A Word for the New Year - Pt 2

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47 ESV).

We return to Luke’s description of the early church again today as our reading. I hope you are making some progress on narrowing your list of possible words for that one word that you believe is necessary to act as a focal point for your year. I have done a lot of shooting through the years. Some it was while hunting, through most of the time it was either plinking at targets or seriously tuning up my skills with one of my many weapons. One absolute truth is that you will not hit the bullseye without focus and intention. You simply hit what you aim at! Yesterday, I wrote that my word this year was “confidence.” Today, I would like to introduce you to another possibly: “Relentless Devotion, Not Casual Indifference.” Notice the reading again today. Luke writes, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (v. 42). There it is, Devoted. I drive 45 miles to church. I have often been asked why I go that far each time. The thought that there is not another good church between here and there seems incredulous. And, it is. There are many very good churches that I pass by in favor of Gospel City of Arlington. So, it begs the question, “Why?” There are several reasons. My good friend, Mark Mangrem is the pastor. We have a long history together. That certainly provides some motivation. However, the principle motivation is found in the fact that it is a church which is marked by a passionate devotion to the gospel and God’s unrelenting grace. Like the early church of Acts, they can be described as “devoted.” It gives us a key to understanding how we might desire to be individually devoted. It begins with a devotion to the Scriptures and to our fellowship (v. 42). It shouldn’t be a devotion like a New Year’s resolution, but like we are devoted to eating food and drinking water each day. They were daily devoted to God’s word and to each other like their lives depended on it, because they did depend on it. Perhaps that’s the word you need for your focus this year.