Day 346 "Finding What You Seek"

 

Passage: Acts 21:4a

 

Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days.

 

Devotion:

 

Tyre was a large city and although there probably were only a small number of Christ followers, Paul took the time to find them. The Greek word for "finding" doesn't mean that Paul discovered these believers accidentally or by chance. Rather it implies that he intentionally and with great effort searched for them.

 

My wife and I have been blessed with a vacation home in Northern Idaho where we spend a lot of our free time. Over the years we have found an additional "church family" there and developed some really great friendships. As I was reflecting on today's passage I realized that those relationships were not accidental--they were developed intentionally. My wife and I "found by searching and seeking" (the Greek translation for finding), some wonderful Christian friends and as a result we have been truly enriched. It makes going there so much more enjoyable.

 

Too often I hear the words, "I wish I had some really great Christian friends." I always wonder where and how they spend their time. If you only go to church on Sunday mornings you might never develop any deep friendships. Somehow I don't see Paul ever waiting for the "phone" to ring. He was always actively seeking out Christians wherever he went--and what he sought after--he found. ??

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

My wife and I committed to join our present church years ago, and the first thing we did was attend the new member's class where we intentionally decided to meet some new people and get connected in service. At our church being a part of the church community involves three things -- becoming a part of the family (fellowship); growing together in a small group (discipleship); and finding a place of service (ministry). If you are struggling to develop Christian friendships, pray about these words: commit, join, attend, intentional, decide, and connect. All of these are action words (not passive) on your part. What action do you need to take?