‘Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.’ – Acts 9:36
LIGHT FOR THE NOW: Only God gave Himself to man.
Giving is so loud in the Epistles that certain Bible characters are used as examples for good deeds. A believer named Dorcas was highly commended for her good works as shown in today’s key text. She was known for her gift and a good report was made of her. Acts 9:37-40 puts it this way. ‘And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died; whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter … prayed and … said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up’. Dorcas was favourably reported on because of her good deeds. The beneficiaries of her good deed stood by her at death because she met their needs when she was alive. What will you be remembered for when you exit the physical realm? Do your gifts meet the needs of others? does your live have positive impacts other people?
Barnabas is another Bible character whose good work is reported in Acts 4:36-37. It reads ‘Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.’ Barnabas sold his land and willingly surrendered the money to the Leadership of the Church for its administration. Can you voluntarily donate your material possession for the upkeep of the church? Can you willingly give your fortunes for the advancement of kingdom interest? Just think about it: What will you be remembered for when you exit the physical realm?
Above all, remember that, in all you give, you cannot out-give God. Only God gave Himself to man. Soberly reflect on this truth. You give in response to what Christ has already done.Paul rightly asked, ‘What do you have that you did not receive?’ You can only give what you received. If you don’t receive, you cannot have. And if you don’t have you cannot give.
INSTRUCTION:Only God gave Himself to man. Be eternally grateful to Christ.
Prayer:Lord, I thank you because you first gave yourself to me, in Jesus Name!
QUOTE:You can only give what you received. If you don’t receive, you cannot give
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: EXODUS CHAPTER 23; EVENING: ACTS CHAPTER 23
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 