We encourage you to read this devotion three times a
day. Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection
question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon
question for reflection. For the evening, take time to ponder how this
has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening
question. We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we
invite you to pray what is in your heart.
Reflection:
I went to a swim party for a friend’s birthday. I think I was around 7 years old. We had spent forever at the pool. There were many games played, laughter, and just a joyous time. As soon we loaded up in the van, our distractions had came to a screeching halt. Everyone was hungry. This poor mother; with 7 girls realizing they were hungry. Luckily, she was prepared—ish. She had an open box of granola bars in the car. She counted them out and handed a granola bar to every other girl. There weren’t enough for everyone to get one. So, we needed share. I remember my granola bar partner. She carefully broke it in half to be sure she got herself a bigger portion than everyone else. I was sort of hungry, but not really in that desperate of need for the nourishment, but it left me feeling unsettled. It was not fair. What about equality? The granola bar should have been split evenly. We become that way with possessions. This belongs to me and not you. It’s mine. We like the ownership. We like to see all that we have; maybe it gives us confidence. In verse 32, they did something odd. Those who believed were of one heart and soul. They shared. They no longer had the desire to boost one’s self worth, but only God’s self-worth. In the end, everyone had what they needed.
Reflection Questions:
Acts
4:32-35
32 Now
the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one
claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was
held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34There
was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold
them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35They laid it at
the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Reflection:
I went to a swim party for a friend’s birthday. I think I was around 7 years old. We had spent forever at the pool. There were many games played, laughter, and just a joyous time. As soon we loaded up in the van, our distractions had came to a screeching halt. Everyone was hungry. This poor mother; with 7 girls realizing they were hungry. Luckily, she was prepared—ish. She had an open box of granola bars in the car. She counted them out and handed a granola bar to every other girl. There weren’t enough for everyone to get one. So, we needed share. I remember my granola bar partner. She carefully broke it in half to be sure she got herself a bigger portion than everyone else. I was sort of hungry, but not really in that desperate of need for the nourishment, but it left me feeling unsettled. It was not fair. What about equality? The granola bar should have been split evenly. We become that way with possessions. This belongs to me and not you. It’s mine. We like the ownership. We like to see all that we have; maybe it gives us confidence. In verse 32, they did something odd. Those who believed were of one heart and soul. They shared. They no longer had the desire to boost one’s self worth, but only God’s self-worth. In the end, everyone had what they needed.
Reflection Questions:
Morning:
When have you desired more?
Noon:
What do you think it would be like
to be of one heart and soul?
Evening:
How might you be able to share your
wealth?
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