Monday, August 26, 2013
Learning to Give from Your Heart
Remember, We may not be able to give much but we can always give the joy that springs in a heart that is in love with God. ~ Mother Teresa
Scripture:
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36 (New International Version)
I love to study the women of the bible. One of my favorites is a woman by the name of Dorcas. Dorcas stands out in the bible as a woman of good works and charitable deeds. While the record of her in the Christian Scripture is limited to a few verses in the ninth chapter of Acts, her example has inspired women throughout history to take upon themselves the needs of the poor.
Dorcas lived during the first century AD. She made her home in Joppa and was associated with a little band of Christians, most of whom were poor. Dorcas, herself, appeared to be a wealthy woman, for her charitable deeds were numerous.
Dorcas proved herself to be a real “doer” of the Word of God, not just a mere “hearer”. What is significant about the account of her life is that Dorcas not only thought up ways of relieving the needy, but she also carried out her plans. She knew what she could do and she did it! Among her charitable deeds was making clothes for widows and the needy of her church community with her own hands. She was not only willing to give money to a cause, but she was willing to invest herself in the works of kindness.
My admiration for this woman of God is grounded in her willingness to serve. Now I know that I am not a Dorcas. However, I do have a heart to serve. I am not a woman of means, but I do give what I can, when I can and I give it willingly. I give not only financially, but I give of myself. I am not afraid to reach out to others.
Today I challenge you my sisters and my brothers in Christ to become more like Dorcas and less like the selfish individuals we all can be. Giving doesn’t always have to be about money, it can be more about your times, your knowledge and your resources.
Remember, when you reach out to help others, your problems will miraculously seem not to be that big.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father in the name of Jesus, we who have chosen to fellowship together desire that our prayers avail much. Father we realize that You know what we have need of before we ask and that we are not all growing in the same manner or on the same time schedule, but we are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I personally thank You Father for placing Angels in my life that help me to fly when I forget I have wings. I thank You Lord for the grace and mercy that You bestow not only on me but to every one of Your Saints. . We pray for all who have come before the throne of Grace, Kneeling before the mercy seat. Father, may we always be mindful to help those who are need. We ask Lord, for the courage and the conviction to reach out and help others who may be in need. Keep us all in Your care and under Your protection once again. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36 (New International Version)
I love to study the women of the bible. One of my favorites is a woman by the name of Dorcas. Dorcas stands out in the bible as a woman of good works and charitable deeds. While the record of her in the Christian Scripture is limited to a few verses in the ninth chapter of Acts, her example has inspired women throughout history to take upon themselves the needs of the poor.
Dorcas lived during the first century AD. She made her home in Joppa and was associated with a little band of Christians, most of whom were poor. Dorcas, herself, appeared to be a wealthy woman, for her charitable deeds were numerous.
Dorcas proved herself to be a real “doer” of the Word of God, not just a mere “hearer”. What is significant about the account of her life is that Dorcas not only thought up ways of relieving the needy, but she also carried out her plans. She knew what she could do and she did it! Among her charitable deeds was making clothes for widows and the needy of her church community with her own hands. She was not only willing to give money to a cause, but she was willing to invest herself in the works of kindness.
My admiration for this woman of God is grounded in her willingness to serve. Now I know that I am not a Dorcas. However, I do have a heart to serve. I am not a woman of means, but I do give what I can, when I can and I give it willingly. I give not only financially, but I give of myself. I am not afraid to reach out to others.
Today I challenge you my sisters and my brothers in Christ to become more like Dorcas and less like the selfish individuals we all can be. Giving doesn’t always have to be about money, it can be more about your times, your knowledge and your resources.
Remember, when you reach out to help others, your problems will miraculously seem not to be that big.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father in the name of Jesus, we who have chosen to fellowship together desire that our prayers avail much. Father we realize that You know what we have need of before we ask and that we are not all growing in the same manner or on the same time schedule, but we are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I personally thank You Father for placing Angels in my life that help me to fly when I forget I have wings. I thank You Lord for the grace and mercy that You bestow not only on me but to every one of Your Saints. . We pray for all who have come before the throne of Grace, Kneeling before the mercy seat. Father, may we always be mindful to help those who are need. We ask Lord, for the courage and the conviction to reach out and help others who may be in need. Keep us all in Your care and under Your protection once again. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
