Day 165, Morning
Today’s morning meditation is available below in audio and script formats. The audio version is also available for free download on the player.
Reading
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. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
—Acts 4 (NT)
Commentary
Long before our modern frameworks of social welfare and wealth distribution, the early church was already living in ways that ensured a good life for all. Perhaps that had more to do with them being of “one heart and mind” rather than a way of life being forced upon them.
It makes one wonder if the poverty, inequality, and inequity in our world is due to the same. When we come to the realization that our neighbor’s wellbeing is inseparable from our own, we begin to live in ways that collectively birth a world that is good for everyone. (RP)
Stillness
As your day begins, spend a few moments in silence and stillness.
Prayer
Generous God, your Spirit dwelling among your people, working your salvation deep into our daily lives, is a thing of simple beauty—powerful grace, freely flowing forgiveness, lavish giving. Continue to make us full players in Christ’s redemption story through the Holy Spirit. Amen. (WSC)
Abbreviations
BC The Belgic Confession
CAC The Center For Action & Contemplation
CD The Canons of Dort
CIB Church In Bethesda Prayers
HC The Heidelberg Catechism
NT The New Testament
OT The Old Testament
RP - Ryan Phipps
WC The Westminster Confession
WLB Words To Live By
WLC The Westminster Larger Catechism
WSC The Westminster Shorter Catechism