Demonstrate what you have.

Text: Acts 3:3-4 (KJV)

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastened his eyes upon him with John, said Look on us.

There are opportunities which come our way that we must always be ready for, because they are means for us to express our gifts. Preparation brings about an opportunity to add value to someone. Peter and John had a routine of going to the temple to pray, and this fateful day became their day of celebration. A man who was lame from his mother’s womb was relieved from his tough situation by this singular encounter. There are always needs around us, but God has bestowed on us vital skills to be of help now. Do not hide it; someone is looking up to you to receive a gift. There are ways to help, which is more valued than silver and gold. For Joseph, he is a dreamer; for Dorcas, she was of good works, including clothing. The society is in need of you contributing what you have. Give a helping hand to someone today, those feeble feet around you are waiting for you to stretch forth a helping hand and strengthen them, and we pray that may those gifts end up bringing praises to our God and not self-pride, in Jesus name.

Peter and John had a personal encounter and not group experience; that is what distinguished them from the other crowds in the temple. We should learn to not just render physical needs to people, but to render the help of eternal value. There are problems which can take all from the bank accounts, so help beyond the money.  Peter and John at the beautiful gate had no silver or gold to give to the needy, but realized they have something special. Others have been offering cash, but knowing they have a special gift, they demonstrated what they have. Do not be intimidated by other people's endowment, there is a deposit of God’s gift in you, and your generation is waiting for it. Romans 8:19 - For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. You are an answer to someone's prayer. Somebody needs that gift to move to the next level. It is another opportunity to worship God, many are going into the temples, but you can make someone praise God even with your talents. The world is expecting something from you and it may just be a word of encouragement or a prayer. Even laughter is a gift to someone today. Just by saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk”, strength came to the feet and ankle bones of the lame man. There are many opportunities still ahead, just look out for them, so you can be the giver and not receiver. Prepare yourself now to make a difference and provide value to every encounter with a good impression. Acts 20:35b - It is more blessed to give than to receive. It brings greater joy when you are on the giving side than on the receiving end. There is a sense of fulfillment in contributing to one in need. John 9:8 - The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Those gifts can become an evangelism tool to many and can bring glory to God. So there are privileges presented to us daily and we should not allow it to pass us by without accomplishing the purpose.

PRAYER POINTS:

1) Thank you Jesus for so many virtues you have endowed us with which our world requires, and may we not fail you, in Jesus name.

2) Oh Lord, help me not to sit on my gift but to understand how to demonstrate what I have, in

Jesus name.

3) Oh Lord, may I recognize and dive into several opportunities presented before me and please help us to demonstrate our gifts confidently, in Jesus name.

ACTION QUOTE: Can you identify that need you can render now that is not monetary to your neighborhood?