Saturday's message doesn't have to end on Saturday. This 5-day plan gives you an easy way to keep reflecting throughout the week with a daily reading, prayer prompt, and practical step to live it out.
Rules of Engagement - #8 Do Not Steal
Jim Walden 6/20/2026
Day 1: The Heart of a Thief vs. The Heart of God
Reading: John 10:10; John 3:16; Genesis 3:1-7
Reflection: The first theft wasn't a bank heist—it was fruit in a garden. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to give life abundantly. Where Satan whispers "take more," Jesus demonstrates radical giving.
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to reveal any areas where you've adopted a "taking" mindset instead of a giving heart
Thank Jesus for the ultimate gift—His life for yours
Pray for protection against the enemy's lies that "more" will satisfy
Action Items:
List 3 ways you've experienced God's generosity this week
Identify one area where you're tempted to "take" rather than trust God's provision
Return something you've borrowed but haven't given back
Day 2: The Power of Generosity in the Early Church
Reading: Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-37
Reflection: The early church turned the world upside down not just through preaching, but through radical generosity. They sold possessions to meet needs. Their giving made the Gospel attractive and undeniable.
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to give you eyes to see needs around you
Pray for a generous spirit that reflects Jesus
Ask the Holy Spirit to break any grip of materialism on your heart
Action Items:
Identify one specific need in your church or community you could help meet
Give something away today that costs you something (time, money, or possession)
Text or call someone to encourage them (give encouragement freely)
Day 3: Making Jesus Attractive Through Integrity
Reading: Titus 2:9-10; Ephesians 4:28; Romans 13:8-10
Reflection: Paul tells slaves not to steal from masters so they would "make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." Our integrity—or lack of it—either adorns the Gospel or tarnishes it. Small acts of honesty make Jesus beautiful to a watching world.
Prayer Focus:
Confess any areas of dishonesty (borrowed items not returned, "small" theft from work, cutting corners)
Ask God for courage to be honest even when it costs you
Pray that your life would make Jesus attractive to others
Action Items:
Audit your life: Do you have unreturned items, unpaid debts, or "borrowed" work supplies?
Make one thing right this week—return, repay, or confess
At work/school, go the extra mile in honesty (accurate time sheets, giving credit where due)
Day 4: Robbing God or Trusting God?
Reading: Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 6:38
Reflection: God asks a piercing question: "Will a man rob God?" When we withhold our tithes and offerings, we're not just being stingy—we're stealing from the One who gave us everything. But God invites us to test Him, to discover that we cannot out-give Him.
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to reveal where your treasure truly is
Pray for faith to trust Him with your finances
Thank Him for His promise to provide and bless
Action Items:
Calculate what a tithe (10%) of your income would be—are you giving it?
If you're not tithing, prayerfully commit to taking one step toward it
Give an offering above your normal giving this week—test God's faithfulness
Identify one "treasure on earth" you're clinging to and surrender it to God
Day 5: Take My Life and Let It Be
Reading: Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Acts 20:35
Reflection: The ultimate question isn't "What am I stealing?" but "What am I giving?" Jesus doesn't just want our money—He wants our lives. When we give ourselves fully to Him, everything else follows. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.
Prayer Focus:
Pray the words of "Take My Life and Let It Be" slowly and intentionally
Surrender specific areas: your time, talents, treasure, relationships
Ask God what He wants you to give that you've been holding back
Action Items:
Write out a personal commitment: "Jesus, I give You..." (be specific)
Identify one "time thief" in your life (TV, phone, etc.) and set boundaries
Plan one sacrificial act of generosity for this month
Share with someone this week how God has been challenging you about giving vs. taking
Weekly Challenge:
"The 7-Day Giving Experiment"
For the next 7 days, intentionally give something every single day:
Day 1: Give encouragement (call/text someone)
Day 2: Give your time (serve someone)
Day 3: Give financially (beyond your normal giving)
Day 4: Give grace (forgive someone)
Day 5: Give a possession (something you value)
Day 6: Give attention (put phone away, be fully present)
Day 7: Give thanks (write a gratitude list and share it)
Journal: Each day, write one sentence about how giving changed your heart.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." — Acts 20:35
Every Sunday: Review your three names and pray for them
Every Week: Have at least one meaningful interaction with each person
Every Month: Look for an opportunity to invite one of them to church or a spiritual conversation
Remember: You're not responsible for outcomes—just obedience. Plant, Invite, Share, Love. God handles the growth.
"How can they hear without a proclaimer? And how can they preach unless they are sent?"
- Romans 10:14-15
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