Thursday, October 12
Acts 11:27-30
Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Devotional:
As the Christians (followers of the way of Christ) met in fellowship, the Spirit of God allowed one of them the ability to prophesy about a coming famine in the world. Out of the prophecy, the believers choose to do something about the word they had received by faith. In preparation for the famine, they collected food for themselves and for other believers who were far off from their town.
God always brings and allows people and situations into our lives, so that we might know Him and more about Him. God also gives us the ability to act upon what we have experienced or learned by faith. Like the believers who were experiencing plenty, the chances of doubting and not taking action following the prophecy was quite high. In this day and age – where we live in a society of plenty – it can sometimes be hard to believe even the Word of God. There is so much love-of-self that our love for others is often minimized; it’s all about getting what I want and having it for myself. Yet, God is calling us to believe Him, trust Him at His word and act upon it. God leads us to share His Word with others, so that His joy, our joy and the joy of others might be found and fulfilled.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord for your faithfulness. Even when I am faithless, thank You for your Word – which is living truth. Help me learn to heed Your Word and believe it for what It is. May I have faith to act upon what You are telling me; that You might use my obedience to the benefit of others. May my joy be derived from fulfilling Your Word in my life and in the lives of those around me.
Application:
God gives. As God gives me opportunities, may I GIVE thought to His decree and apply it in my life. May I GIVE of myself in a new way today; so that I might meet the needs of others in a way that brings the Lord glory.