ODJ: transparent
The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God! (v.4).
READ: Acts 5:1-12
Early for my lunch appointment, I was enjoying the quietness of my commute despite the bumper-to- bumper traffic. Suddenly, the ringing of my cell phone broke the silence. I answered it and heard my sister’s cheerful voice say, “I’ve been waving to you for the past 5 minutes! You must be lost in thought!” “Where are you?” I asked. “In the car in front of you,” was her incredulous response. I hadn’t seen her waving because her rear window is darkly tinted.
As the body of Christ, we’re called to live in community with one another. The idea of people watching us or knowing about the junk in our lives can make us uncomfortable. But being known by others is necessary, not only to meet our basic relationship needs, it also affords us a measure of safety from the enemy’s devices.
Ananias and Sapphira had a well-known problem. They lied about giving all the proceeds from the sale of their property to the church. Judgment came because they pretended to be something they weren’t. Playing a role to imitate the sincerity of those around them (Acts 4:34-37), they forgot that God knows the true condition of our hearts (Proverbs 24:12).
Believers who take seriously the presence of the Holy Spirit living in them recognize that transparency means:
• pursuing “holiness and sincerity in all our dealings”
(2 Corinthians 1:12).
• being honest with others about where we are spiritually (Ephesians 4:25).
• being willing to be admonished by those who love us (Proverbs 27:6).
Tinted windows may keep our cars cooler by allaying the sweltering summer heat, but tinted lives leave us open to the enemy. —Regina Franklin
What have you tried to hide from those around you? How does fear play a role in keeping us from being transparent with other believers?
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Loading ...ODB: the best of gifts
December 1, 2009
READ: John 1:10-13
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! —2 Corinthians 9:15
Having trouble selecting that perfect gift for someone? A friend shared with me a few suggestions:
• The gift of listening. No interrupting, no planning your response. Just listening.
• The gift of affection. Being generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.
• The gift of laughter. Sharing funny stories and jokes. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
• The gift of a written note. Expressing in a brief, handwritten note your appreciation or affection.
• The gift of a compliment. Sincerely saying, “You look great today” or “You are special” can bring a smile.
But as we begin this special month of celebration, why not pass on the best gift you’ve ever received? Share the fact that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:23). Or share this verse from John 1:12, “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” Remind others that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
The best gift of all is Jesus Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15). — Cindy Hess Kasper
The best gift was found in a manger.
(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5) Loading ...STARLIGHT STAR BRIGHT
Illustrated by Jing Teo
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Blessed Christmas!
From the YMI team
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