Letting God
Opening Prayer
“Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me” (Daniel Iverson, © 1965 Birdwing Music/EMI Christian Music Publishing).
Read ACTS 4:32-37
[32] All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. [33] With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. [34] There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales [35] and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he 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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How could these people act so radically and generously?A few years ago a woman walked into the bank where I have my mortgage. She handed several thousand dollars to the teller and said, “I’ve decided I don’t need this,” to the astonished teller. “Please use it to help some families who are struggling to pay their mortgages.”
What’s so remarkable about that woman is not just her generosity. It is her freedom from the need to control what happened to her own money. It won’t surprise you to know that the woman was a Christian. This passage demonstrates that when Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit (31) several things happen. Issues that caused disunity and disputes melt away (32); tongues which found it hard to speak about Jesus become loosened (33); material possessions, money, houses and property lose their grip on their owners (34-37).
This powerful experience emerged from a deep sense of togetherness and dependence on God. It’s important to get the order right. We’re not filled with the Spirit because we do these things; we do these things because we’re filled with the Spirit.
Apply
What major differences has the Holy Spirit made in your relationships with others in your church and family?
Closing prayer
Lord, I want to have such a filling of Your Spirit that disputes will dissolve and possessions will lose their grip.
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