God Knows My Heart – October 16, 2008

God Knows My Heart

Acts 5:1-2

Jim Stephens

10-16-08

 

Scripture:

 

1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. (Acts 5:1-2 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

This is only half the story.  The story begins in Acts 4:34 and goes like this…  34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. 36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.  (Acts 4:34-37 NLT)

 

The hearts of the Christ-followers were so aligned with the heart of Jesus that they were selling their precious inheritances and investments to share what they had with those in need.  One man, Barnabas, sold property and gave the money for the care of the poor.  He became an apostle, the door-opener for Paul, and one of the first Christian missionaries.  Another man, Ananias, sold property and gave the money to impress people that he was a really good guy and he became dead.

 

Application:

 

It’s really all about the heart!  I want to shout this to myself this morning.  It’s all about my heart!  If I live and give out of a heart like Jesus’ heart, the outcome will be good.  If I live and even give (liberally) out of a self-centered heart (impressing who?) the outcome is death and loss.  A self-centered, people impressing heart is shrinking and dying every day.  A heart like Jesus’ heart is growing and living bigger every day.  And it really doesn’t matter who knows or doesn’t know or who is impressed or not impressed.  God knows my heart.  That’s what really matters.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, will I ever learn this to the point that I really know it in my heart and don’t have to be reminded so often?  Anyhow, please keep reminding me as often as it takes.  I want to grow a heart like Jesus’ heart.  Amen.