. Say "yes" to God by asking him to give you the desire to be like Ananias – a person who lives deeply in Jesus, who shows up with expectation, who works hard to relate to everyone around them, and someone who is willing to risk it all for what matters to God.

Who are you PRAYINGfor?

ACTION PLAN: Make a list of three "people of peace" that don't know God:  people in your sphere of influence, people that like you, and people that aren't weirded out by your love for Jesus. For the next seven days, ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities to love them with God's love, to talk with them about Jesus' love for them.