February 16, 2002
When Believers Unite
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. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 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 sake and put it at the apostles’ feet and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned, and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:32-37 (NIV)
What happens when believers walk in the unity that Christ prayed for? There is great power released, all the needs of the people are met, and much grace abounds. Many will believe this is the beginning of a message of a plea for money and funds. However, let me make this clear right now, that is not the purpose of this message! The believers in this first church took care of those around them. No one was in need. No one went to bed hungry. The apostles and those in leadership positions were kept with all they needed. This nation has an extensive Welfare Program to help the needy. However, in God’s plan this should not be so! When a believer has more than he or she needs, it is God’s plan to help those who have less. A believer should never go to bed hungry. A believer should not wear clothes that are rags. A believer should not go without heat or shelter. Why?
There are many believers whom the Lord has blessed with more than they need. Those are to realize their possessions are not theirs, but rather God’s. Those believers are to see that the needs of those who have less are met. This is the plan of God. This is a part of the unity we see in the church of Acts. This is a part of the unity for which Christ prayed. When believers unite, all the powers of all the people are in use. When believers unite, all the gifts are in place. When believers unite, the will of God takes place with ease. Are you united? Are those around you, whom you know love the Lord Jesus, going hungry or cold or without adequate shelter or food while you sit in your multi-thousand dollar home eating steaks and wearing the best of the best? What are you doing to help the believers around you that have less?
Are you supporting the leaders, those in positions of authority of Jesus? Are you willing to do as this Levite did? Notice, this man was a Levite. He was one who had a position of authority under the law. Yet, he sold what he owned so the needs of others would be met. I am not saying believers should not have possessions. On the Contrary, there should be believers who have more so the needs of those with less can be met. I challenge you, this day, to meet the needs of a believer who has not enough of what they need. I challenge you, this day, to give money to someone in the ministry to meet the needs of the ministry and the needs of those who minister. I challenge you, this day, to do as the Lord shows us to do and to share with each as they have need.
Father, in Jesus name you know we are surrounded by those who go hungry and cold. Father, in Jesus name, I beg of you to send one to my home who needs food and shelter, clothing and encouragement. Father, in Jesus name, you meet the needs of this ministry to keep us going. Lord, I trust you to meet those needs now and always. Now, let this ministry be a blessing to those around. Father, in Jesus name, I beg of you to loose this oneness of heart and mind upon your people. In Jesus name, put it on the hearts of those in positions of power to give what they have that they do not need at this time to those who have less. Lord, in Jesus name, stir the churches to rise to do according to your will and your word. In Jesus name, you rise up a new standard of giving in your people and let it begin, here in my heart and my home. In Jesus name, let us show the world that you meet the needs of those who love you, amen.
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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