August 23, 2020

August 23

Running with Jesus

Acts 4:32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

     Our society is a stingy and self centered one. It is all about what we want and can get. There is a remedy when we run with Christ. Did you notice what kept these first century Christians from being stingy and selfish? They felt what they had was not their own. If we are going to become a giver we have to transfer ownership of everything we have.  God has given us the physical ability to work and function as we run through life. You will have a desire to hold on and hoard when you do not transfer ownership. He owns it all we only have to teach ourselves what is the right thing to do. We become givers and not takers. Our world is filled with takers and we must pray to be givers. So what can we work on to help us?

    First make sure you give yourself to God and realize you are only a manager of all He has given you. Next ask Him how He wants you to use your resources. If He is our lender should He not control our spender! Oops! I stepped on a toe! Ouch! That was mine! Thank the Lord He always keeps me in line! He wants to help you too!  Before making a purchase do we pray one of those popcorn prayers or do we dialogue all day long living in His presence being guided each step of the way! 

     So are you a giver or a taker? Let's have a think! All those extra clothes can be taken to Jesus Cares! Oh do you  tithe?  (Shh! Not suppose to mention that one! But you are missing the blessing and we can't get in His presence without OBEDIENCE! Where do we get our refreshing? Just saying!) I better run ahead of some of you or you may push me out of the way! 

     These believers were so close to God that is how they had one heart and one mind and it lead them to sharing! If you are not sharing you don't know the heart and mind of God!  God has always been a giver. He is the giver of life, sustainer, strength, mercy, forgiveness, pardons sins, and gives us eternal life. He supplies our every need! We are to be imitators of God! Be a giver!

Father, we give ourselves to You and ask You to help us manage our world as a giver and not a taker. Remove any stingy greedy spirit we might have. Fill us with Your giving Spirit. Show us where to begin imitating and running with You. We want to align with Your heart and mind. 

Let's meet Barnabas in the morning.

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015