The Believers Share Their Possessions

AMAZING bible study meeting tonight. There was something so personal and unique about it. We sang songs together, prayed and read scripture, heard testimonies, and took communion (the best part of the night, in my opinion). There is something about sharing communion in such a small group of believers that is so very moving. It really felt like a community... awesome.

I have to share the lyrics to one of the songs we sang. The words just struck me tonight:

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…



On a different note: Within the chapters we read, was a section which gives me great hope but also great sorrow.

Acts 4:32-35: "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need."

This gives me great hope that we can change the world, but great sorrow because we are so far from this picture.... I am so far from this picture. What a slap in the face, this should be to all believers. This is what we are capable of... and most of us are not even close. I have met some amazing people who really ascribe to the "Whats mine is yours" philosophy.... and their lives are such shining examples of Christ. It really makes me think how much of the world we could change if every middle/upper class American family sold one car and donated the money... or their vacation house... or half their wardrobe. Its amazing what that could do. Even if every Christian family did that... the world would be very different.

This isn't even just about possessions. What about our time? Our energy? Hospitality? Love? There are so many who are poor in these areas that we could give to. I've become so much more self indulgent and generally self focused this year.. which really makes me mad at myself. I felt that I had been doing so well at Olaf... I had invested my time and energy in some amazing people... but now I feel as though I'm emotionally just getting by myself. However, much of that is due to the lack of myself I'm giving... if that makes sense. Because I'm spending so much time on myself, I don't think outside my own problems... thus making them look much larger and more complicated then they actually are. I must constantly remind myself that it is NOT about me.

Its amazing that He loves me... regardless of how far from perfection I am. To Him, we have Unsurpassable Worth. Just think about that.... its pretty amazing

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom