August 17 | Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 3:16

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DAILY READING

Acts 2:42-47

Colossians 3:16

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REFLECTION

Community and God's Word

By Elaine Pierce

What do you do every day? Did you notice that these new Christians met every day in the temple courts? Every day! They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. And the results were clear: And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (v. 47).

I'm sure you've heard the dentist's favorite saying: only brush the teeth you want to keep. You've also heard the fitness trainer exhort his client to "use it or lose it." (Of course this applies to our mental health, too.) In the Colossians 3:16 passage, the apostle Paul exhorts the young church at Colossae to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom." I want that kind of Christian community, and I'm sure you do, too. Clearly this Christian faith does not operate in a vacuum. We need each other, as flawed and sinful as we are. The church is far from perfect, but God designed us to live in community, and the church, for better or worse, is how the world sees the Christian faith lived out.

This Daily Worship Blog is designed to give all of us at UALC a daily encounter with scripture. I am grateful for the opportunity to interact every Sunday with God's Word and to share my thoughts with you. As I type, I pray that what I say will bring only honor and glory to the Lord. If I miss the mark, I ask for forgiveness and mercy. I appreciate the comments readers make on these posts, and I encourage you to interact with all of us who write for Daily Worship. Together, we are teaching, praying, and growing in our faith. This blog is one opportunity to daily spent time in the Word. At times I find myself 'checking the box:' OK, scripture reading done for the day. I may as well skip it for all the good that does. But just like brushing my teeth and going to the gym, even a half hearted effort can make a difference in my faith walk. God is always ready to meet me, and he is eager to teach, encourage, and challenge me.

Psalm 119:105 is often quoted, and it bears repeating here: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." May it be so, today, tomorrow, and every day.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for the body of Christ at UALC. Help us to each build up the body through teaching, singing, and praying. We love you, Lord, and we thank you for the opportunity to be your hands and feet - an oasis in a dry and thirsty world. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!