December 27, 2012 - Acts 28:8

            “His (Publius, the chief official of Malta) father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery.  Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.”  Acts 28:8.

            After the shipwreck, Paul found himself on the island of Malta.  After shaking off the viper that bit him while he was gathering wood for the fire and not being affected by its bite, Paul became an instant celebrity and was invited into the home of the chief official of the island.  While staying with Publius, Paul realized that the official’s father was in bed, suffering greatly.  Paul visited with the man and, after a period of prayer, he laid his hands on the sick man and he was immediately better.  Word spread all over the small island, and the people brought their sick for Paul to heal.  Paul had no possessions to speak of, but what he did have, he freely shared with all around him.

            There have been times in the past when I hoped that somehow I would become a rich man; a multi-millionaire, saying that if I was rich, I would give away large amounts.  Of course, I would keep large amounts for myself, as well!  Now I realize how much God has already blessed me, and He has challenged me with whether or not I would freely give whatever I had, if He asked me to do it.  Paul willingly gave out of the abundance God had given him, whether it was material gifts or spiritual gifts, such as healing.  God has blessed each one of us with gifts, and, if our hearts are open to it, we could learn to give of them freely to others.  I used to think that I was not very gifted, but that really doesn’t matter.  What is more important is not how many gifts I have but how I use them to help those around me.

            Questions to consider: How has God gifted you?  How do you share your gifts with others?  What hinders you from sharing your gifts with others?  Can you overcome those hindrances?  How?

            Prayer: Father, thank You so much for how You made me and for the gifts You have given me.  Please help me to use them freely and responsibly in order to glorify Your name and to further Your kingdom.  Amen.