Expect an encounter and not a routine

 

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. We should not assume it is just the routine. They may come as a means for us to express our gifts. It is our preparation that brings about that opportunity to add value to someone. Peter and John had a routine of going to the temple to pray, and this faithful day became their day of celebration and expression. 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 in us vital skills to be of help. Do not hide it; someone is looking up to you to receive a gift. There are ways we can help, which is valued than silver and gold. For Joseph, he is a dreamer; for Dorcas, she was giving of alms, including clothing. The society is in dear need of your contribution. 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 which will bring praises to our God and not self-pride.

 

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. For instance, Peter and John at the beautiful gate had no silver or gold to give to the needy, but realized they have something special which is not the regular experience. So, do not allow intimidation 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. You can make someone praise God today even with your talents. The world is expecting something from you and it may just be an idea, a word of encouragement or a prayer. Even laughter is a gift to someone today. For example, 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. There is a sense of fulfillment in contributing to one in need.  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 in Jesus name.

 

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, 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: Do not commonize the encounters because it is another opportunity for expression.