Title: Are You Fully Alive?
Text:
Acts 20:35 (HCSB)
35 In every way I've shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Observation:
What does it mean to be fully alive? Consider the words of Jesus recorded in this verse.
John 10:10 (HCSB)
10 A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
How can we have a life that is fully alive; a life that pleases God, and is a blessing to others, and to ourselves. What Jesus said about this is our focal passage for today.
Acts 20:35 (HCSB)
35 In every way I've shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
I remember the lyrics of a song from a youth camp many years ago. The words were similar to these, "Someone needs you Lord, come by here".
Many people that we come in contact with daily are praying a prayer for help. We need to listen to their cry, and if we are walking with God, and God is alive in us, then we should meet that need in the name of the Lord.
What is the desire of Jesus? This is what He says in the Word of God.
John 20:21 (HCSB)
21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
Why not pause and consider the blessings and the benefits that accrue from being a giver. Then make a decision to be light and salt in this world that so desperately needs the Lord. Even the smallest gift yields large results.
Matthew 10:42 (HCSB)
42 And whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple—I assure you: He will never lose his reward!"
Prayer:
Father, I lift up, and exalt Your name above every name on earth, and in heaven.
Father, stir the hearts of Your people until the desires of our hearts are aligned with the desires of Your heart.
Father, change our hearts so that we will experience in our life the reality that we are more blessed when we are givers than when we are receivers. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:
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