April 11, 2015: Acts 3:1-26

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Acts 3:1-26

3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. ² 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. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴ Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

⁶ 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.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹ When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ 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:

When have you been left in wonder and amazement?  Perhaps you immediately knew that wonder and amazement came from God.  Perhaps, you were so in awe that you didn't think about God.  Perhaps, you really weren't sure how to respond and were speechless.  Sometimes, God gives us some of the greatest gifts and works in the most mysterious ways, but we don't take the time to jump and praise God.  This seems like a simple story a lame man was made to walk again.  The message however is bigger than that.  God works in all that we meet! So, whether you are the lame man or maybe being the hands and feet of God, like Peter, know that God is present. 

Reflection Questions:

Morning: When have you identified with the lame man?

Noon: When have you helped someone? How did that you feel?

Evening:  Where have you seen wonder and amazement lately? 

Prayer: Holy One, we sometimes are left in wonder and amazement.  We often forget that You deserve the credit for that. Help us to remember that You are behind everything.  May we have our eyes open to seeing Your creation and knowing the wonderment of it. Amen.