Devotional for January 24, 2024
Devoted
By: BJ Ibach
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
A few words stood out to me this morning:
1. devoted
2. fellowship
3. generous
Devoted - given over to the display, study, or discussion of. To me, devoted means it is at the forefront of my thoughts and activities. The believers were devoted to (i) the apostles' teaching, (ii) fellowship, (iii) the breaking of bread, and (iv) prayers.
What are you DEVOTED to?
Fellowship - friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests.
Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Who are you in fellowship with? Are you in fellowship with a band of brothers that are seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord and will sharpen one another (and not just Sunday mornings and an occasional disciple group meeting)?
Generous - showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.
Where are you generous with your time and/or resources?
The common theme with each of these words is intentionality. Devotion requires intentionality; fellowship requires intentionality; generosity requires intentionality.
As my wife and I were preparing for and praying for 2024, we both independently were guided to the importance of intentionality for the coming year. Intentionality in fellowship; intentionality with prayer; intentionality with studying God's word. Through intentionality, we experience a deeper relationship with Christ, which results in a deeper trust and peace.
Moment of Worshipful Reflection:
Listen to "Good Grace" by Hillsong UNITED and spend time thanking Jesus that He so generously swung open the heavens and gates to His Kingdom for us. Ask Him to give you the eyes and heart to extend extravagant generosity like this to those who need to hear about Jesus. Pray for "clean hands and pure hearts" as we go into 2024 as a year of intentionality and devotion to our God.
By: BJ Ibach
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
A few words stood out to me this morning:
1. devoted
2. fellowship
3. generous
Devoted - given over to the display, study, or discussion of. To me, devoted means it is at the forefront of my thoughts and activities. The believers were devoted to (i) the apostles' teaching, (ii) fellowship, (iii) the breaking of bread, and (iv) prayers.
What are you DEVOTED to?
Fellowship - friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests.
Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Who are you in fellowship with? Are you in fellowship with a band of brothers that are seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord and will sharpen one another (and not just Sunday mornings and an occasional disciple group meeting)?
Generous - showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.
Where are you generous with your time and/or resources?
The common theme with each of these words is intentionality. Devotion requires intentionality; fellowship requires intentionality; generosity requires intentionality.
As my wife and I were preparing for and praying for 2024, we both independently were guided to the importance of intentionality for the coming year. Intentionality in fellowship; intentionality with prayer; intentionality with studying God's word. Through intentionality, we experience a deeper relationship with Christ, which results in a deeper trust and peace.
Moment of Worshipful Reflection:
Listen to "Good Grace" by Hillsong UNITED and spend time thanking Jesus that He so generously swung open the heavens and gates to His Kingdom for us. Ask Him to give you the eyes and heart to extend extravagant generosity like this to those who need to hear about Jesus. Pray for "clean hands and pure hearts" as we go into 2024 as a year of intentionality and devotion to our God.