Passage of the Day:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 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, 47 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.
Reflection:
While I was raised in a Roman Catholic Church, I didn’t find a spiritual home church until my sophomore year of high school. After attending a Lock In, overnight event at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, this youth group became my spiritual home for my final 3 years of high school. When you have people, your own age going through similar struggles at school, it’s comforting to know that you’re not alone. Since I was so moved by this experience, I went on to serve as a volunteer in college, helping out with the Junior High Youth Group and attended mission trips in the summer. This is what you can experience when you find a church home.
Prayerful Action:
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:12.
Retracing Your Steps:
The apostle Paul compares a church to a well-oiled machine. However, when one piece is missing or stops working, churches don’t function as God desires. Each Christian possesses unique gifts that a church is looking to find. Yet, if you don’t take time to serve, your church won’t be working at full capacity. While single individuals will have an easier time finding a specific need or place to serve, married couples may not have the same calling or spiritual sense that this is the church for us. When my wife and I moved to South Carolina, it took us over a year to find the right church. Yet, it wasn’t until earlier this year when we both looked at each other after Sunday’s sermon and said, “we need to start serving the youth of Fearless Church.” Although you may not have this clear sign from God, you’ll know in your heart when it’s time to call a house of worship your church home.
Song of the Day:
The attached song inspired me last summer to find a church to call home. May the lyrics of Take Me Back inspire you to find a church where you can serve and call home.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 