Tuesday October 5, 2021

Today is Tuesday, October 5 and this week we are exploring how the Bible encourages us to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I quiet my busy mind and calm my wandering thoughts. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Father God, I long to be in your presence during these first fifteen minutes of my day. I want to hear your voice above all other voices in my life. Speak to my heart and mind the message you have for me. Come Holy Spirit, show me how I can become a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Today I join with God’s people over countless generations and praise him with the words of Psalm 133.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3

Pause and Pray

Two thousand years ago, a new, young community called The Way forms. It is a fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ and they come together to worship God, share fellowship with one another and grow in their faith. Their early gatherings are recorded in the book of Acts. A crowd of three thousand people heard Peter preach, they repented of their sins and were baptized. The early believers welcomed them into the fledgling church and they shared life together. Following is an account of what it was like. I imagine joining them and participating in this early Christian community.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

As I read this passage, I consider how today’s churches are similar to the gathering of new Christians and how today’s churches are different. For over two thousand years of Christianity, the church has maintained some basic elements of early Christian practice, yet unfortunately much has also been lost. The early Christians were hungry to grow deeper in their discipleship. They devoted themselves to the teaching of their leaders, to sharing in holy communion with one another and spending time in prayer. They shared possessions in common and cared for each other in every way possible. As John Wesley (the eighteenth century founder of Methodism) said, they “watched over one another in love.” God wants me to grow deeper in my discipleship and grow in faith in a community of believers.

Ask: How might God use the basics of Christian practice described in Acts 2 to help me grow in discipleship? How am I devoted to learning, fellowship, holy communion and prayer with my church family?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, thank you for giving me a fellowship of believers to share my life of faith. Give me a vision of how you want me to go deeper in the faith with my community. Show me where I have fallen short and failed to engage with my church family. Encourage me to make changes that will reconnect me and enable me to grow. I read the passage from Acts again slowly, paying attention to what you are saying to me today.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Where do I find myself in today’s scripture? I imagine myself a member of the early Christian community learning directly from the apostles and enjoying fellowship with other believers who exhibit a vibrant faith. We meet together in the courtyards of the temple and worship God, but we also welcome one another into our homes to share meals and conversation. If one of us has a need, the rest of the group is eager to help. I am in awe of the signs and wonders I see and the depth of faith that is shared.

I wonder what it would be like to bring some of these expressions of early Christianity to modern day practices of faith. I celebrate the good experiences I have in my church home similar to what is described in Acts 2. What do I most enjoy? What is missing for me? What is offered to me, yet I have neglected to participate or engage? What is it that I am “devoted” to when it comes to church life? How have I provided for the needs of others in my faith family? When have I neglected the needs of my faith family? I reflect especially on the last sentence, “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). How is God adding those being saved to my church’s number? What is God saying to me personally in this passage of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, I long for a Christian community like that displayed in today’s scripture. I want to devote myself to learn from faith-filled leaders, to fellowship with other Christians, to break bread and share the cup of Holy Communion, to worship and pray with others. Give me a heart of greater devotion to you and to my church. Give me a glad and sincere heart that praises you and enjoys your favor. Amen.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I devote myself to practices of my faith that will help me grow spiritually stronger. Show me how to engage with others in the faith and build up the church in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.