Thursday, July 7, 2016

Acts, Chapter 5, verse 26

²⁶ Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them in, but without force, because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

The apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin for trial. These temple priests which were instrumental in causing the crucifixion of Christ were now inflamed with jealousy over the apostles; who by the resurrection of Christ no longer feared death or taxes. The people began to believe and the world was never the same.

The apostles after their release immediately resumed public teaching they rendered unto God what was God’s.

The apostles filled with the Holy Spirit were not afraid anymore. They practiced obedience, commitment, healthy relationships and faith. They had generous hearts.

Building Generosity into your life[1]

Effective leaders gather for others then give it away. This is God’s economy which is radically different. By releasing our grasp and not clinging to our possessions we become more like Him who had nothing; the one who gave the only resource He had--Himself.

Building Generosity

1.      Be grateful for whatever you have.

2.      Put people first.

3.      Don’t allow greed to control you.

4.      Regard money as a resource.

5.      Develop the habit of giving.

“I now pray, not for more of this world’s goods and greater blessings, but to be worthy of that which I already have.” Napoleon Hill[2]

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[1] John Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership Bible.

[2] Napoleon Hill, Outwitting the Devil.