The Tree Church Daily

1 Corinthians 13:1-8a (ESV)

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends.

Explanation:

First Corinthians 13 is commonly referred to as “the love chapter.” The Apostle Paul explains why desiring and using spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12 and 14) is meaningless without the right motivation, which is love. Paul is not referring to a superficial love that anyone can muster up, or even parental love—he is referring to the unconditional love that only born-again believers in Jesus Christ can experience.

Salvation comes with many benefits we can enjoy on this side of heaven, such as the grace, provision, and forgiveness we receive as God’s children. But the greatest benefit is the supernatural love God imparts to us, so that we, in turn, can model that love to the church body and the unsaved world. We have a responsibility to keep this love full and fresh in our hearts for God’s use at any time. When we do not seek a closer walk with God daily, we tend to become resentful and nit-picky about serving God and getting along with others. Culture gets in the way, and the love He wants us to pour out is diluted with selfish ambition. Our spiritual gifts become useless if love for others is not our motivation for serving.

For those who have never experienced God’s unconditional love firsthand, it can seem a foreign concept. Indeed, it is supernatural! The love God instills in us is not something we are born knowing, nor can we access it apart from salvation. But when we receive it, we must nurture it and use it for His glory.

Application:

1. How is God’s unconditional love different from other types of love?

2. Who do you find difficult to love unconditionally?

3. What steps can you take to change how you love them?

Devo Plus:

Read Matthew 5:43-48, and consider how today’s passage lines up with Jesus’s words.

Prayer:

Open your heart before the Lord, and ask Him to lead you to people who need to see God’s love in action.

John 13:4-17 (ESV)

(Jesus) rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Explanation:

At first glance, one might think this scripture is a story about hygiene. We know it was custom during this time, that before people went to a feast together, they bathed themselves. However, when they reached the home of their host, it was necessary to re-wash their feet because of all the dirt and grime they picked up while walking bare-footed or in sandals. The washing of feet was done in a ceremonial fashion, before entering the house where they were to be guests. When Peter questioned why Jesus wanted to wash his feet, it becomes evident Jesus had a deeper meaning He was trying to relay to Peter.

Jesus wanted the foot washing He was performing to symbolize entering into the household of faith. Because Peter didn’t understand, he rejected Jesus’s request at first. But Jesus told Peter that if he didn’t allow Him to complete the task, Jesus would have nothing to do with him. In other words, “Peter, if your ego is too big to allow me to do this for you, you are going to lose everything.” Once finished, Jesus left the disciples with an important lesson: this is how you need to behave toward others. If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for all of us.

This should cause us to pause and reflect on our own personal ego and pride. Are we too full of “dignity” to kneel at the feet of those around us? Do we walk away when something happens that we don’t agree with, or do we act as instructed by Jesus, lowering ourselves to a position of humility to bridge the gap between others? What about when we do try to obey this command and wash the feet of others? What temperature is the water? Are we going in like gangbusters (hot) and being overzealous with our “washing”? Or is it just the opposite, where we have a cold and distant heart, and plunge our brothers and sisters into ice water? Like the disciples, I don’t think any of us would hesitate for one second to wash the feet of Jesus using the most desirable temperature possible. Our heart should have the same “temperature” with others that we would have if performing these tasks for Jesus Himself.

Application:

1. What’s your “heart temperature”? Do you try to do as Jesus asked and wash your brother’s feet, but your heart is not on point?

2. How has today’s passage impacted your perspective, your pride, or your behavior?

3. What can you do today to “wash the feet” of someone in your path?

Devo Plus:

To learn more about the significance of foot washing in Jesus’s time, read this short article by Tessa Afshar: https://tessaafshar.com/foot-washing/

Prayer:

Today in my prayer time, I’m going to ask God to remind me to reach out to Him for help with my “heart temperature.” As someone who very much loves to serve others, I know there are times when my temperature needs adjusted, and only God can help with that adjustment.

