The Church

 

“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” Acts 4:32-35 

 

This post started off drastically different from what I’m finishing with. I just feel that there is a time and a place for everything and that right now I need to stick with encouragement. 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, let’s get back to scripture and put aside the selfishness and “feel good” doctrine that we hear from so many sources today. Pray for God to open the eyes of our hearts and help us to see the work that He has for us. Ask Him to give us the strength, courage, and boldness to continue on. 

What am I encouraging? I’m encouraging each and every one of us to live truly how the bible teaches us to live as Christians.  

Let us pray the same as those who prayed in Acts 4 verses 29b through 30 “grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 

As we go throughout our day today and into the future as God grants each of us let’s keep this verse buried into our heart and mind. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” Hebrews 13:2 

 

I would like to leave everyone with a challenge. Put yourself aside and remember that all you have, even the very breath that you breathe belongs to God and God alone. As Christians we are to be like Christ Himself. Let’s not forget each and every day that God sees, hears, and knows our hearts and actions. Whether it’s a stranger or loved one that we encounter today, let’s remember that even if we’re not entertaining angels we may be encountering a test from God to see how we respond. Will you be a good steward of the resources that He has provided? Will you sacrifice of yourself to be like Christ to another? 

 

Father God, I bow my heart humbly at Your feet asking forgiveness for all the times and occasions that I’ve missed opportunities to show Jesus to others and acted out of selfishness instead. I pray for myself and my brothers and sisters that You would grant us courage and boldness and soften our hearts towards those around us. Help us to remember that our lives are not our own and that living like Christ is what our faith is all about. Whether a stranger or a family member help us to understand Your calling for us today to show that to others. Help us to grow in our faith and let the fruits of our lives show that we believe in You and in the saving grace of Christ Jesus. Help us to put aside ourselves and our selfish desires and to help meet the needs of those around us in Jesus’ name.  

Father God, I ask that You would bless each and every one of us out of the great storehouse of Your blessings and good things. I pray that You will lift each of us up onto Your lap as Your children and heal our wounds, comfort our hearts and spirits, pronounce Your great blessings over us, and pour out Your great gifts and blessings over us that others might know that You love and bless Your children with Your goodness and great things. I pray these things in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; AMEN!