Day 4

What I really need is so much more than a tangible thing.

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Scripture

“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.’” — Acts 3:2-6

Observation

Peter performs a miracle. A lame man, who was placed at a gate called Beautiful and who had likely spent years outside the temple unable to go inside due to his disability, calls out to Peter and John as they approach the temple. He begs for money. But Peter tells him “silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” And he does! People recognized him as the lame beggar who was now healed and were filled with wonder and amazement.

Application

Ironic isn’t it? The lame man was placed to beg at the temple gate called “Beautiful”. By society’s standards he was far from beautiful. Lame and unable to care for himself, and the only option was to beg. However, it is easy to see myself in the beggar. Broken. Either physically or maybe spiritually. I ask for one thing – in the beggar’s case – money, but what I really need is so much more than a tangible thing. The beggar probably couldn’t even imagine asking for healing but that’s what a miracle in Jesus’ name gave him, and that’s what I need. Now, the limitation that most people first saw of him was gone and people were filled with wonder and amazement that only Jesus can provide. Do I ask God for small things or do I have faith that he will perform miracles into my brokenness? Do I cause onlookers to be filled with wonder and amazement by seeing what Jesus has done in my life?

Prayer

“Heavenly Father, you surpass my every expectation. You know what I truly need even before I think to ask. Help me to surrender the broken areas in my life to you to heal as only you can. Amen.”

Scripture

Get to a place where you can focus and read the daily Scripture passage several times. Take time to read and allow God to speak to you. Write down the one or two verses that stick out. Even consider rewriting the verse(s) in your own words.

Observation

Make a basic observation about the scripture you just read. What stood out? Was something repeated? What is the author trying to communicate? What does the Scripture passage teach you about God? What does it teach you about humanity?

Application

Ask, “What does this verse(s) mean for my life?” How might this verse affect your heart — how you feel? How does this verse challenge your thinking? How does it affect your will, asking, “What changes do I need to make in my life as a result of this passage of Scripture?”

Prayer

Write out a prayer to God. Scripture is God speaking to you, take this moment to speak back. Take a moment to say, “Thank you,” confess to Him what needs to change, or ask for something that is on your heart.