Daily Devotional

There have been few things in my life that I have been devoted to. One of those things without question is the United States Marine Corps. During boot camp, every waking moment was spent dreaming of graduating and earning that coveted Eagle, Globe and Anchor. Amid all of the yelling, all the running and all the stress, your eyes stay on the prize and you are motivated by your extreme love and loyalty for the cause and goal.

Most would consider the early church successful. In fact, the Bible says, "the Lord added to their numbers daily" (v. 47). But what made them special? They didn't have the most attractive programs. They didn't have the most intellectual lessons. It wasn't the most comfortable services or the most awesome youth ministry :). It was four simple things: 1) the apostles teaching, 2) fellowship, 3) breaking bread, & 4) prayer. Well what's so special about those? I mean honestly, don't all churches have that? Well there's a small important word in there...DEVOTED!

The early church had an extreme love and loyalty to hearing God's word taught to them by their leaders. They relished the opportunity to celebrate the Lord's table and even sharing a meal with one another. Spending time with each other wasn't an obligation but an opportunity. And prayer was not simply a religious practice done before meals or bedtime but rather the Bible says they were devoted to it. Yesterday, Pastor Jim shared with us the marks of a true Christian. As our 21 days of prayer and fasting are quickly coming to an end, I pray that our church would be marked by these areas of devotion. Then, may the Lord add to our number day by day.

"English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers."