Daily devotional · June 25
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, heading to prayer, meet a man who has been lame from birth and is begging for coins. Peter looks at him, really looks, and says he has no silver or gold, but what he has he gives. Then he offers the man his hand and helps him up. The story is a reminder that we rarely help others by pretending to have what we lack; we help by giving what we do have, our attention, our time, our prayer, our hand. Most of us feel we have little to offer. Today, ask who around you is asking for something without words, and what you do have that could meet them. It may be a listening ear, a ride, a meal or a simple prayer. Look someone in the eye and offer it.
Prayer
Lord, use what little I have. Open my eyes to the person you want me to lift up.

