Invest in Relationships That Matter
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 demonstrated that following Jesus was not simply an individual experience but a shared life marked by fellowship, generosity, and care. Their commitment to one another created a community where people could experience the goodness of God through everyday relationships. Relational evangelism requires more than a moment of connection; it calls us to invest our time, energy, and attention in others. As we welcome people into our lives and communities, they have opportunities to see our faith in action and experience the love of Christ firsthand. We may never know how God will work through a simple meal, a thoughtful conversation, or a consistent friendship.
What changes could you make to your schedule or priorities to invest more intentionally in the people God has placed around you?
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
Faith Step:
Invite someone to church this week. Be sure to tell them that you will find them there and sit with them.
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 demonstrated that following Jesus was not simply an individual experience but a shared life marked by fellowship, generosity, and care. Their commitment to one another created a community where people could experience the goodness of God through everyday relationships. Relational evangelism requires more than a moment of connection; it calls us to invest our time, energy, and attention in others. As we welcome people into our lives and communities, they have opportunities to see our faith in action and experience the love of Christ firsthand. We may never know how God will work through a simple meal, a thoughtful conversation, or a consistent friendship.
What changes could you make to your schedule or priorities to invest more intentionally in the people God has placed around you?
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
- 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).
- Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Holy Spirit, help us build relationships marked by genuine love, generosity, and hospitality. Show us where we can give our time and attention more freely, and help us welcome people into our lives and communities. May our words and actions reflect Jesus so that others can experience His love through us. Amen.
- Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.
Faith Step:
Invite someone to church this week. Be sure to tell them that you will find them there and sit with them.
Recent
Archive
2026
January
Don’t Stop Short of JesusThe Cross Is God’s Invitation to YouRemembering the OwnerThe OwnerThe Illusion of Self-Made SuccessActs 26:12–23 | Paul’s Encounter with JesusActs 26: 1–11 | Agrippa Grants PermissionInvited From The OutsideSurrender Creates PeaceWhen Blessing Becomes ForgetfulnessWhat A Pastor Means When They Say... | The Branch Living as Stewards, Not OwnersCreated for RelationshipThe Heart Behind the GiftSurrender GainsThe StewardFaithful StewardsOne Percent BetterEverything Belongs to GodThe Evaluation Is ComingActs 26:24-32 | Agrippa Parries Paul's ChallengeRedefining Success | The Branch The EvaluationHow You View God Determines EverythingThe Economy of Kingdom InvestmentChoose Your Category WiselyAnchored in Steadfast LoveActs 27:1-3 | Paul Sails for RomeDiscerning Between Good And Evil | The BranchLoved Enough to Be DisciplinedThe Steadfast Love of GodReturning to God’s WayCrying Out from the DepthsLiving with Wise Awareness
February
Partnering with God’s MissionBuilding Kingdom FruitTHE GIVER | PASTOR ANTHONY LOMBARDIWorship Through SacrificeNavigating God's Calling Within MarriageTrusting God’s ProvisionActs 27: 13-20 | The Storm at Sea | TCBSActs 27: 4-12 | From Caesarea to Fair HavensFrom Self-Focus to Kingdom-FocusFrom Death to LifeThe Answer Is a PersonEmpowered for MissionActs 27:21–26 | TCBSTHE CHURCH | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONDesigned for CommunityAnger, Justice and Psalms of Judgment | The BranchHeaven Invading EarthBetter Together PURPOSED RELATIONSHIPS | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONLifted When You FallWarmth in the ColdProtected by the CordWhen to Wait, When to Work | The BranchOne Body, One MissionWhere Your Treasure IsThe Antidote to AnxietyINVEST HEARTS AND FINANCES | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONReturn to MeActs 27: 39-44 | The Shipwreck | TCBSTreasures That LastThe Heaps of Hezekiah
March
The Good News We Cannot Keep Silent EVANGELISM | PASTOR MARY JOHNSONEncountering Jesus Changes EverythingLove Compels Us to ShareActs 28:1-6 | Paul Ashore on Malta | TCBSPlaced with PurposeYour Story, His GloryThe Upside-Down KingdomEvangelism | The BranchThe Death of the Kingdom of SelfActs 28: 7-10 | Ministry in Malta | TCBSServing as Worship THE DETHRONING OF SELF | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONNo Excuses, Only ObedienceThe Privilege of PartnershipDenying Self to Find LifeTHE STRENGTH OF SURRENDER | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONListening to the Spirit's VoiceThe Authority of God's WordActs 28: 11-16 | Paul's Arrival at Rome | TCBSSubmitting to One Another in LoveHonoring God-Ordained AuthorityThe Immigration Debate Christians Can't Avoid | The BranchCounting the Cost of SurrenderBuried with ChristBAPTISM | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONActs 28:17-22 | Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard | TCBSRaised to New LifeBaptized into One BodyFilled with the Holy SpiritThe Power of TogetherPersonal Devotion and the Power of GatheringJesus’ Secret to Strength
No Comments