S)"42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
Acts 2:42 (NASB)
O) It's funny when I run into people, claiming to be Christians, yet they don't exhibit a single one of the traits above. I used to even be that guy, myself. The remarkable thing about these 4 basic disciplines is that they balance eachother so well. By that, I mean that it's hard to do just one and maintain that, but when you're doing all 4 it's much easier to maintain them all. Reading the Word and prayer are still pretty straight-forward. I did find it interesting that "fellowship" and "breaking of bread" are separated, because a lot of Christians today think of fellowship as breaking bread (eating) with other believers. I really think it's actually referring to congregating, e.g., going to church and being a part of corporate worship and Sunday school -type classes, and discussion groups, etc.
A) For myself, I don't know if there's a single part of these disciplines that needs to be strengthened more than the others, but I am trying to get a little better with each of them. Reading the Word (apostles' teaching) has been a consistent part for me, over the last several months. While I am consistent in some prayer, I don't think that's focused enough. I want to start praying more regularly with the purpose of listening for God. The breaking bread is pretty solid; Kristin and I have people over for dinner 2 or 3 nights a week... but the fellowship... while I go to church regularly, I'm finding myself wanting to get more involved with peers, and less as a teacher, per se. I should look for more opportunities (even create them) to get more involved with the men in my church, or other young-ish couples.
P) Father, I want to follow in Your disciplines. I want to be shaped as the son You intend me to be. Help me to take, and even make, opportunity to strengthen all of these basic disciplines - even in studying Your words, God. Holy Spirit, remind me to slow things down and be deliberate in prayer and study. Make me aware of how or where to take action to get involved in fellowship with others. Continue shaping me and edifying all parts of my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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