UNLEASHED TRANSFORMATION: STOP, LOOK & LISTEN

Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. ² As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.

⁴ Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money.  Acts 3:1-5 

It's always been said the " the eyes are the windows to the soul," and while that may be hard to pin down where that originated from, we know to some degree there's truth in that statement.   It's the reason why liars struggle to make eye contact.   It's why when we are deeply hurt making eye contact explodes those tiny tear ducts to pouring out the pain contained in us.   This instance is really no different......the beggar didn't attempt to make eye contact with Peter & John no more than Peter and John initially tried to either. 

But let's not miss the many things to be gathered in these verses.....we see that Peter & John STOPPED (they allowed for there agenda to be interrupted) when the man asked for money.  How often when asked for ___________________ that you actually stop, and they did more than just stopped they LOOKed at, and made eye contact with the one asking.    We've all done it....we didn't make eye contact we'll dig in the cup holder or our pocket and throw a few coins into the bucket, or their hat.....with an intentionality of knock locking eyes because we may now feel obligated for more.  

But Peter and John were still apparently in this flow of the Spirit of God because they called this man to really LOOK at them, to LOOK upon them as if they needed him to see something too.   Maybe that something was they aren't the wealthy.....that they too are living off the generosity of others.....but we know that they locked eyes and what Peter said...........(we'll get into what he gave tomorrow)  But my challenge to you is can you, will you STOP long enough today to LOOK and see who it is that are asking for your attention and LISTEN to not only what it is they are asking (being fully present) but also listen to what the Spirit will be directing you on what to do or say?  Because the danger is that we can STOP & LOOK but fail to listen and give people what we think they want, or what we think they need, and miss out on an amazing opportunity of taking part in and witnessing a miracle.    If you really don't want to miss out on the AMAZING GOD has planned for you today....you have to LOVE GOD enough to STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and be prepared to LOVE PEOPLE!  LGLP