Recently, I have not been able to get out of this one story!! I keep returning to read it like it’s the first time over and over again.

But first, I had a dream a few nights ago, I could see my ankles and legs getting stronger. It felt like my ankles were made of jello and I began to rise up kind of like one of those air up characters you put in your yard for Christmas. I popped up just like one of those because my ankles were no longer weak. It has really encouraged me in this season. We have had a few setbacks and some disappointments but I’m standing on magnifying the Lord and never the problem.

I think that is why I keep returning to this story because it feels so personal. In my own journey with the Lord, I am learning that I love to teach and I love to share what God is doing in my life. I have been in previous seasons where I have felt like I have to work up something to teach and now I am learning that what gets to come out of my mouth is simply an overflow of what He’s doing in me. So I am inviting you in, right now, to what God is teaching me.

Actually, pause real quick, go grab your bible. I want this to feel like we are at a coffee shop together doing this. Maybe grab a cup of coffee too and let’s pretend we are together! Currently, I am sipping a pumpkin latte with oat milk from Peets- it is my current favorite. Okay, now open your bible to Acts (I always have to sing Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts to know where it’s at). Let’s flip to Acts 3. Now read Acts 3:1-10. After you read it, pick back up with me!

I just want to break this story down together! So there is a beggar sitting at the temple gate. This beggar cannot walk. He has to be carried to his spot to beg while people are walking into the temple. The man is so used to sitting there and asking for alms/money. What felt like just another day to the beggar was far off from what the Lord had in store. Ever had a day like that? As Peter and John approached the man, the beggar asked for what he wanted. In return, Peter and John carried what this man needed. Peter told the man he would give him what he did have and immediately Peter commanded the man to get up in the name of Jesus. Honestly, WOW! The faith it would take to hold someones hand and help them get up when they have never stood a day in their life. WOW! This is a clear example of Peter exercising his faith.

One thing I admire about Peter is that he took the initiative. I think what I keep hearing from the Lord is that He desires a people to take some initiative. We are called to be speaking hope to people. We are set apart to extend practical help to others. Sometimes we are waiting for people to come to us when in reality sometimes we need to be going to them. We carry authority and we carry something so special that people are in desperate need of. The man was hanging around the temple and simply hanging around the temple was never enough. The man actually needed AN ENCOUNTER with the Lord. Peter and John carried the Lord in them and through that power the man was healed. It was truly like being face to face with Jesus. Only an encounter with the presence of God could do this. There is no stopping the kingdom of God when we see His power through the Holy Spirit.

I also love how Peter and John invited the man to look deeper than external experiences. The external or the “facts” are not what define us as a child of God. I invite you to look deeper than what it appears to be externally. What do you NEED in your life? An encounter in the presence of God can change you. Remember there is unlimited potential on your life as a child of God but we must mix our faith with what He wants to tell us. Okay, so what can that look like? What does it look like to encounter Him just like the beggar did that day? Well there is no magic formula. I will let you know 5 ways to just get into His presence if this is new to you…there are many more ways to notice His presence but I want to keep it simple right now.

1. Get in the WORD- I love what Bill Johnson says about the Bible. It’s the only book where the author shows up when you are reading it.
2. Find a place to pray- ask for Holy Spirit to fill the room. Ask Him questions. Get to know what He thinks about you.
3. Notice HIM! I am learning that God is not only meeting you in your prayer closet. He is at the grocery store, in your car, etc. I recently went to a cycle class and God revealed to me that even in the midst of super loud music and an instructor talking the whole time, I can still be in His presence and hear from Him.
4. I love going on walks, I love getting into nature. The Word says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands”- His goodness is all around.
5. Make yourself a testimony list. RECOUNT His faithfulness in your life. Begin to praise Him and thank Him. Watch how it shifts your posture and invites Him in!

I believe God wants to take you from survival mode to actually enjoying life and looking for ways to encounter Him. Well I wrote this and planned on going a different direction with the story but I think this is what He wants to get across. ENCOUNTER HIM and be prepared for new ways of noticing His presence.

Also, I would love for you to head over to the podcast for a quick 15 minute refresh and more about this story! https://open.spotify.com/episode/6N8SHXx06LV8c0syTcSCQX?si=cc27c930d55d4fe6