When Jesus used Peter and John to heal crippled beggar in Acts 3, it had several powerful effects.

The first of which, obviously, was a man received freedom from an incredibly painful, life-long ordeal. This is just another portrait of compassionate nature of our God, to touch us and heal us where we hurt most.

But secondly, this miracle had a residual effect for kingdom of God. Others were touched by God’s kindness and mercy in this man’s life.

When all people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as same man who used to sit begging at temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him (Acts 3:9).

We don’t know precisely how long this man had sat crippled outside temple gate, but word does tell us he was there every day. That means many people knew of this man’s condition and former way of life.

We may not have walked out of a wheelchair, or been healed of a life-long sickness or ordeal, but there is not one of us who hasn’t been greatly touched by him in some way. In itself, fact he has saved us from our lost, sinful state is a miracle.

I know we are all immensely grateful for God’s love, mercy and goodness in our lives. Where would we be without it? But God wants that goodness to not only flow to us, but through us as well.

Jeremy and I had already finished eating and were talking about Rockets as Jeremiah paid close attention to everything in restaurant but meat on his plate.

Dad kept reminding child that he still needed to finish his lunch. Each time Jeremy spoke to him, Jeremiah would briefly return to his food, but after a small bite he'd go back to playing with salt shaker or giggling with child seated behind him.

Finally, dad spoke what seemed to be magic words: "Jeremiah, if you don't finish that meat, I'm not going to buy you an ice cream cone."

The meat suddenly became most important item in room.

Jeremiah would take a bite or two and stay focused until he seemingly forgot what his dad had just spoken to him. Three minutes later, with half his lunch still uneaten, Jeremiah's attention returned to hustle and bustle of his environment.

Frustrated but determined, Jeremy went to counter and got his son an ice cream cone, which sat melting on table in front of him until every bite of meat had disappeared from youngster's plate.

"That's how I see you," God's still small voice spoke very clearly inside of me.

Perplexed, I looked at this cute little kid with melted ice cream smeared all over his face and dripping down front of his t-shirt. And I realized, in amazement, that God had just used this child and his dad to illustrate a very important point to me.

Our heavenly daddy is no different! He has given us a book of promises and they all sit on table. Our ice cream cone sits before us, waiting for moment in which we have done what he has required, feeding on his word and nourishing ourselves so he can gleefully give us treat we've been so eagerly waiting for.