Day 37: The Disciples at Antioch Gave

Word:

As we wrap up our 40 Days of Discipleship, we will spend the next few days meditating on God's call and work in and through the church at Antioch. We are believing for a similar move of the Spirit so that we would be a community committed to being disciples and making disciples who reach the four corners of the world.

The disciples at Antioch provide a powerful example of what this looks like in practice. As we continue reading in Acts 11, we see that the work of discipleship in the church at Antioch was not shallow, but deep. It touched their hearts and their finances. When they heard about their brothers and sisters in Christ who were in need, they responded with generous hearts, each one contributing as they were able to meet the needs. Their hearts were touched with love for Jesus and His people, and it moved them to action. A disciplemaking church is marked by love and generosity.

Scriptures For Today:

As you read today's Scriptures, read slowly and attentively, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you meditate on His Word.

Acts 11.27-30 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

2 Corinthians 8.9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

2 Corinthians 9.6-11 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Worship:

Prayer:

Jesus, You were rich and You became poor for my sake. I bring an open heart and open hands to You today. My resources are Yours to distribute as You see fit today!

Listen & Obey:

Spend two minutes in silent, listening prayer. Write down what you sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

Here are some prompts to assist you:

Lord, what do You want to speak to me from these passages of Scripture as I start my day?

How do You want me to apply this truth today?

Who do I need to share this with today?