THE WONDER OF PENTECOST, THE WONDER OF GIVING

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – JUNE 30, 2020 Moved to Love By David Wilkerson (1931-2011) Most sermons on Pentecost focus on the signs and wonders performed by the apostles, or the 3,000 who were saved in one day, or the cloven tongues of fire that appeared.  But we don't hear about one event that became the greatest wonder of all. This event sent multitudes back to their nations with a vivid, unmistakable impression of who Jesus is. Overnight, thousands of for-sale signs appeared in front of homes throughout Jerusalem and the surrounding area.  Scripture says,  "All that believed were together, and had all things in common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need...Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need" (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35). Imagine the scene in Jerusalem!  Multitudes of houses, lots and farmland were suddenly being sold off, as well as household goods such as furniture, clothes, crafts, pots and pans, works of art. Onlookers had to ask, ‘What’s going on? Do these people know something we don’t?”  Any believer would respond, “No, we’re followers of Jesus and when we gave our hearts to the Messiah, his Spirit changed us.  Now we’re doing the works of God and raising money for the poor and helpless.” How did the Holy Spirit bring about this sudden change of heart in those newly baptized believers in Jerusalem?  It was through the quickening in their hearts of the words of Jesus:  “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me” (Matthew 25:35-36). These believers knew they could never live the same way again.  Suddenly they saw how serious this matter of representing Jesus truly is and it drove them into their houses to find everything they didn’t need and then take those goods to the streets to sell.  Simply put, Christ’s Word gave them a new attitude of love and concern for the needy. If you cry out for God’s touch and seek to have a new passion for Jesus, you’ll be taken on a great journey by the Holy Spirit.  At some point on that path, you’ll end up facing the challenge of Jesus to care for others.  Read OnlineDownload PDFForward to a Friend

Your Gift Makes a Difference  Because of your generosity thousands around the world are freed from despair caused by poverty. Join us in sparking hope in the darkest places in Christ’s name. Give Now

The Vision Audio Podcast The Vision is a prayerfully compiled exploration of David Wilkerson’s vision about the world and church’s future brought to you through a podcast. Listen Now   The Preeminent Passion in the Heart of God What is the deepest desire of God’s heart? Guest Sam Storms joins Gary to discuss this question and more. Watch Now   Latest Newsletter: In One Hour, Everything is Going to Change Isaiah warns that in the last days, God will turn the world upside down and everything will change. Read Now

You are welcome to make copies for FREE distribution or retransmit the devotional via e-mail, but all devotionals must be copied or retransmitted in their entirety. However, devotionals may not be posted on any website, printed, or used in any media without written permission from World Challenge, Inc. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact World Challenge, Inc. using our online contact form or by calling (719) 487-7888. © 2020 World Challenge, Inc. Transforming Lives Through the Message and Mission of Jesus Christ