Today I read Acts 2:42-47. Luke describes what the early church looked like, what they did, and how God blessed them. This is a passage that gets referred to a lot when talking about the church.

One thing that jumped out at me was the use of words like "every," "everyone," and "all." When I read this passage it is easy for me to focus on what is being done and who was doing it. However, when I read words like "everyone" and "all," it is easy for me to focus on others...and not myself. I don't know why I'm like that I just am. I notice that (most of the time) it has to say "you" for me to really see that it applies to me and not someone else.

So as I was reading this familiar passage, I sensed God was saying what about you? Quit thinking about what the first church did and quit thinking about what others should do. Look at yourself. If I was included in the early church, could they say "all" and "everyone," or would they have to say "everyone but Shane" and "all but Shane?"

So I went back through the passage and asked myself these questions:
-Am I devoting myself to the Apostles' teaching (reading Scripture)?
-Am I investing myself in relationships by spending time with other believers and eating together?
-Am I spending time in prayer with others?
-Do I have a deep sense of awe and wonder about God and what He is doing?
-Do I share/give what I have to meet needs that are around me?
-Do I have a time of worship and praising God each day?
-Am I enjoying the goodwill of all people?
-Am I being used by God to bring people to faith?

Jesus, I want to be a part of the "all" and "every." Help me to seek you in each of these ways. Work through me to reveal Yourself.