THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
… and God’s great blessing was upon them all.
Acts 4:33 (NLT)
WE GIVE BECAUSE WE ARE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
Marquis de Lafayette was a French officer who provided invaluable assistance to George Washington and the struggling American army. After the war was over, he returned to France and resumed his life as a farmer of many estates. In 1783, the harvest was a terrible one, and there were many who suffered as a result. Lafayette’s farms were unaffected by the devastating crop failures. One of his workers offered what seemed to be good advice to Lafayette, “The bad harvest has raised the price of wheat. This is the time to sell.” After thinking about the hungry peasants in the surrounding villages, Lafayette disagreed and said, “No, this is the time to give.”
God blesses us not just for our own benefit, but also so that we can be a blessing to others in need. The tendency to hoard and try to build up more and more is a dangerous one, and the best antidote to greed is to be a generous giver. There is certainly no shortage of people in need today, and while we cannot meet every need, if we do what we can, God will multiply resources so that it is enough. (Lesson Commentary, Daniel Lioy)
“Great blessings” were on the church. That phrase is literally “mega-grace” was on them. On one side great power accompanied their testifying and on the other side great grace was blessing them. God was greatly blessing the church and the church was greatly blessing others.
Reflection
God hasn’t just blessed you for you. God has blessed you so you can bless others. Make a list of ways God has showered you with blessings or “mega-grace.” How can you use those blessings to be a blessing to others?
Praise
Thank God for His great blessings in your life. Ask God to show you how you can use your blessings to bless someone else in Jesus name.