Luke 6:27-36 (ESV)

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

Explanation:

There are some sayings or parables of Jesus that can be somewhat difficult to understand. You might even need a Bible commentary or concordance to help you grasp what Jesus was talking about. However, in today’s scripture, Jesus is very straightforward in telling us what He expects from His followers. This sermon can be broken down into one word….LOVE. It is not always easy, but that is what Jesus is saying. Show love to others. My guess is you are thinking, “I’m sure there are conditions to this.” Not really. He literally says, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” As a matter of fact, Jesus says to love your enemies twice in this passage alone, emphasizing how serious He is.

Jesus then goes on to describe who your enemies might be, just to clear up any confusion. He describes them as people who hate and curse you, ones who abuse, strike, steal, beg, and borrow from you. Even His audience would have been shocked by this statement, because they had many enemies. History tells us that the Jews were one of the most enslaved people of all time. And Jesus was speaking to a people who were currently being oppressed and ruled by a Roman empire that would soon be killing them for following Jesus.

To love another person does not always look exactly the same. We can all agree there are different kinds of love. I love my wife and son differently than I love my co-workers, neighbors, waiters, and even strangers. But am I looking out for others well-being? Do I care about people and if they succeed or not? Am I praying for people who don’t like me? Do I help when I see a need? Am I kingdom-focused, wanting people to be saved? Am I generous with my time, money, and resources? Do I really want to positively impact another person’s life? These are important questions to ask ourselves if we really want to love others well. Jesus demonstrated a sacrificial love that we are all called to emulate.

Application:

1. Jesus says love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. What does that mean to you?

2. Do you respect people of different ethnicities in the same way that you want to be respected and loved?

3. What is your first reaction when someone has taken advantage or stolen something from you? How might Jesus want you to handle this situation?

4. How can you show compassion and mercy to others, even if you feel they don’t deserve it?

Devo Plus:

• Deuteronomy 7:9

• Take some time to sit quietly and ask God to show you how much He loves you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unconditional love. Help me show that same love to people in my life. When I find it difficult to love someone, remind me that I was once lost as well. Open my eyes to how You see people. Give me opportunities to be generous and kind to others. Thank You for showing me mercy and kindness. Amen.

1 John 3:16-18 (ESV)

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Explanation:

Jesus showed us what true sacrificial love is. He cared for the sick, lost, and left behind. He loved the unlovable and didn’t shy away from those who needed help. Ultimately, He gave His life for us in the most sacrificial way possible…He died for you and me. When I think about this and try to put His ways into practice in my daily life, I fall short daily. Thank goodness for grace!

As followers of Christ, we are called to care for others in a way that goes above and beyond. I love how the NIRV puts it: “Dear children, don’t just talk about love. Put your love into action. Then it will truly be love. Love is an action.”

We see it all the time in our marriages, dating lives, and our everyday interaction with people. If there isn’t action showing love, it kind of comes across as careless. Let us be the children God has called us to be in showing love toward others. Help that friend in need financially. Donate some of your time to help another parent with child care, or deliver a meal to them to take that burden off of their shoulders. We can all help meet the needs of someone in our lives. The sacrifice it requires will be well worth it.

Application:

1. What does it mean to you when someone shows love to you?

2. How can you show sacrificial love to someone this week?

3. Pray and ask God who needs that love this week. Be open to what God speaks to your heart.

Devo Plus:

John 15:12-13, Matthew 25:35-40

Prayer:

Lord, please forgive me for not loving others as You have commanded me to. Today, stir my heart toward someone You want me to sacrificially love. You, God, are the one and only who we should be striving to be more like. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

1 John 2:3-6 (NLT)

And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Explanation:

The vault from knowledge to action is the crux of the abundant life. The way you know you belong to Christ is: You do what Christ says, and you live as He wants.

There are few things emptier than a head full of biblical knowledge and a heart vacant of obedience. It is a shell of a life, and makes me think of some of my former days working with puppets. A cardinal rule of puppeteers is to never let children see puppets if they are not on the puppeteer’s arm. For a child to see a lifeless puppet, lying in a heap, would be so troubling to them. They would see the puppet as void of life. But wow...on the right arm of a talented puppeteer, that puppet has soul, fulfills an enormous purpose, and can convey such a powerful message to its audience. Stats show a child will retain 60 % more information from a puppet than a person talking. That is serious influence.

When we are not full of truth and obedience to God’s Word, we are the puppet in a heap. When we make the decision to obey God’s Word, we are like a human puppet strengthened at our core, made alive by God to be able to live in truth, and reflect Him to others through His power inside of us.

We will know what is inside of us by the life we actually lead,

not the life we wish we led.

Application:

1. How does it impact your heart to know you are a living expression of what you believe in your soul?

2. You may be wondering HOW to have a heart of obedience. See if this helps: Accept who you are today and the struggles you are dealing with. Ask God verbally and sincerely to give you the willingness to obey Him. Tell God the truth.

3. In your opinion, why is living in truth such a free and hopeful way of living?

Devo Plus:

James 1:22

Prayer:

Lord, I long for power and peace…power to live Your Word, and peace as I engage in the process of trusting You more. Deliver me from the false narrative of satan, and guide me in Your ways today as I live out Your commandments. Use me today. Amen.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIrV)

You were taught not to live the way you used to. You must get rid of your old way of life. That’s because it has been made impure by the desire for things that lead you astray. You were taught to be made new in your thinking. You were taught to start living a new life. It is created to be truly good and holy, just as God is.

Ephesians 4:29-5:2 (NIrV)

Don’t let any evil talk come out of your mouths. Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen. Do not make God’s Holy Spirit mourn. The Holy Spirit is the proof that you belong to God. And the Spirit is the proof that God will set you completely free. Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage. Stop all fighting and lying. Don’t have anything to do with any kind of hatred. Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done. You are the children that God dearly loves. So follow his example. Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.

Explanation:

In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul says if we are following Christ, we must get rid of our old way of thinking and acting. We must start acting like we are made new in His image. That means acting, thinking, and loving as Christ would.

In Ephesians 4:29-5:2, Paul is explaining how our words should sound to each other. We want to be building each other up with our talk, rather than tearing each other down. If we are truly following the Holy Spirit, it should come out in our actions, in the way we talk to and love others. If we don’t follow the Holy Spirit, it causes Him to mourn. When we allow bitterness into our hearts, it can cause hatred and anger to be in our words. This will make our words hurtful to others. Instead, we should be encouraging one another, loving people and showing forgiveness, just like Christ forgave us. Jesus died on the cross for our sins so we can live a life with Him, and that pleases our Father God so much!

This scripture hit me hard as I was studying it. This world we are in right now has a lot of bitterness and anger in it. People feel like they need to always give their opinion, no matter who it will affect. I have said things to my friends and then thought to myself, “Is that uplifting to them or is that causing problems in their minds?” The honest truth is that we are in a season right now where everything is shifting and changing. But the one thing that stays the same is Jesus. He can help us walk in love with each other. Before you start to complain about something happening around you, stop and think, “Is this going to help the person I am talking to? Is this going to cause bitterness and anger?” If so, then don’t say it. Love them enough to stop the conversation. Then go to God with what you are struggling with. Always know that God is in complete control. I know this can be a hard concept, especially when everyone wants to give their own opinion. Today, look different to the world by walking with the Holy Spirit. Talk to Him before you speak, and ask Him to give you a new perspective. Walk in love today.

Application:

1. What opinions do you have that you just want to get off your chest? Tell them to God right now, and ask Him to give you a new perspective.

2. What bitterness is in your life that you don’t want to let go of?

3. What person are you not wanting to forgive?

4. Ask God to give you a new perspective on this life. Put all your thoughts to the side, and see everything through His eyes.

Devo Plus:

Take some time to read 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NIrV.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help my words to be encouraging to others. Help my actions today reflect You, and when they don’t, help me to come to You and ask for forgiveness and start over. Help me be a light in this world. Instead of complaining about everything, help me to see You and Your amazing work. I love You, Father! In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Romans 12:14-21 (ESV)

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Explanation:

I would not suggest this, but if you were to place a hot coal from the fire in the palm of your hand, it would very difficult to ignore. The intense heat would be very noticeable, and certainly would put you in a state of being unsettled. In today’s reading, the Apostle Paul uses a very similar visual to describe the power one possesses when they strive to live peaceably with everyone around them.

