Imagine being part of a church of thousands of people that can claim all of the members are one in heart and mind (Acts 4:32). It seems impossible. Yet, “all things can be done for the one who believes” (Mark 9:23 NRSV). A church united through Holy Spirit-guided thoughts, desires, and emotions would be a fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer from John 17, “I pray…that all of them may be one” (John 17:20-21 NIV). That’s what happened within the earliest years of the church, which is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. As the earliest Christians were united in heart and mind, there was a season when they “shared everything they had” (Acts 4:32 NIV). As a result of their selfless giving and generosity, “there were no needy persons among them” (Acts 4:34 NIV). Who wouldn’t want to be part of that kind of church?

 

Is Avon UMC similar to the church described in Acts 4? If not, are you aligning your prayer for the church with Jesus’ prayer?

 

Lord, unite the people of Avon UMC in heart and mind so that we are one just as you and Christ are one. Guide us to serve and give generously just as Jesus served and gave his life for the benefit of many (Mark 10:45). Amen.

 

For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

Sunday (7/19)

Today I’m going to offering God ______________________________________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed ________________________________________________________________________.

 

Monday (7/20)

Read Acts 5:12-21 and pray in response to the verses.

 

Tuesday (7/21)

Read Acts 5:22-32 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Wednesday (7/22)

Read Acts 5:33-42 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Thursday (7/23)

Read Acts 12:1-12 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Friday (7/24)

Read Acts 12:13-17 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Saturday (7/25)

Reflect upon the past week, and re-read verses or phrases that stood out to you. The following questions may be helpful as you reflect:

How did you see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

 

Who needs to hear about your experience sometime in the coming days?

 

*To download the entire Worship Guide, which includes the extended version of the Your Faith Journey Guide, go to www.AvonUMC.com.