The Upper Room Devotion for Wednesday, August 23, 2023, was written by Sandi Somers from Alberta, Canada.
Scripture
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
One day, a bakery donated five times their regular amount of day-old bread to the donation program run by the pregnancy center in our city. It was more than the pregnancy center needed, and their freezer was too full to store it. To prevent the bread from expiring and going to waste, the leaders of the center reached out to a large church which had begun a boxed-lunch ministry to feed those who were homeless, fleeing domestic violence, or had low incomes. It just so happened that the church program had forgotten to order bread for that day, and the organizers were delighted to receive this donation.
The workers at the bakery didn't know the needs of the pregnancy center or the church that day, but God did. And when these two organizations partnered together, they made a difference for many in need. When God prompts us to care for the most vulnerable, God may be working out the details in amazing ways. We can be part of a community of donors working together to make a difference.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
There is beauty in partnership toward a common goal and purpose. The early church, described in Acts 2, reminds us of the simplicity of God's call to impact the world. As the early church gathered, growing spiritually as they ingrained the apostles teachings, they also increased their impact on their community. Banding together to provide for those in need demonstrated their commitment to serving others. As Sandi's reflection highlights, when we partner with God to change the world, there are residual benefits that are experienced.
Author's Prayer
God our Provider, thank you for supplying our needs. May we listen as you promt us to be a part of your community of givers. Amen.