Word for the day "Learning to do life together"
Acts (NKJV) 32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
The Lord calls us to do life together and to help each other in greater ways.
When we handle the journey of life alone we’re vulnerable to the trappings of the enemy of our soul. Together, however, we form a wall of protection for one another.God wants you and I to grow spiritually in a network of mutual commitment and accountability, where we help each other to think and live in new greater ways.In God’s word, we’re told to stick together. The author of Hebrews wrote, "Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other" (Hebrews 10:25).Our encouragement of one another and our shared faith in God and his Word will serve as the protection we need to persevere in tough times.Today’s message really resonates with me, because I see the state of families including my own, the church, and the world community at large.At some point, we must stop talking and put some actionable steps in motion. Doing life together in a way where we really need each other brings Christ and his kingdom very close to this earth.For Jesus once dwelt among us as a humble servant, and he continues to dwell among us in this same manner today.
When we look at the state of our country world we can see the reality of not doing life together.
Now if we would but step back and actually see how fractured and dismembered our country has become, how severed and alienated, and how conflicted and fearful we are of each other.If we could but see how frightfully alone we have become, we might become more repulsed and begin to see what it is that ails us both individually and socially.Who is standing beside you in the everyday challenges of your life? Are you alone in your journey in life? Do you have trusted relationships working in your life?If you’re alone, how is that working out for you? Who has God called you to stand together as a force? I believe it’s a great time to reevaluate your worldview and align your life in God’s plan for togetherness.Few of us are ready to build up a common, committed life with others on a daily level, especially if it costs us a pay raise or causes us to reconsider our personal preferences.If we are honest, we take our primary social cues from the world at large. Sacrifices of convenience and of giving up private spaces and personal preferences will have to be made.It will involve making intentional decisions so that others can more naturally and easily be in, and not just around, your life.
Point to ponder
The fellowship of the early church, therefore, was marked by how they shared material life together. It was this very clear expression of love that so impressed the functioning society.Their love for one another was not in words, but in deeds demanding real, physical sacrifices. It was assumed that those who belonged to Christ would have their material needs met (Acts 4:3-34).There are many other attributes one could note that mark being church together. But to reiterate the following point again, because disciples of Jesus follow a different path than that of the world, the way in which we live and relate to each other will be markedly different as well. Have an amazing day!Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of November 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Kersha Brown, Ms. Quiana Volney, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Cynthia George, Ms. Rita Mcguffin, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Mrs. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you, Great people.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker