Jumping and Leaping and Praising God!

Then Peter said [to the lame man], "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

—Acts 3:6-8

Key Thought​

Today is leap day. I could not resist using this verse about a man held in bondage all his life because his legs wouldn't work. He never could walk (Acts 3:2). No toddling to a parent as he tried his first steps. He never had the opportunity of falling and getting up. He was stuck. Then, because of grace and the power of the resurrected Jesus, his whole life changed. Through Peter, Jesus freed him from his bondage. As disciples of Jesus, he frees us, too, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul said, "Now the LORD is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17). We are no longer in bondage to sin, death, hell, and our weaknesses. As we have faith in Jesus, the Spirit transforms us to become like our Savior (2 Corinthians 3:18). We can jump, walk, and leap our way toward Jesus because of the Spirit's transforming power!

Today's Prayer​

O precious Father, my heart leaps for joy because of the freedom from sin, death, and hell that Jesus accomplished for me. I walk through each day knowing I am progressively being transformed to be more like Jesus. Thank you! Now I ask, dear Father, that you make your work in me visible to others so they can come and learn about your grace in Jesus. I pray in his name. Amen.

---

Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Continue reading...