Nigerian Scripture Union Daily Guide 8 August 2024 For Today’s Devotional (Monday) topic is A Unique Fellowship
Thursday, 8 August, 2024
TOPIC: A Unique Fellowship
Questions for Reflection
Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
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Acts 4:32-37
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Acts 5:1-11
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
One outcome of the disciples’ prayer was witnessing with great power. In addition, notice the characteristics they exhibited that made them unique and worthy of emulation. They were of one heart and mind (verse 32). This had been building up from the beginning (see Acts 1:14, 2:1, 2:46, and 4:24).
Now they showed this oneness in everything they do (verses 32, 34-35). What they proclaimed began to make a difference to how they lived, and what they lived for.
Notice Barnabas’ unique contribution to the ministry of the church (verses 36-37). Is this possible today? The Lord Jesus prayed that we may be one even as He and the Father are one (see John 17:21). If this oneness in heart and mind is absent, let us return to it. Because of this special quality in the early church, there was no lack among them (verse 34).
When external force failed, the devil decided to try internal decay. The proclamation of Peter against Ananias and Sapphira may appear too high-handed, but this highlights the potential negative impact of their deceit. Achan’s sin following the great victory of Jericho brought disastrous consequence on the whole nation of Israel. But for the spiritual sensitivity of Peter, internal decay would have set in and achieved that which imprisonment and threats could not achieve.
- Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to be an encourager like Barnabas, always willing to give to support others for the sake of the gospel.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 23:1
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 221 – Jeremiah 7-9
National Prayer Bulletin
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Prayer Focus: Regional Coordinators
Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established.
Proverbs 16:3
Thank God For:
- His grace on the RCs to carry out their duties in their respective Regions, for protection and provision for their families.
Pray For:
- God’s wisdom, grace, and strength for them to coordinate the affairs of the Region.
- They will receive fresh ideas on how to move their Regions forward and overcome the challenges of their schedules.
- Good working relationship with the RCM and the brethren; and abundant blessings for their families.
- Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
