Day 19 Generosity [S01:E19]

In this devotional from 21 Days of Prayer & Meditation, Anthony Skinner reflects on Acts 4:32 and the early church's radical generosity: "They shared everything they had." This Christian meditation explores how experiencing God's presence and belonging frees us from an orphan mindset and empowers us to live as sons and daughters who share freely from God's limitless resources. Through scripture reflection, prayer, and stillness, discover how generosity creates justice, invites others to God's table, and reveals the abundance of His kingdom in everyday life.

SCRIPTURE

Acts 4:32 "They shared everything they had."

 

DEVOTIONAL

"And all the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." (Acts 4:32) 

Where could such generosity come from?  To hold all things in common and see resources as something to be freely shared and given away?  To be in one heart and mind and enjoy every minute of it! 

Acts 4:32 is fruit from experiencing the presence and belonging of God.  His presence and belonging reveal the knowledge of God and who we are in him.  

Because we have a secure seat at God's table, we are forever free of having to watch our backs or prove ourselves.  Instead of being orphans, we are now sons and daughters!   We are seen.  We are known.  We are loved.  We are safe.  We can bring justice to places by sharing our resources and giving them to all who need them.  We can invite others to find their secure seat beside us.

The mind of Christ is limitless and vast, with creative and redemptive solutions to all problems.  The resources of God are without ration or short supply.  The power of the Holy Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead and gave Him authority over heaven and earth and under the earth is now living inside of you.  He conquered death, turned to us, and said, "Don't be scared.  Go do what you saw me do on earth.  I am with you through the ages."  

Let's remove the boulders of oppression for individuals and systems and prepare the way for the Lord!  Let's create justice with the resources of our faith, our time, our reputation, our connections, our creativity, our favor, our skills, our wisdom, our finances, and our compassion.  We have access to the power of God for creative miracles and solutions. So, press into your Good Father and find where He wants you to co-labor with Him.  

 

QUESTION

We are kings and co-heirs with Christ in His kingdom.  He has asked us to do what we see the Father doing and to bring His kingdom to earth.  What part of the kingdom is God asking you to share?  Do you struggle with hoarding blessings, or do you freely share God's blessings with others, knowing that you have a limitless supply of God's goodness?

 

PRAYER

God deliver me from an "orphan spirit", from an attitude of lack.  Help me see where you are calling me to be an ambassador of heaven and share the blessings of heaven.