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Scripture Reading: Acts 3:6

It has been nine days since I boarded a plane that would carry me from the mainland to the beautiful state of Hawaii. As I sat on the plane gazing out the window, I wondered in my heart what I had to offer these people here in Hawaii who are so hungry for the Gospel and the absolute truth that comes only through a relationship with Jesus Christ. On the plane, I opened my Bible and God led me to write this article.

After nine days, God has been faithful to show me daily through every facet of ministry that we have done, that what I have to offer is simply, “such as I have.”

As Peter and John were entering into the temple, they passed by a certain man lame from his mother’s womb.  This man was carried daily and laid at the temple gate called Beautiful, to ask alms of those who entered into the temple.

I love the response of Peter to this lame and needy man.  As he asked for alms, he wasn’t necessarily asking for money. The word “alms” means "gifts given, prompted by love." It also means "things given to help those in need." When Peter told him that he had no silver and gold, I believe this man was fully prepared for and ready to receive what Peter had to offer him. Born lame from his mother’s womb, this man knew no amount of money would be enough to provide the alms his heart was seeking. His heart was looking for the gift of healing, and every day he laid by the gate called Beautiful with anticipation to be healed. Peter said, “such as I have give I thee.” Peter then spoke the most powerful words this man would ever hear. He said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Oh my, the greatest alm this man had longed for was bestowed upon him. Peter took him by the right hand, lifted him up and immediately his foot and ankle bones received strength! Again, oh my! I can relate to this man’s response. He stood up leaping and walking and praising God. He entered into the temple with Peter and John, and everyone saw him.

This man’s response was my response when God healed me of my seizures. I could not contain myself. I had sat at the gate Beautiful for six years. We were hopelessly financially and physically broken. Daily we asked God for alms. We cried; we prayed. We prayed for an increase of our faith. We fastened our eyes upon God and the truths of His word, and He passed by with the alms we needed. I too, got up leaping, walking, talking and praising God. I entered into the temple and everyone knew it was me. They too, watched in amazement. I not only received physical healing, but my heart received revival. I was baptized in the love of Jesus and I began to hold others in need with God’s love. Oh, the tears of joy that has filled my eyes as I’m writing this right now. God is faithful to all His children and He longs for us to serve Him with "such as we have." Like Peter and John, I have to say, “silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee”.

Precious friends, I come to you from my heart in the name of Jesus, offering you gifts of love, compassion, truth and healing for your life’s circumstances. I cannot heal your finances or physical ailments but I know the One who can. I will hold you in my arms and pray for you in Jesus' name. I will hold you while you cry as God empties your broken heart.

I challenge you to be willing to endure the things in your life that make you feel lame and hopeless. Like this certain man, be willing to lay at the gate called Beautiful. Regardless of how long you have to lay there, go there daily with anticipation that Jesus is going to pass by through someone like Peter.

Jesus passes by New Desire Christian Ministries in such miraculous ways and right on time. Did you know that you can be the one God uses to fulfill the definition of alms? Has He told you to give, “such as you have?” Let us all strive to rise up and walk in the obedience of God, rather than lay by the gate of wallowing. Let's give of ourselves, prompted by love.

From my heart to yours, this article is “such as I have.” I pray that it has encouraged your life, for it was prompted by the love of Jesus.

I Just Love Jesus

Dr. Brenda J. Robinson

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• Tags: giving, healing, service

• Posted by: Dr. Brenda Robinson