Check out all the previous Acts readings here.
Acts Reading Plan | Week 3 | Day 1
Prayer
In Samuel 3:10, we read, “The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Echo Samuel’s prayer to the Lord as you spend time with Him now. Ask Him to speak and tell him you’re listening.
Bible Reading: Acts 3:1-10
Read these verses three times slowly.
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 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 do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Reflection & Questions
From birth, the man’s legs didn’t work and so he never knew the joy of running, playing ball or the adventure of exploring the city on his own. But saddest of all, his condition kept him from going to Temple. He wasn’t allowed; wrongly considered not worthy to worship God in the temple because of his condition. He was left at the gates each day, to beg for some money. Just a stones throw from those praying to God, he was resigned to the fact that a little money was the best he could hope for in life.
But he hadn’t bargained on the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit! One day he encountered God through Peter and John. Peter says, “In the name of Jesus, walk” and suddenly his legs straightened, ankles strengthened and he leapt in joy. Incredible! And do you see what does he do first? “He went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God.” He went into the temple, jumping for joy and praising God!
How many of our ONEs have resigned themselves to a benign existence? Struggling through their day, so they can come home to binge another Netflix show, thinking that’s the best there can be. But the joy of knowing God is right there within reach for them! Our ONEs need the transformational power of God. They need the joy of coming into God’s presence. The joy of experiencing Him! Like Peter and John, we have something far better to offer than money, we have the Kingdom of God. We can offer them Jesus!
- What do you notice about how people try to find meaning in this world?
- How can you talk to those around you about the hope of Jesus today? One way you could do this is to simply ask them how you could pray for them and then see what the Holy Spirit does in response to your prayers.
Prayer
Pray for your ONE and for the opportunity to talk to them about Jesus.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
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Questions?
Ed Applegate
