Sharing all you have - would I give up my last cookie?

This is my SOAP devotional for 4/22

S - Acts 4:32
32All 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.

O - Being of one heart and mind is an ideal picture of unity. Believers in one heart and mind is God's ideal plan for His people. In order to be united in this way we must seek the biblical foundation of sharing everything. In fact, we must embrace unity through the spirit of acknowledging that all things belong to God. The fact that these believers eliminated poverty among them shows how powerful the biblical principles laid out here really are.

A - I know some that would give their last shirt if someone needed it...I'm not so sure I'm that generous. I don't even like to give up the last Oreo in the cookie jar to my kids! I may give up my time and my encouragement, and even take a meal to someone, and I give to charity of course, but I probably still have a lot to learn in the depths of my heart about being a generous giver in the material sense.

This way of living in this passage was
1. voluntary
2. involved not all property but what was needed (not greedy)
3. not a membership requirement of the church
It would go a long way if we all lived this way today. The Amish actually live by these principles mostly although they may have "requirements" to live in their community. The more government forces us to "share", I believe the more people become resistant, resentful, greedy, and feel entitled. When we are required instead of given the choice, the farther we move away from these biblical principles. This is really the same way it is with the foundations of faith. God gives us a CHOICE to follow Him...we are not required, therefore, we are FREE to follow His laws and place Him as the ruler of our lives...or, live by our own choices, outside the guidance of the Lord almighty. Some say, where is God? Well, if we are not following His ways then it is natural for us to not feel He is interceding in our lives because we have basically asked Him to stay out of our affairs. If we want to feel blessed, then we must first "volunteer" to make Jesus Lord of our life, having given His life as a substitute for ours. We must be grateful for what we have and seek God's guidance in doing and giving in the ways that He is calling us to. When we see what we have as "enough" then we have enough to give...even the last cookie.

P - To be your arms and feet Lord, to care for those among us that are in need is a privilege. May I always have compassion to give freely what YOU have given me. All things are yours Lord and I am grateful to even be a part of it. I pray for those that have little, may they see the richness of their lives through the blessings you have given. And I pray for those that have much, that they would be generous in seeing all that they have as TOO much so that they might share it with compassion on those that need it. May ALL of us open our eyes to see those in need and give freely.

A leader trusts in the Lord

This is my SOAP devotional for 4/15 - I find it ironic that I would read this on "tax day" when many were protesting the actions of the govt. with "tea parties". I too may not agree with the choices of govt. but it is important to remember that all leaders need our prayers more than anything else we do.

S - Psalm 21:7
For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.

O - Even kings who have great power to determine the actions of their subjects on this earth should trust in the Lord. Just as we read about Pilate giving in to the demands of the people, a good leader seeks God's wisdom instead of popularity, or power. God pours out His love on those that seek Him, and He keeps them from stumbling. In fact, the Lord's love is great for ALL...most especially those that put aside their personal desires and seek His guidance.

A - In a leadership role (parent, music teacher, community leader, bible teacher, etc.) I must be seeking God's wisdom in ALL things, even when I feel confident and secure in my decision making. Even when decisions seem "biblically obvious". God only allows those that He wants in power to remain in power. Therefore, I must be in prayer for ALL leaders in business, in politics, in our schools, in our communities...all of these need our prayers to seek God's wisdom, regardless of whether we agree with their decisions.

P - Lord, you promise that when I seek you with my whole heart, you are there. Just as I already prayed that I would not be subject to pressure from others, will you help me be the leader that YOU desire me to be, taking a stand to embrace YOUR standards, even when it's hard? Will you help me remember to be in prayer for all leaders in my community and in government, even when I believe they are not seeking YOUR wisdom? May I be patient to know that YOU have placed them in leadership for a reason. Your ways and wisdom, and your unfailing love are ALWAYS good. Just like the song says, "How many kings would come down from their throne to die for me?" You alone did that for me and for ALL of us! Oh, that I would be humble to remember your sacrifice and live my life with this same humility. Amen.