Scripture
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Reflection
I recently had the amazing opportunity to join SCF’s Reach ministry (mission ministry) to reach out to children in Thailand who are more susceptible to human trafficking and child exploitation. One of the main take away points to me was the realization that nothing I did merit what I have nor where I come from. It’s purely by the grace of God that I wasn’t born in Thailand and or experienced what some of those children experienced. And it’s from this place of gratitude towards God for His grace in my life that I should not cling to the things He has blessed me with for my own personal gain. We are blessed to be a blessing. After all, everything we own is God’s and it’s from this place that the author of Acts writes these verses (Con).
Thoughts for the day
- Are you focusing firstly on your own needs and only then on other’s needs?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for a renewed sense of God’s Presence. Allow yourself to stop and acknowledge God’s presence – pray, “Holy Spirit come”.
Note: For more opportunities reach out to others visit our website at https://www.shanghaifellowship.org/ and get involved to be a blessing.
