MONDAY, JANUARY 30
Scripture: Acts 4:33-35

Acts 4:33-35 states, “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.” The early church followed the Holy Spirit and they had a great anointing to witness to the resurrection of Jesus. Great grace was on everyone. Nobody lacked. People who had rental properties sold them, brought the proceeds and laid them at the apostle’s feet. The apostles distributed to people as they had need. It was a real community taking care of each other. The early church was passing the major money test. They were caring for each other, they were ruling themselves and they had access to the rod of iron. Their choices were even bringing conviction on people in the ministry. The stunning thing about what they were doing by ruling themselves, was they were becoming a plumbline that caused people even in ministry to change the way they were functioning. When we say yes to God and rule our own flesh, our own desires and the way we think, doors to justice open! Tradition develops when something has been emphasized enough that it becomes a stronghold in our mind. Today’s church only thinks in terms of “turn-the-other-cheek” when there are many more options. “Turn-the-other-cheek” mentality has been emphasized enough that it is a stronghold. Breaking the stronghold simply means we change what we think about a certain situation. All change begins in changing the way we pray and changing how we act. If we can change how we think, we can change our lives.