The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Sunday, 22 October 2017 "Eight Acres of Encouragement" by Wayne Greenawalt, Jr. - Acts of the Apostles 4:32-37

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Sunday, 22 October 2017 "Eight Acres of 
Encouragement" by Wayne Greenawalt, Jr.   - Acts of the Apostles 4:32-37

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017 

Let us consider how we may spur one another 
on toward love and good deeds.  (Hebrews 10:24 (NIV))
Several years ago my church wrestled with the prospect of building a new facility. Our location on a corner lot downtown prohibited expansion, and parking was limited. Our congregation could not grow at this location. But the task of raising funds to design and build a new facility seemed daunting. Then there was the question of a new building site. Where would we relocate? After much prayer and deliberation, the congregation voted to move ahead.
At the outset of the campaign a friend of the congregation, a builder, contributed a major gift. He donated eight acres of prime property to serve as the new building site. Not only did this generous gift encourage us, it motivated members of the church to make generous gifts as well. The church reached its financial goals, and we have been worshiping in our new facility for the past five years.
The builder’s gift of property was just what our congregation needed to take the next step in growing our church. Our gifts, great or small, can be the encouragement someone needs to answer God’s call.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Dear Lord, help us to look for ways to encourage others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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TODAY'S READING: Acts of the Apostles 4:32-37
Acts 4:32 All the many believers were one in heart and soul, and no one claimed any of his possessions for himself, but everyone shared everything he had. 33 With great power the emissaries continued testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and they were all held in high regard. 34 No one among them was poor, since those who owned lands or houses sold them and turned over the proceeds 35 to the emissaries to distribute to each according to his need. 36 Thus Yosef, whom the emissaries called Bar-Nabba (which means “the Exhorter”), a Levi and a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field which belonged to him and brought the money to the emissaries.
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
How can I encourage the faith of others through acts of generosity?

PRAYER FOCUS:
CHURCHES Planning for the future

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Header Photo Credit: "Harvested Land," Beth Shumate. August 15, 2014. (link)

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