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He Went Walking & Leaping and Praising God
Tim Savage6Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10they 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. Acts 3
This is one of my favorite stories from the Bible, in part, because I remember, so vividly, a book and song from my childhood. Can you imagine the lasting impact that simple little child’s song had on me? I can still sing the chorus of that song today and I can’t always remember what I had for lunch yesterday. I wonder if the people who put that together have any idea that their efforts had such a profound effect on a generation of young Christians. I know that the work we do helps to make an eternal difference in lives, but I never stop to consider that we might also be influencing a generation in the same way this song influenced me. More so than the videos or media that I work on, our lives are the testimony that people see every day and, obviously, that has a radically, powerful impact on those we influence.
I want my testimony to have a lasting effect on others. May the melody of my life be remembered long after I’m gone in order to bring people to Jesus. What I do and how I live, matters. As Pastor Wayne says, when it comes to our children or those that we lead, more is caught, than is taught. And we might not be aware that even the little things we do will be noticed and remembered.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me when I fail You. I am not worthy to serve You, but You chose me anyway. I want to represent You well and help to draw others to You. May I be bold when opportunities arise and may my life help to shine Your light and love.
In Jesus name,
Amen
