Keeping Your Promises to the Fellowship of Believers

“Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?” (Acts 5:3 N.I.V)

Peter and the rest of the brethren must have been elated when Ananias and his wife undertook to sell a piece of property and give all the proceeds to the fellowship. You can imagine the figures cranking in their heads estimating what they could do with that money - rent, food, clothing and mission expenses that would be covered. They must have wished a lot of God’s blessings to the couple. But when the money was put at the apostles’ feet they must have been shocked. It was clear that the money was short. The couple had decided not to give the full value to the fellowship. The question was, why promise and not deliver? And the wrath of God was so great the couple fell down, dead because they had cheated God.

Where have you cheated God? Church administration is sometimes a nightmare because when different ministries and committees are formed, various professionals undertake to give their time, and then some (often the critical ones) are never available when required. Others promise to give their money, and fall far too short. Do not destroy your testimony. Keep your promises and help others to keep theirs by being an active part of the whole. Worship the Lord with what he has given you. Let his name be glorified for the promises you have kept.

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“Oft expectation fails, and most oft where most it promises; and oft it hits where hope is coldest; and despair most sits.”William Shakespeare

“In executing the duties of my present important station, I can promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence.” George Washington

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