September 23, 2019

September 23
Running with Jesus  

Acts 10:4 "And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."

      Today we will focus on this man Cornelius giving alms that was noticed by God.  Alms were donations given to the poor and needy and are given above the tithe. I have heard we have not given sacrificially until we learn to give alms. Our tithes are expected but alms are voluntary sacrificial giving. Church members do not usually realize that the blessings come when we go beyond giving our tithes. God looks upon our hearts and He is looking for givers.
       I can tell you from experience you will never out give God. He honors giving. He is our ultimate role model for giving. He gave His only Son for sinful men. God keeps on giving do you realize everything we have is a gift from God. He gives us energy and strength to work to be able to have money. He gives us air to breathe that sustains us. He gives grace and peace. He gives mercy and love. If God cease to give we would cease to live.
               

Father, help us to follow You, our ultimate role model of giving. If we see someone who has a need help us meet that need. Lord we want Your blessings upon our lives. Give us what we need to help others. Let us understand what it means to give alms. Help us to intentionally be a giver looking for opportunities as we go through this day.
               
I am not through with Cornelius, so expect him to run with us tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015