Acts 4: 32-34 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,  and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

 

 

For the past several years in January, the Lord has given me my direction for the year, and His plan.   He gives a scripture verse but it becomes mine to steward all year round, and all other verses complement it. 

 

This year He said to me on New Years Eve - "They had all things common"   and I knew that the Lord was preparing MY heart to have all things common.     This meant,  laying down the attitude "what's mine IS mine".     One gal from church walked up to me one Sunday and said "I like your necklace"  and I heard the Lord whisper "Offer it" 

 

So I did.  

 

She declined, however.   

 

All things common.   Doesn't that sound sooooo cozy? 

 

Okay, picture this.   A flood comes and a family loses their home.   You take in the family of 6, thinking they should get help in a few weeks.   They brought their puppy.    And you have wood floors. 

 

But weeks turn into months and the baby cries all night long.   You have only 1 1/2 bathrooms and the two teens take long showers.     The man in that family  happens to love your favorite chair,  and the laundry room is busy day and night.  

 

Or,  there is a disaster on a larger scale, and the church was prepared to house about 100 families.    They take the cots and put them in a few of the rooms around the building.     You have a room in common with about 10 other families.    

 

I would say this is a good time to start eating well, don't you think?  

 

All things common. 

 

Your grandmothers'  favorite china.   

 

Property that was in your family for 5 generations.  

 

Your time.  

 

Your heart.  

 

All things common.   Sound cozy?   

 

The days are upon us where this will be more the reality and we might do well to practice now before it hits us hard.     I want to be found cheerfully with all things common, and in truth.    

 

Father,  I ask for Your grace today.   Help me, help us, to lay down our right to our things, knowing it all belongs to You anyway.    If we have been good stewards of Your possessions,   then we will have no problem doing as You ask us to do with them, but if I (we) have considered anything mine ,  and not Yours,  I (we) will have a hard time giving it up if You tell me (us) to.    Lord I give You all my possessions today.     I pray for grace upon this word and grace upon my heart, and grace for every one who commits to the laying up of our possessions for You to do as You will.     Help us to be found faithful in the day of Your visitation.     Amen.