Daily devotional · February 22
What I Do Have
“One afternoon Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And 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 entering the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter. So the man gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk! ” Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong. He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”
A man who had never walked asked Peter and John for money at the temple gate. Peter looked directly at him, a small act of dignity, and said he had no silver or gold, but he would give what he did have: in the name of Jesus, he told the man to walk. Peter took him by the hand and lifted him up, and the man went into the temple leaping and praising God. We often say we have nothing to give: not enough time, money or talent. Peter's story reminds us to look at what we do have. It might be attention, a listening ear, a skill, a prayer, or a hand extended. Today, ask God what you can offer to one person who is asking for help, even quietly. Look them in the eye, and give what you have.
Prayer
Lord, show me what I have to give, and let me give it with love in Your name. Amen.

