We’re continuing our study of the building blocks. Have you completed your Soul Care Plan for 2018? Soul Care Plan Link Today’s topic is building block “C”, for Connection.
Today’s scripture: Acts 2:41-47 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Carla Peck):
The first time I read today’s scripture was in a Discipleship 101 class at our Church. I considered dropping the class once I read it.
I thought, what in the world had I gotten myself into? I take pride in being an independent person and this scripture sounded like “cult” activity to me. Selling possessions and owning things in common — yikes, I had better make a run for the door before I get coerced into writing a check! Once I vocalized my concern, I calmed down and reminded myself that this is a Church that challenges people to think.
I remember my first college algebra class my freshman year. I was afraid that I would not graduate because I had to take math courses. At college, professors have “office hours” for those who need, or want, additional help with their studies. I was embarrassed to go to office hours and admit that I needed extra help until I had a conversation with my Dad about it. Dad told me that when a teacher instructs others, they are sharing information and knowledge that they worked years to gain and that it pleases teachers to share the knowledge they have with others. He said that teachers like it when people take an interest in their area of expertise and ask good questions. Dad was a teacher, so I figured he knew what he was talking about.
I attended many math office hours my freshman year and was pleasantly surprised to see that others in my class attended too. Office hours became a time of learning and fellowship with classmates and my teacher. Math theory was broken down into manageable units and each step of a problem was discussed and studied, which provided the supplement that I needed to the class lectures. We practiced additional problems to become more confident. My office hours friends and I helped each other with questions and offered support and encouragement to each other. Friendships and camaraderie developed. My fear of math diminished and my grades improved. I was no longer a soloist in the song of math!
In the same way as a teacher, God is pleased with us when we have a desire to learn about God. One way we come to know God is through attending worship services, which is similar to attending lecture-type classes. Another way to come to know God is through the fellowship of small group Bible studies. In small group Bible studies we help each other with questions, we read scriptures and become more confident in our knowledge, and we offer each other support and encouragement through prayer and sharing. We develop friendships and make connections with others who want to know God better. Small group Bible studies are the “office hours” of Church.
Thought for the day: Lord, thank you for the teachers and small group leaders who make “office hours” at Church a pleasant way to learn more about you. Thank you also for the fellowship that is experienced when a group comes together to learn more about you.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.