A True Heart 11.10.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Acts, please read Chapters 4-6 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%204-6&version=9

Today we will read about Peter, John, and Stephen's arrest; believers sharing their possessions; Ananias and Sapphira; and seven helpers. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that one may appear to be right with God in the sight of others, but God knows our true heart.

Loyalty to the Lord and love for one another spread through the first Church. "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 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. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 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 4:31-35). It was no doubt that this was great encouragemtent to the congregations as most of the Jews that confessed Jesus as the Messiah probably lost their jobs. There is no mention of anyone being required to sell his property or to share his wealth, but their willingness to place it befor the apostle's showed God they knew that their possessions were not there own, but gifts from God.

Ananias and his wife Sapphira also sold a piece of property; but, they gave only a part of the proceeds to the church while giving the impression they were giving everything just as others had done. "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." (5:1-4). The property was theirs to dispose of as they chose as all giving was voluntary, but the generous gift that was given to them was a lie.

Today there can be found an Ananias and Sapphira who outwardly embrace the Christian faith and unite with the Church; yet their lives are only an outward effort to please God with an inward desire to still satisfy self. The majority of their time and money is devoted to self and the world, and the Holy Spirit knows the difference.

God rightfully owns all that He created, but He only requires us to return to Him one-tenth of what He has entrusted to us, thereby acknowledging that we are only stewards of His property. Tithing is not an option we have, it is a debt we owe. We may not all have money to give, but we can give our time and share what we have to show God that He comes first above all things. We can give 10% of our time to Him each day to show Him that He comes first and we can also give 10% of our possessions as well. Luke said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Often the days converge into another and before we know it a year has passed. Help us to be keenly aware of each new day and the opportunity it holds for us to be engaged in our Father's business. We want to daily turn to Your holy Word for wisdom so that we will present to You a heart full of godly wisdom and a life fully surrendered to You. In Jesus name.....Amen.

Have a wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

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