Cornelius stared at him (the angel) in fear. “What do you want, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea. When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. (Acts 10:4-8)
God remembers Cornelius and us when we pray and give our time and money to the less fortunate. Like the sweet aroma of roasted bull placed on the altar, our prayers and gifts reach God and delight Him. He responds by remembering us, giving back, providing favor and spiritual needs, and trusting us in the mission field.
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you give back.” (Luke 6:38) We are unable to outgive God.
Dearest Heavenly Father, what do you want, Lord? In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.