SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
OBSERVATION: Paul is giving his farewell sermon to the elders from Ephesus. They had come to Meletus to meet with Paul. He closes his sermon with giving himself as an example of how to work and handle money. He had worked to provide for his own needs and for the needs of those with him. He did not expect others to provide for his needs. When people sent money, he thanked them but he did not ask or expect them to send him money. He used his money to supply his “own needs” and to “help the weak.” He remembered the words of Jesus about giving and receiving.
APPLICATION: When I have financial needs, I have found that often my greatest need is to give. Giving is like sowing seeds into the ground. Moisture and time cause them to sprout, grow, and produce more seeds. Some seeds I can eat, and some must be planted for a future harvest. My planting now may be small, but it will increase.
Consider: the portion of seed I eat is the largest it will ever be but the portion of seed I plant is the smallest it will ever be! I plant by giving!
I believe the Holy Spirit is leading me to write this to some specific persons—persons who this week in some way have asked for money. Ask God to show you something you can give, something of value to you, maybe some money, or some possession, or a service—something that will be a blessing to someone else. The size of the gift is not the issue. Give, not expecting anything in return from the one to whom you give it, but expecting God to bring His blessing to you.
PRAYER: Lord, You are the seed multiplier! You multiply the seed to meet my needs and to give me more to plant. I am the seed planter. Amen!
Pastor Leon
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