Daily devotional · July 18
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.”
Peter and John were on their way to pray when a man who could not walk asked them for money. Peter looked at him, really looked, and said something honest: I have no silver or gold, but what I do have I give to you. Then he took the man by the hand and helped him up. Notice that Peter did not apologize for his empty pockets. He offered what he had, in the name of Jesus, and it turned out to be exactly what the man needed. We often feel we have too little to help: not enough money, time, or ability. Yet each person has something to give, whether it is attention, a skill, an encouraging word, or a listening ear. Today, ask yourself what you do have, and give it to someone in need. Look them in the eye, as Peter did.
Prayer
Jesus, I do not have everything, but I have something. Show me who needs it today.