When reading today’s passages, we have to keep in mind that Paul was talking with the Roman church, which lived in a world of constant conflict and turmoil with others. These were both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) who had made the decision to follow Christ. However, following Christ was not an automatic tension release from the conflict around them. They had to continue, day in and day out, to live in a world that didn’t always love who they were and the way they were living. Many of them, especially the Jews, would have had certain individuals or groups they would have considered to be their enemies. For Paul to say it’s not just about tolerating their enemies, but actually loving them in a way that they cared for their needs, must have flipped their world upside down. In fact, that was kind of Paul’s point.

We have to keep in mind this wasn’t a relational spat about what sports team was the best. This was very deep-rooted relational conflict. Therefore, to live “peaceably” with everyone around them was truly a cross-bearing act. For the receiver of such love, this must have been a big shock…kind of like it would be if someone handed them hot coals, or even worse, placed them on top of their head. It would be hard to go unnoticed, so much so that it could have made even their worst enemy question this radical love they had received.

These words, my friends, are not just for those in the Roman church to hear. They are truths we must apply to any and all the relationships in our lives…even to those we may consider our enemies. If you were to love this radically toward everyone in your life, others would take notice. They would possibly even wonder what led you to love in such a way. This would be an opportunity to tell them of the love of Christ, and how it transformed the way you were called to love others.

Application:

1. What can keep you from living peaceably with others? Serving others?

2. How would loving others in such a radical way change the relationships in your life?

3. Why would anyone love and serve others in this way, especially their enemies?

4. How do we see Christ love and serve in these ways?

Devo Plus:

Activity Time - Grab a piece of ice from your freezer, and hold it in your hand while you try and complete another task.

• Why was it hard not to notice the ice in your hand?

• What must change in the way you love and serve others in order to be noticeably different for Christ?

Prayer:

Jesus, we know that to love and serve in such a radical way would require us to die to our natural ways of thinking and living. Help us, Holy Spirit, to put on the mind of Christ and make the necessary changes to live peaceably with others. Show us any pride we have in our hearts, and any ways that we think we are wise in our own sight. Your wisdom and ways are best, and we want to trust You with all of our relationships.

Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Explanation:

We have an “I” problem. “I” want my way. “I “want to win the argument. “I” want things to go my way. What if…instead of thinking “my position or thought is correct, and your position or thought is wrong,” we decide to humble ourselves and focus on what we both have in common?

In a world where it’s all about “me,” Paul said, In humility value others above yourselves. What? Have you gone mad? And then he says, “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” That seems so backward to our natural thought. Jesus modeled and demonstrated for us that the only way to live is for others.

God humbled Himself by leaving heaven and being born in a stable. The God of the universe ate human food, felt human feelings, and died a sinner’s death. He was spat upon, beaten, stripped naked, and nailed to a cross. He took our eternal condemnation on Himself, in our place. He offers us the forgiveness of all our sins as a free gift. He did this for us, and He asks us to humble ourselves and think of others. And we STILL want our own way?

In The Message, Philippians 2:1-4 says, “If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.”

Application:

1. Are you regularly trying to understand others? If not, what would you need to change, beginning today?

2. Is there someone in your life who you need to humble yourself before, and ask the other person’s opinions? Or possibly, ask for forgiveness for your unloving, dogmatic point of view?

3. What has God taught you that you never would have learned without humility?

4. What are you doing this week, intentionally, to grow in your relationship with Christ through this passage?

Devo Plus:

• The Bible says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6b HCSB).

• “Fear-of-God is a school in skilled living — first you learn humility, then you experience glory” (Proverbs 15:33 The Message).

Prayer:

Dear Father, help me today to be more like You. Help me to live my day with sensitivity to others. Keep me humble. Thank You for modeling to me how I am to live. H Help me to be that example to others.

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Explanation:

I tend to be an anxious person. I’m extra anxious in seasons of uncertainty, where life feels out of control and I am unsure what the outcome will be. If any of you are like me, 2020 has been a season of major anxiety. Between COVID, a very heated presidential election, and all the other things going on this world, everything has felt out of control. I have had many moments when it has felt hard to catch my breath. I don’t like feeling anxious, but I am so thankful that God specifically lays out for us how we can lay down our anxious thoughts, and experience the peace He longs for us to have during uncertainty.

