Acts 20:35

Scripture: 

Acts 20:35 – “…In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NASB)

Observation:

I couldn't wait for the day to get here, and neither could my eldest daughter. There are a few days that stood out in my mind during my career as a firefighter. No, it wasn't the day I helped rescue someone, or put out a fire, or helped deliver a baby. While those were some great memories, the day that stands out the most was Zoo Day. It was the day we would take the mentally and physically challenged children to the zoo. I was blessed to bring along my eldest daughter to help wheel some of the children around. The smiles on the children's faces as we talked and watched the animals was priceless.

Today's verse shares that in working hard, we must help the weak and remember it is more blessed to give than receive. My daughter and I came away blessed by the time spent with those children: the laughter, the smiles warmed our hearts, and the thought of how blessed I was to walk back to our car hand in hand with my healthy daughter was something I'll never forget. So as we enter the "giving" season, let's remember that it is truly more blessed to give than receive. Rather than look what's on our gift list, we could look to see who is on our giving list.  

Application:

1) Think about what you just read.

2) Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity and insight.

3) Share this with someone who would benefit from reading it.

4) Make sure others see Jesus in YOU today.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network. Tom lives with his wife, Carolyn, and children in New York. You can connect with Tom on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.