Summer Devotional:
​No Other Name - A Devotional on the Book of Acts

Day 6 – June 12th, 2021
Read Acts 3:1-11

Helpful Background
In Acts 3:1-11, Peter and John heal a lame man in a very public place and time. The lame man had been brought daily to a main gate of the temple, which was a prime spot for begging. Peter and John approached the man as they were on their way into the temple, and he asked them for money. When Peter and John looked at the man directly, (not avoiding the encounter as many probably had done,) the man looked expectantly to them for some cash. Peter responded by saying: “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

Questions - Peter and John gave the lame man a gift even before the miracle happened.  They gave him respect and attention.  Even if we cannot give help, healing, money, or a miracle, what can we give to those who God may put in our path?  How can we “love our neighbor,” and how is this even possible?  

Grab your journal or use the notes section on your phone.
Respond to the Scripture reading with your thoughts, questions, and/or prayer response to today’s Bible verses.​

Who was instrumental in your life in helping you to meet and/or follow Jesus? 

My journey in this walk with God began in the Catholic church.  My mother wanted her three sons to attend church with her, which we did through junior high school.  The Catholic mass, in the 1960’s, was mostly done in Latin, and my brothers and I grew restless and bored.  Our mother finally let us decide for ourselves what to do about church.  My brothers and I drifted away from church, and as we went into high school, we got involved in sports and other activities.

My best friend in school, Ken M., started going to the North Modesto Church of God.  I noticed many positive changes in his life.  He invited me to visit, and I started attending every Sunday.  I’ve always enjoyed playing sports, and they invited me to play on the church teams.  I saw many examples of Godly men who didn’t pressure me into making a decision to join the church, but were friends and mentors.  One of these men was Jim A.  He was very passionate about his faith, and wasn’t afraid to shout an “Amen” during the pastor’s sermons.  I did ultimately find Christ at that church.

Amy and I have been attending Centenary since 1988, and we have been blessed with good pastors and wonderful supportive and caring friends.  My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.  Like everyone, I know I fall short, but I’m striving to do better each day.  We’re all just a work in progress.
-Shared by Mark C.

For more background information & study questions on the Book of Acts, check out Brian Ralston's handouts here.