Peter said to him, “I have no money at all, but I will give you what I have.
Acts 3: 6 (TEV)
Scripture: Acts 3-4
Many people ask the question, What kind of ministry do I have to offer? This devotion looks at what kinds of ministry we have to offer.
Today’s world revolves around money. Some people are obsessed with making money. Others don’t put such importance it; they just horde what they have. But money isn’t everything. Listen to this story.
A man had been lame all his life. Every day he sat at the “Beautiful Gate” to beg for money. Then one day something beautiful happened. A man said he would share with him – no, not money or something of value in this world. The man shared a faith – a trust. He gave the beggar a hope to grab on to. And the man took it, and he believed it – and he was made whole.
Peter and John could have walked right past the beggar and not even looked at him. Haven’t you done that to people on the street corners? If we pretend we don’t notice them, maybe they won’t approach us.
But Peter didn’t do that. He looked the man in the eye and said, “Here. It’s not what you asked for, but it’s more valuable.”
There are so many things we can share with others besides money. The most important is the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ love is free to all who believe. Hearing the gospel is also not dependent on how much they have in the bank account, what car they drive, or what fancy clothes they wear to church on Sunday.
We can share our time. We can volunteer for something specific, or we can show up at our church one day and volunteer to do whatever needs to be done.
We can volunteer to minister to the elderly. Maybe we have a talent to use for the Lord – singing, organizing get-togethers, building something. If we can’t give shelter to someone who is homeless, we can give food and warm clothing to that person or to a mission.
Another way we can share is by listening to someone’s problems. We may not feel we can give advice, but we can help make that person feel someone cares.
But you still may be saying, “Chick, I can’t do that.” You may feel that health issues, wealth issues, age issues [insert your issue] is keeping you from joining a mission project.
You can pray. A general prayer is fine. It may be “Hey, God, I saw this person standing on the street. You know the troubles she is facing. Reveal Your love and presence to her.” A specific prayer is even better.
The story didn’t stop there, though. What Peter and John taught contradicted what the Sadducees taught. They asked, “Whose name do you use?” Again, Peter shared. They spoke in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Peter and John were “ordinary men of no education” (Ac. 4: 13 TEV) telling “leaders of the people and elders” (Ac. 4: 8 TEV) the sweet name of Jesus. They weren’t priests. They had no special training — except what their relationship with Jesus gave them. Jesus will prepare us, too, for what He calls us to do.
Then the leaders told them to do what so many people told them to do: Stop that. Don’t mention Jesus’ name.
So, Peter and John tucked tail and ran? No. They went back to their group and prayed for boldness. They didn’t withdraw an inch; they prayed for a mile.
Master and Creator of heaven, earth and sea, and all that is in them! For centuries people have been demanding that we not mention the name of Jesus. And yet His name has shown throughout the ages as a beacon. Even today You ask for more people like Peter and John. More people are needed to speak the sweet name of Jesus. Use us, Lord, to carry His name to our corners of the world. There are so many ways in which we can share. Allow us, Your servants, to speak Your message with all boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and grant that wonders and miracles may be performed through the name of Your Holy Servant Jesus. Amen.
What do you think? What are some ways in which we can minister that people may not realize is ministry? Leave me a comment below or head over to my Facebook group for some interactive discussion.
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In regard to the beggars on the street, I believe God’s holy spirit will move you to give to one or you do not give. Their are those that are taking advantage of people’s generosity. I never give unless I feel the prodding to do so.
I like how your blogs are short and include a prayer. Just makes my prayer without ceasing flow more. I enjoy praying other people’s prayers along with my own throughout the day.
Yes, God does prompt us to have interactions with others. He knows how He wants us to use the monetary resources He has given us.