ACTS of the Apostles

Monday, April 25

ACTS of the Apostles

Learning How to be Daring and Dynamic

Read Acts 3:1-10

Focus Verse: Acts 3:6 But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

This passage begins with a lame beggar located at one of the gate entrances to the Temple. This particular gate was called “Beautiful”. It looked like gold and was probably a prime place for a lame man to beg as there were many people giving “alms” in this area. We can assume this man was there in “need” of money. It’s interesting that often we are seeking a solution and asking the Lord to fix the small, immediate problems we have. We, just like this lame man, tend to define our needs to the Lord. As I type that sentence out, it seems so silly to I think I am the one to inform the Lord what it is I need!

On this day, Peter and John were in the area. They were poor and didn't have money to offer. Peter noticing this man in a crowd of thousands is another evidence of the Spirit’s ministry. As it says in our focus verse 3:6, Peter gave the man something much better than money. By the authority in Jesus Christ, he gave him the use of his legs. Money wasn't what this man needed the most, he needed salvation for his soul and healing for his body and money could not solve either.This man’s response was to leap up, stand and walk into the temple leaping and praising God (v.8). How beautiful it is that Jesus always knows what we need the most. Matthew 7:7-8 tells us to knock and keep knocking with our hearts desires, wants, and needs. How gracious it is that our God doesn't tire of us asking over and over. However, we shouldn't t be surprised when he answers with something even better; something perhaps unexpected and something we really NEED.

Ladies, we may not be able to physically heal, but we do have the good news of Jesus that will bring spiritual healing which is ETERNAL (far better than silver or gold). We are filled with the same Holy Spirit that filled and fueled the apostles long ago. The question is, will we choose to ACT and share what we know is really needed ?

Heavenly Father, What a delight it is to study your word together. Thank you for providing these stories for us to glean from. Make our hearts teachable and help us to see more and more evidence of the Holy Spirit working then and now. Lord, fill our hearts and mouths with the truth of you in a way that flows off our tongues. Not judgmental or full of opinion; just straightforward truth written by you (not us). Amen