Scripture
Acts 2:42 (NIV)
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Reflection
Committing to plans can be difficult, and proactively making them can somehow be even more daunting. These days, whether it’s because of increased distractions or greater awareness of all the options available, it can be difficult to stick to anything. But what if we knew what we committed to could change everything for ourselves and those we love?
In the book of Acts, we read of Jesus’s promise to send the Holy Spirit to his followers. He promised that they would be given power to be his witnesses locally, regionally, and globally (see Acts 1:8). After seeing all that Jesus had done, they trusted what he had to say—so they waited and prayed, and the Holy Spirit arrived with the promised power. This power enabled the disciples to speak directly to the many nations represented in Jerusalem, and that day, more people began to follow the way of Jesus. The story could have stopped there, but the way of Jesus isn’t just about that one-time decision. The way of Jesus is about the commitment to his teachings, having right relationships with others, aligning our desires with his in prayer, and remembering all that he has done. That is what revives our lives and restores what is broken. The early Christians saw the importance of committing to these practices. They lived them out. And it changed everything. It changed the world!
As you go throughout your day, reflect on ways you can deepen your commitments to these four key practices modeled by the early church. We hope that, in time, you will experience firsthand how these commitments can change everything.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of the early church. Give me the courage and desire to be devoted to your teaching, to fellowship with others, to recall Christ’s work on the cross, and to make prayer a central part of my life. Please strengthen my faith through my commitments to you and those around me.
In Jesus's name I pray,
Amen.
Church Family Prayer
Heavenly Father, we want you to move. We are hungry and desperate for more of you. Pour your Spirit out over us, our families, our church, and our community.
In Jesus's name I pray,
Amen.
