Gathering Around Jesus

Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.  

Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.  
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.

The early church didn’t gather because they had the same personalities, political views, or hobbies. They gathered around a Person—Jesus. When Jesus becomes the center of your relationships, everything changes. Community stops being about finding people who are just like you and becomes about finding people who are pursuing the same Savior.

Notice what the believers devoted themselves to: teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. These weren’t programs or events; they were rhythms of life together. Where is Jesus in your relationships? Is He the center, or just an add-on? Today, evaluate your closest relationships. Are they pulling you toward Jesus or away from Him? Remember Jim Rohn’s words: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Choose community that points you to Christ.

Are my closest relationships helping me become more like Jesus, or are they pulling my attention away from Him?

Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…  

1. Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).  
2. Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of Christian community. Help me build relationships that honor You and encourage spiritual growth. Surround me with people who will challenge me, pray for me, and point me toward Jesus. May I be that kind of friend to others as well. Amen.
   
3. Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.  

Faith Steps:

1. Evaluate your closest relationships and ask whether they are drawing you closer to Christ or pulling you away from Him. 
2. Invite someone to pray, share a meal, or spend intentional time together this week centered on your faith.