DAILY-E-VOTIONAL
BLESSINGS FROM THE HEART
Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
July 7, 2020
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“A GIVER!”
Acts 4:36-37
“For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.”
If you are anything like me, you enjoy being around people who hold lightly onto the things of this world and give freely of themselves and their possessions. They seem to enjoy giving more than receiving. They relish watching others benefit from a thoughtful gift rather than grasping what is available to them.
Here in Acts 4 we have another illustration of the nature of Barnabas. We have no idea of his net worth or how much property he owned. We’re only told that he sold a field and gave the proceeds to the apostles. That money would be used to supply the needs of the widows and orphans.
His gift also set the stage for a tragic incident in the body of believers that is recorded in Acts 5. A couple named Ananias and Sapphira evidently became envious of the respect shown for the gift Barnabas had brought to the apostles. They sought to grasp that same respect for themselves by selling some property they owned. The difference was that they only donated a portion of the proceeds from the sale but claimed they gave the total amount received.
The apostle Peter was given spiritual knowledge of their lie and confronted them. The stunning result of their lying to the church (and thus to the Lord) was that they both fell dead instantly.
Barnabas did not give to be seen by men, but he gave as unto the Lord. That should be the way we present our gifts of tithes and offerings. Hold the things of this world lightly in order to receive the blessings the Lord has laid up for us from His throne room in heaven. HOW IS YOUR GIVING TO THE LORD?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
- - - Pastor Cecil
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