pray AND reach

Today was another great day at work! I got a lot done that needed to get done, but it was great for more than just that.  Every Tuesday the staff starts out the day in a time of devotion and prayer.  This morning our college pastor gave a good word to encourage us and challenge us from Philippians about living our lives DAILY with Joy, knowing that we have so much more to look forward to.  No matter our circumstances we have a hope and a joy that is eternal and that should cause us to do all things without complaining and to truly live a life of joy.  It was really good stuff.

Later in the day we had a Protege meeting and Pastor Joel came to talk about missions and outreach.  It was such a great time of sharing and learning about one another.  Joel talked about Acts 3:6-10 :

 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

One thing that he talked about is that Peter did not have anything else to give, but he prayed for him and then after praying for him he physically helped him up.  Peter did not just walk by because he had nothing and even though the man wanted money Peter offered him something else and was active in doing that. Living in DC there are many places I can go and see someone asking for money and while I might even have some change in my pocket I usually just walk by.  Regardless of whether or not I have money, I have something even greater to offer those people.  However, it takes more than just a prayer...I need to be active in sharing the good news to the hopeless around me.  Often times it comes down to just NOT BRINGING UP THE TOPIC OF FAITH to save embarrassing moments or we pray and think we've done enough. I was very challenged by this time in looking at Peter's actions in light of my current place of residence.  I should be doing more than just living in DC and working in DC.  I should be investing and seeking opportunities to share the hope that is in me.  

  It challenged me to be more bold in my faith and to be courageous enough to take the time to 1. be intentional with people that I meet and 2. speak truth into their life by sharing the most important part of my life!  We should be so confident in the God that we believe in and serve that no matter the circumstance we can have the faith to offer the gift that people really need with certainty of God's power.  I want to be more bold! I want to feel less apologetic that I don't have money to give because I have time and I have truth.  It's more than just words though, it's about investing energy and time into making this promise ring true in their lives and seeing hope truly restored! I have become friends with a few of the homeless guys that come into Ebenezers, but what have I done to help them up off the ground.  A smile is nice, but Peter PRAYED and REACHED OUT HIS HAND TO PULL THE MAN UP!  I want to pray harder and reach farther!  

I love Tuesdays at the office! :)