10/9/09

41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 3
Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar
1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled 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. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10they 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.

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers
11While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade.

I want to pick u today where I left off yesterday by saying that these believers fellow shipped with each other after they were saved. This is very important. We learn more about God when we are with our church. These Christians shared with each other so that they could all benefit from God's gifts. It is our responsibility to help one another in every way possible. God works best when his members work together. A healthy christian community attracts people to Christ. What are you doing to make your church the kind of place that will attract others to Christ?

The crippled man at the front of the temple placed himself there to receive money as many people liked to show off before entering. Peter didn't give him money, he gave him something much more valuable- his legs. We often ask God for small things, but he has so much more to offer. Ask God for what you want, but don't be surprised if he gives you what you really need. He may have something better for you than you could ever imagine. The apostles healed this man with the Holy Spirit, not their own power. The crippled man began to praise God because he was healed. This allowed others to witness the power of thew Lord. Always thank people who help you, but praise God for the care and protection that he provides.

We were put on earth to make a contribution. We were created to serve God. This is the reason that he saves us. Your call to salvation included your call to service. If we have no love for others, no desire to serve others, we should question whether Christ is really in our life. We are commanded by him to serve as he needs us to. When we get to Heaven, He will compare how much time we spent on ourselves versus how much time we spent ministering to others. We all give our life to something. What will you choose? He will use us if we just stop making excuses.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings that you have given us. I ask that you protect us throughout this day and meet the needs of all of our friends and family because you are the only one who can accomplish this. We can do nothing without you and everything with you. You are most Holy and I praise your name. I ask for opportunities to serve you today as I go through my daily walk. Please impress upon me when I should step out in your name. I pray for all the things that I have to do today. I ask that you be there to guide me. Please show me your plan for my life. Thank you for giving me eternal life as this is the best gift that could ever be offered. Please forgive me where I fail you, in your Son's precious name I pray......amen