God’s answer to our anxiousness is to pray about everything. When I feel anxious, the solution is to pray. When I feel worried, the solution is to pray. When the world feels chaotic and crazy surrounding me, the solution is to pray. God says to first tell Him what you need. If you are feeling anxious, the response is to ask God to help you, and to fill you with His peace, no matter what is causing you to feel anxious. The next step is to thank Him for all He has done. I know when I focus on the good, positive things God is doing, I am less likely to feel anxious or worry. When I remind myself of God’s goodness and the ways He has brought me through difficult seasons, I can rest in His peace. And I know this sounds like the typical cliché Christian answer, but it is exactly what God tells us to do. He promises that when we pray, when we lay our worries, our anxiety, the chaos of the world at His feet, then He will give us peace.

When we experience God’s peace, it is unlike any peace we have experienced before. It is often beyond our understanding. It is that moment when the world is swirling around you, yet you feel a calm in your spirit, a hope you can’t explain. God promises that kind of peace when we choose to lay our anxiety at His feet. And anytime you feel anxiousness welling up inside you, go to Him in prayer again. It doesn’t matter how many times you have to lay your anxiety at His feet, I am confident that every single time you will be met with His presence and His peace. So today my friends, if you find yourself feeling anxious or worrying, pause and cry out to God. Ask Him for what you need, then thank Him in advance for all He is doing and will continue to do even in the uncertainty.

Application:

1. What is causing you to be anxious or to worry?

2. How can prayer change your perspective?

3. How have you experienced God’s peace in your life before?

Devo Plus:

I encourage you to take some time in this moment to pause and think about the things going on in your life that are causing you to be worried or anxious. Then I encourage you to pray. Ask God to give you what you need, whether it be hope, encouragement, or peace. Thank Him for all He has done in your life and for what He will do. I encourage you to journal or write down your experience so you can recall it the next time you feel anxious.

Prayer:

Dear God, there is so much chaos going on in our world today. So much uncertainty that is causing us to feel anxious and to be worried about the things to come. We are asking that right now we can experience Your peace. Will You please bring peace upon our lives as we continue to walk through this season? We thank You in advance. Thank You for the difficult and uncertain seasons You have been faithful through. Thank You for the ways You have grown us and challenged us in those seasons. Thank You for being a God who is always present, always moving, and always working things out for our good. We love You. Amen.

Acts 1:3-9, 12-14 (ESV)

He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Explanation:

After Jesus’s resurrection, He joined the apostles for a period of 40 days. While we don’t have any documentation of His teachings during that time, Luke tells us that Jesus used this time to speak of things pertaining to the kingdom of God. He commanded the disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit to baptize them. Just before He ascended to heaven, the disciples asked a question that had been asked many times before. In simple terms, they asked, “Are You going to fix this world?”

The disciples didn’t really get the answer they were looking for; Jesus told them only the Father knows when things will be restored. He went on to tell them that while they were still here on earth, they should focus on receiving the Holy Spirit and being witnesses of Jesus to the whole world. Shortly afterward, Jesus ascended back into heaven, and the disciples went back to Jerusalem. In other words, they obeyed what Jesus asked of them, and when they got back, they went into a room and prayed.

The disciples didn’t really understand what was going to happen in their crazy world, but they were given a mission: put aside your human differences and pray. Seek Him. Seek His comfort. These words still apply today.

Application:

1. Even though the disciples didn’t have “insider information” about the world around them, they chose obedience. How can you apply their actions to how you should live today?

2. The disciples set aside personal differences when they went to the upper room to pray. What does this tell you about the importance of fellowship with other Christians, even when your views aren’t exactly in line?

3. What part of this passage impacts you the most?

Devo Plus:

Many people struggle with how to pray. This article has five simple tips that are easy to put into action. Remember, your words don’t have to be anything special—God knows your heart. Talk to Him. He’s waiting for you!

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/how-to-pray.html

Prayer:

Ask God to help you trust Him in the things you can’t control. Give Him the opportunity to help you shift your focus as you spend time in prayer today.