(Song: Acts 3:1-10)

Peter and John went to pray.
they met a lame man on the way
He asked for alms and held out his palms,
and this is what Peter did say
Silver and gold have I none,
but such as I have give I you.
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
The man went walking and leaping and praising God,
Walking and leaping and praising God,
“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk”.

A man crippled from birth was carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put everyday out side the gate to beg from people going into the temple courts (Acts 3:2).  One day Peter and John were going up to the temple to pray and this man asked them for money.  But they gave him more than what he was expecting, he received complete healing.  Peter reached out, took him by the right hand, helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.  Then, he went with Peter and John into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Am I a crippled beggar?

When my prayer is only for my needs (bless me, give me, help me, protect me, guide me), I am a crippled beggar being brought into the “temple” to beg.  Jesus wants me to have more than daily sustenance.  He wants me to be with him inside the temple joyfully praising God.

Lord, thank you for lifting and strengthening me and I worship you because of your faithfulness.  Heal me of my crippled attitudes, actions, wants and ways so I will be in your presence daily enjoying your fellowship.  Lord, transform me from a beggar to a worshiper.

Dear child of God, what are the things in your life that are carrying you to the temple gate to beg instead of going to the Holy of Holies to worship?  Are your children, spouse, health, finances, fear of lack, greed for more, or trying to keep up with the “Kardashians,”  the only reasons you pray?  

Jesus is reaching out his hands to lift you up and strengthen your feet and ankles to walk with him into His Presence.  Reach out your hands, take hold of his and enter into the gates with thanksgiving and into the courts with praise (Psalms 100:4).