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Allow a minute for brainstorming.

Say: Now imagine that you have all these things, and a stranger comes up to you and says, ‘Give all these things to me.’ How would you react?

Let them respond. This can be funny!

Say: Now imagine that the person you love most in the whole world is asking you to give up these things. How do you feel about it now?

Debrief

Remember the person you loved most, asking for your possessions? How would you feel if you knew that person was asking only because they had something of far greater value to give you in place of what you already had? Jesus is asking you to give Him everything—who you are, what you have, even your plans for your life. But He asks you to give these things not to leave you empty, but to fill you with Himself, with His love, with His peace, and with His plans for your life. These things are better than what you have by yourself. It’s only when you empty yourself that you can live fully in Him.

Introduction

Peter and John are walking to the temple to pray. So much has happened recently. Something has changed in Peter. He no longer walks with an over-confident strut, nor does he bow his head in shame. His attentions are focused elsewhere. He sees every person he passes on his way to the temple in a different way than before.

As Peter approaches the gate, he notices a crippled man. He has passed this man many times before, but he had never really focused on his situation. This time he sees him and wants to do something to help him.

The man looks up and asks for money. This was all he expected, maybe a penny. This was all he asked of those who passed by him each day and all that he thought he needed. But Peter doesn’t have money. Peter knows that this man needs only what Jesus can give him: healing, new strength, and wholeness.

“I have no silver or gold,” he says, and the lame man’s face falls in disappointment. “But what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”

Suddenly, feeling creeps into the man’s legs. He wiggles his toes, and he leaps to his feet.

“I am healed!” he cries. “Praise the God of Heaven! I am healed!


Date: 2015-02-16; view: 447


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