ACTS 3:6

Then Peter said, “Silver and Gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth Walk.”

TO PONDER

When I consider this meeting, I try to imagine this man’s immediate thoughts, ‘here are two men, surely, I’ll get a coin or two, they say they have nothing but they use the name of this man Jesus and I can walk, how wild is that!’ As he recovered taking Peter hand to help him up, he jumped and shouted with joy and sang praises to God in the Temple courts.                    Would that I would be as vocal singing and shouting my thanks and praise to God for his special gifts to me; even my thanks when I met my future husband and I was gifted with two beautiful children was quite subdued in the light of the crippled man’s reaction.

We can learn a few valuable lessons from this encounter, Peter and John looked straight at the crippled man. When we give do we always look straight into the receiver’s eyes, inviting a closer connection, a chance to pray for that their need be attended to, an opportunity to tell of God’s grace and goodness?  Peter spoke because his faith led him to believe God would act.  In faith we can ask for God to help, not in a casual throw away manner as is often the case, but with unshakable faith that God will act. This took place at a busy time of day, in a very busy place and Peter took the opportunity to speak to the assembled crowd about Jesus.  Many of us would find that a challenge, but we can humbly tell others about our faith and trust in God’s promises and how he has answered our prayers.  God knows our hearts and motives so we should consider how we pray; while he is our loving Father, he is also Sovereign God over all, our requests should be respectfully presented and we need to accept that he may not grant that request or answer differently than we expect. 

Prayer:Lord Jesus, teach me to really see the person I am responding to and so invite a closer relationship so I can share your goodness to me, and how it is available to everyone who has faith in your word and promises. Let me less inhibited when it comes to praising you and giving thanks for all you have done for me. Amen

Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle