Acts 3:8 – Verse of the Day 8/21/14

Have you ever known anyone that made life more enjoyable just by their presence? Most people have a friend or a family member, or maybe even a favorite uncle who is like that. We enjoy life more when they are around.

Jesus presence is sort of like that, but on a completely different level. Being in the presence of Jesus changes everything, because being in Jesus presence means being in the presence of God. That’s why this verse is so important. The man who leaped up in this verse was healed by Peter’s first miracle, and one thing we are supposed to notice when we read the story is that Peter’s first miracle and first sermon took place in the temple. A miraculous healing is already a good reason to leap and praise God.  How much more should we praise God when that miracle teaches us that we can enter into the presence of God!

In a world filled with hype, it is easy to become desensitized to the wonder of the Gospel message of forgiveness. As you pray, ask the Lord to give you the beggar’s sense of awe and joy at the gift of forgiveness and salvation. Rejoice that God no longer sees your sin but rather the righteousness of Christ given to you through faith.