October 11 2011

The Real Needs

Reading: Acts 3:2-6, 2And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. 3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. 4But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, "Look at us!" 5And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!" (NASB)

Men, imagine going out hunting with a friend of yours and while you both walk away from your car to your hunting spots with gun in hand. Your friend steps into a hole and his gun goes off. You run to his side and realize that he has sustained a life threatening wound from the gunshot. But, your friend begins complaining about how badly his ankle hurts from stepping into the hole. What would you do? What wound would you address? Can you imagine spending your time trying to make his ankle feel better and even trying to make a splint for his ankle while he continues to lose an excessive amount of blood? That would be CRAZY! Can you imagine the looks of the EMT’s when they arrive and you explain what you have already done to help him?

Unfortunately, this is what we tend to do with the needs of others. They are blind to their real need. “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…” (II Corinthians 4:4). Peter knew this very well. He could have quickly walked around and taken up a small collection for this man but he knew that his real need was the fatal wound to his soul as he was spiritually bleeding to death.

Men, today, look for the real needs of people. Those needs are not based on their financial status. Look closely!!! How can you try to meet the real needs of those around you today?








End of the Day Review

How did you meet the real needs of those around you today?


What apparent impact did it make on them? How did it impact you?